INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS
COSTAR NATIONAL R&D LAB LAUNCHES AT PINEWOOD
C oSTAR has announced that the UK’s first R&D lab for the creative industries will open its doors at Pinewood Studios. The new facility, launching in January 2026, will be housed within the CoSTAR Stage, attached to K Block, in the historic heart of the Pinewood campus. It will offer cutting-edge virtual production technology, with a 236 sq m sound stage and a series of R&D labs featuring spatial audio, volumetric capture and multisensory devices, as well as a private 5G/6G network. A cloud-based Creative AI Compute facility, an incubation and partner business space, plus prototyping facilities, will enable creative companies across the country to access the CoSTAR National Lab’s experimental and collaborative infrastructure. It will offer a place to explore technologies and content for digital humans, virtual environments, multisensory perception
and worldbuilding, bolstered by the R&D of CoSTAR’s partners – Royal Holloway, University of London, National Film and Television School, Abertay University, University of Surrey, BT and disguise. “This is an amazing opportunity to unite our world-class research expertise in innovation technologies with Pinewood’s incredible history as a home of global film production,” said professor James Bennett, director of CoSTAR National Lab and associate pro vice chancellor (Creative Industries) at Royal Holloway, University of London. “In keeping with Pinewood’s history, we believe that the National Lab will foster innovation by enabling world- class creatives to tell great stories with new technologies. This is a space for technology and storytelling to come together. By providing R&D support and a unique space for experimenting and
taking risks, we can drive new ideas from playful sparks to outcomes that compete on a global stage. CoSTAR at Pinewood will create a launchpad for a whole new world of audience experience.” Creative Industries minister Sir Chris Bryant added: “The Pinewood Studios have been responsible for creating some of cinema’s most memorable moments – from James Bond and Jurassic World to Indiana Jones . Backed by £75.6 million of government funding for the wider CoSTAR network, it is fantastic that the CoSTAR National Lab will be opening at Pinewood to keep the studios and the UK at the forefront of new technologies that will power the future of filmmaking. This will ensure that the UK remains one of the most attractive filmmaking destinations in the world, bringing in new investment and job opportunities which are crucial to this government’s Plan for Change.”
ROSS VIDEO ACQUIRES EAGLEEYE L ive video specialist Ross Video has announced its acquisition of EagleEye from sec.swiss, further enhancing its portfolio of camera motion systems. The move broadens Ross’ scope, adding immersive cable-camera solutions to complement its renowned Spidercam series. Customers now have access to modular 1D, 2D and 3D systems for
dynamic productions across sports, entertainment and broadcast – all available for rental or purchase. Manufactured in Ross’ Canadian facilities, these systems promise precision and scalability, ensuring high-impact visuals for studios, venues and live events. Over the past years, cable camera systems have been a game changer for sports,
motion pictures, rock concerts and other types of video production. “Cable cameras bring the audience into the event with camera angles, shots and motion you just can’t achieve in any other way,” explained David Ross, CEO of Ross Video. “Now having EagleEye as part of our portfolio, Ross will be able to offer this creative option to an even broader range of clients.”
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