Research and Innovation Lead at School of Digital Arts (SODA) announces partnership with VERSA studios
Versa Studios Manchester and Manchester Met are partnering to bring together the University’s strengths in creative technology, research and talent development with Versa’s industry expertise and state-of-the-art production facilities.
Versa Studios Manchester, which hosts productions including Dragons’ Den, BBC Morning Live and Bullseye,has partnered with Manchester Met to explore the future of screen production in the age of immersive technologies and AI.
Versa Studios Manchester and Manchester Met have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), bringing together the University’s strengths in creative technology, research and talent development with Versa’s industry expertise and state-of-the-art production facilities.
The three-year agreement will focus on research, innovation and skills development including paid placements for students, collaborative live briefs, joint research and major funding bids.
Versa Studios is part of St. John’s, a creative district in the heart of Manchester, and is host to major productions including Dragons’ Den, BBC Morning Live and Netflix’s Building the Band. At its centre is the Campfield campus, including Campfield Studios with 24,000 sq ft of production and event space, and Campfield Foundry, flexible studio units for makers and independent creative businesses.
At a time when the creative sector is rapidly evolving through advances in AI, the partnership will explore new ways of developing content and understanding audiences. In doing so it will create new opportunities for students to help shape Manchester’s booming screen industry.
The agreement will give students the opportunity to work with industry professionals on real-world challenges in professional production environments via placements, internships, live project briefs, workshops and masterclasses.
This … is a significant opportunity to bring together world-class academic expertise with industry leadership to drive innovation across the creative and screen sectors.
Kirsty Fairclough, Professor of Screen Studies and Research and Innovation Lead at Manchester Met’s School of Digital Arts (SODA)
“By working with Versa Studios, we can create powerful new opportunities for our students, develop impactful research and support the continued growth of Greater Manchester as a globally recognised centre for creative and digital innovation.”
