Imagine Room to launch Australia’s first Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studio

Immersive media company Imagine Room has signed an exclusive agreement with Microsoft to build and operate Australia’s first Mixed Reality Capture Studio to drive the next generation of content production.

The state-of-the-art studio uses 106 cameras to create holographic and 3D-video performance assets and create immersive and interactive experiences for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), spatial computing, high-end gaming, virtual and broadcast production.

Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio technology enables the full shape and appearance of human performance to be captured, reducing the time and costs associated with building 3D human characters in modelling software. It has a host of applications including medical and sports training, brand marketing and capturing entertainment and sports performances.

Says Paul Willey, chief operating officer at Imagine Room Group: “Our Microsoft-powered stage will move the needle in terms of how Australian producers think about shooting content and storytelling. Covid-19 made virtual engagements and platforms ubiquitous and Volumetric Capture solves many long-standing problems associated with adding authentic human performance into these environments. We are currently collaborating with cross-sector businesses and taking pre-bookings ahead of the studio’s launch at the end of year.”

Launched in 2018, Imagine Room specialises in AR, VR, spatial computing content and platforms. Having closed an initial seed round in early 2020, Imagine Room’s collaboration with Microsoft intends to scale both facilities and immersive and interactive media partnerships across Australia.

Says Steve Sullivan, general manager, Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studios: “We are delighted to partner with Imagine Room to bring this technology to the Australian market. Paul and his team really impressed us with their vision for the future of content production. We share their passion for volumetric content and immersive experiences as a means to engage and connect people more deeply.”

Says David Whitaker, executive chair of Imagine Room Group: “This agreement with Microsoft opens up significant opportunities for partnerships from enterprise training to film production and content marketing. We see massive growth potential across mixed and virtual reality headsets, mobile-first activations, 5G-powered browser AR, and immersive media production. Our unique studio will be a massive boon for the Australian content sector.”