Studio Ulster has announced the appointment of Professor Declan Keeney as its new Chief Executive Officer.
With over 25 years of experience in broadcast and media production, including a notable 13-year tenure at the BBC, Professor Keeney brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His extensive career has been marked by significant contributions to the screen industries in Northern Ireland.
Pioneering Work in Screen Industries
As the Chair of Screen Technologies & Innovation at Ulster University and the Director of the Ulster Screen Academy, Professor Keeney has been instrumental in advancing the region’s creative sector. His research and development efforts have helped shape Northern Ireland’s creative landscape, fostering innovation and growth in the industry.
Studio Ulster’s Development
Professor Keeney is a co-founder of Studio Ulster and has played a crucial role in developing the £72 million, 75,000 sq. ft. Virtual Production studio complex in Belfast. This state-of-the-art facility is part of the Belfast Region City Deal and is set to significantly impact the film, television, and gaming industries. The first productions at the studio are scheduled to begin in autumn 2024.
Vision for the Future
In his comments on the new role, Professor Keeney expressed his commitment to transforming the creative landscape in Belfast and beyond. He emphasized the potential for Studio Ulster to offer virtually limitless opportunities for filmmakers, producers, and the broader creative community. He looks forward to attracting global talent to the studio and building on the strengths of Northern Ireland’s screen industries.
CoSTAR Screen Lab Leadership
In addition to his responsibilities at Studio Ulster, Professor Keeney will lead the CoSTAR Screen Lab in Northern Ireland. This initiative represents a £17 million investment in Research & Development focused on creative technologies, virtual production, and real-time production, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
About Studio Ulster
Studio Ulster is a £72 million investment in a large-scale Virtual Production studio complex located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Developed by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, it integrates virtual production with traditional film, animation, games, and broadcast industries. The facility includes state-of-the-art stages for motion capture, 3D scanning, and research and development in visual effects, aiming to address the skills gap in production and postproduction across the UK.
News source: https://www.studioulster.com/
