MBiz

38 SUMMER 2024 NEW MEDIA MANITOBA CONT. STUDIOLAB XR: Extended Reality training that's truly Unreal Advancements in real-time 3D graphics made possible by video game engine technology are promis- ing us new ways of visualizing the world and all the data in it. From aug- mented reality in surgeries to digital twins in aerospace to how media and entertainment are produced — entire industries are set to be transformed. Supporting a workforce for the jobs associated with this change is why New Media Manitoba was proud to unveil its StudioLab xR initiative. This 6,000-square-foot facility is located at Concourse Level of 201 Portage Ave. and offers hands-on training using real-time 3D visualiza- tion technologies for professionals, students and creatives. "There's a barrier to entry in terms of this tech being very expensive, plus there's a limited supply of people in the province who know how to use these tools and have these skills," Ghiz says. "We wanted to provide a way to get these technologies and ex- pertise into the hands of Manitobans and help them prepare for the jobs of the future while also supporting other opportunities across sectors." StudioLab xR was supported by its funders, who believe this technology is important, says Ghiz. New Media Manitoba received $2.03 million in funding through PrairiesCan and $1.47 million from the Manitoba govern- ment for the project. That funding helped New Media Manitoba integrate the province's largest 3D camera-tracked LED wall. "This technology, popularized by major Hollywood productions, allows you to travel to distant worlds all from the comfort of the studio. Anything from the surface of Mars to a sidewalk café can be created in 3D and then mapped to the 3.3-by-7.3-metre (11-by-24-foot) LED wall," says Jonathan Phú Son Lê, New Media Manitoba's senior man- ager for StudioLab xR. "The screen itself is obviously the largest and most impressive piece of this whole facility, but it's just one example of the power of real-time 3D visualization. Equally important is software that enables this to happen. That software created by Epic Games, makers of the popular Fortnite series, is an industry-leading application called Unreal Engine. StudioLab xR is proud that since 2022, we are one of only a handful of organizations in North America that is recognized as an Unreal Authorized Training Center. We believe this accreditation speaks to our commitment to provid- ing the very best training possible," Lê explains. Despite only opening a few months ago, people are already buzzing about the space and what it makes possible. "We wanted a flexible facility where both the creative side and technical side of the technol- ogy could be explored," Ghiz says. "There's always something happen- ing in this space. There is no short- age of ideas or talent in Manitoba, so StudioLab xR offers this incred- ible place where there is a collision of academic and industry with our talented staff, all in a central spot, which is unique." StudioLab xR recently conducted training for the local film industry, giving them a chance to get hands- on with the technology and changing creative process. "This new state-of-the-art facility will provide students and industry professionals with specialized train- ing that will advance their job oppor- tunities and develop labour capacity in the digital industry. By continuing to grow the ecosystem locally, we will attract talent and demonstrate why Manitoba is an ideal place for the future," says Dan Vandal, minister of Northern Affairs, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. Manitoba's Economic Develop- ment Minister Jamie Moses shares similar thoughts. "The high-tech innovation in this facility is clear evidence that Manitoba can lead the world while utilizing our talented workforce," Moses says. "We are excited for entrepreneurs This technology, popularized by major Hollywood productions, allows you to travel to distant worlds all from the comfort of the studio." " Jonathan Phú Son Lê, senior manager for StudioLab xR New Media Manitoba

• Cover