STUDIO SPOTLIGHTS
WORDS Katie Kasperson
Housed on the lot at Space Studios in Manchester, Recode XR Studio is a premier destination for virtual production with an aligned approach L ocated in the heart of Manchester on a 17-acre site, Space Studios is a ‘one-stop shop for all
recounts Sinacola. “As impressive as the tech was, we were also impressed by Paul and Gareth’s refreshing, honest approach,” he says of the studio’s co- founders. “They can push a production from great to outstanding without blowing the budget.” Formed in 2020 by Paul McHugh and Gareth Turner, Recode combines McHugh’s VFX and game-engine expertise with Turner’s skills in LED technology and infrastructure. A few short years later, Recode is opening its dedicated on-site VP studio at Space Studios this spring. “We have planned for an open-door approach with our permanent facility on-site,” explains McHugh. “We intend to welcome and work with productions involving real-world shoots in some of the region’s amazing locations, and we can offer add-on services for pick-up scenes, scenes that require controlled weather and lighting and vehicle scenes,” he enthuses.
production needs’, says stage manager Dean Sinacola. Launched ten years ago, Space Studios responded to demand and expanded to create what is now a purpose-built facility for film, high-end TV and commercial production. The lot boasts six acoustically treated stages, including the 30,000 sq ft Space 06, as well as prop storage, workshops, offices, makeup rooms, dressing rooms, parking, catering and ancillary support. Committed to building a sense of community, Space Studios encourages productions to employ locally through its list of trusted suppliers: manufacturers, sellers and specialists from north-west England. The list includes Recode XR Studio, an innovative virtual production studio now based on the lot at Space. “Keen to expand our on-the-lot facilities, we went for a tour of the original operation Recode had over in Trafford,”
Recode “can seamlessly incorporate VP into ongoing production schedules in any of the other stages as needed,” explains Turner, enabling the XR Studio to aid in projects of all sizes. The decision to relocate to Space Studios is a strategic move, aimed at bolstering Recode and Space as the premier facility for VP in the north-west. “Geographically, we sit centrally, meaning productions can go from stage floor to forest or beach within an hour,” explains Sinacola, noting Manchester’s transport links to Liverpool and Leeds. “Everyone benefits from having a large studio in the heart of the city. “When the opportunity came up for Recode to join us, it was an obvious fit,” he continues. “We can now offer something new, plus it helps us understand where VP stands in the future landscape,” notes Sinacola. “Having Recode on-site strengthens our on-the-lot offering tenfold,” he adds, “providing a unique and valuable service to prospective productions looking to use Space.” VP technology is undoubtedly on the rise, with Recode’s own clients including ITV’s Coronation Street and Sky’s Brassic . “Working with such rapidly growing technology, we are consistently watching the market’s movements,” tells McHugh. Recode creates custom-build LED volumes depending on the diverse needs of various productions. “Moving into 2024, we see that being agile is vital, and being at Space gives us all we need and more to do it,” McHugh concludes.
OUT OF THIS WORLD Space 06 is the largest stage on the lot at an impressive 30,000 sq ft
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