Imagination Centre
The FilmEU Imagination Centre is a collaborative platform connecting FilmEU physical and non-physical labs across the FilmEU alliance to foster co-creation, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities. The FilmEU labs serve as core spaces for creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and outreach beyond the creative campus.
The Imagination Centre is set to contribute to these five goals of impact:
- Strengthening Community Engagement
- Fostering Entrepreneurship
- Enhancing Education and Innovation
- Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Driving European Integration and Excellence
Internally, the Imagination Centre is a Meeting Place for alliance members, which connects the FilmEU’s physical and non-physical labs and Innovation Hub(s) with current programmes and projects.
Externally, the Imagination Centre will ensure bridging and co-creation measures with external stakeholders, turning the knowledge square into a tangible reality, being the natural entry point for externals to connect with the FilmEU physical and non-physical labs and Innovation Hub(s).
The Imagination Centre will host events and activities for the FilmEU labs and Innovation Hub(s), and joint activities of co-creation especially with industry, such as:
- Planning and hosting “Fish Bowl” Webinars with industry and researchers
- Planning and Hosting the Imagination Challenge for students
- Planning and Hosting the Imaginarium (biannual event at the FilmEU summit to promote connectivity between the different labs and projects in the FilmEU alliance, showcasing results, and discussing current issues
FilmEU labs
- BFM Production Lab (Tallinn University – BFM)
FilmEU Partner: Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM) Coordinator: Tarmo Rajaleid Contact: tarmo.rajaleid@filmeu.eu Website: https://www.tlu.ee/en/bfm/bfm-production-centre Focus Area Audiovisual production, post-production, and immersive sound Primary Goals: Support artistic research and training in cinematic storytelling, HDR workflows, and sound innovation. Lab Description: The BFM Production Lab is an advanced facility supporting the full audiovisual production cycle, including film, television, and hybrid projects. It integrates high-end studios, sound rooms, colour grading suites, and the SuperNova Cinema, providing state-of-the-art production and post-production infrastructure. The Lab fosters artistic research by enabling experimentation in cinematic storytelling, HDR workflows, and immersive sound. Within WIRE, it serves as a cornerstone for research collaboration and training across FilmEU institutions, hosting workshops and cross-border projects. Its goal is to merge artistic practice with technological innovation, ensuring sustainable upgrades that align with pedagogical and professional priorities. - LUCA Spatial Computing Lab (Brussels)
FilmEU Partner: LUCA School of Arts (LUCA) Coordinator: Jan Duerinck Contact: jan.duerinck@filmeu.eu Website: NA Focus Area: Augmented/mixed reality, spatial computing, and interactive media Primary Goals: Advance interdisciplinary research in XR and spatial computing; strengthen doctoral and practice-based research. Lab Description: The Spatial Computing Lab (LUCAscl*) at LUCA School of Arts explores real-time spatial interaction, augmented and mixed reality, and immersive sound. Integrating panoramic video, depth sensors, and tactile interfaces, it fosters artistic research into the dynamic relations between digital and physical space. The lab aims to develop critical, experimental, and participatory approaches to spatial computing and media art. As part of WIRE, it contributes to interdisciplinary research across XR, installation practices, and interactive design. Its goals include strengthening collaborations, expanding its technological capabilities, and building a sustainable framework that supports doctoral and practice-based research within LUCA and FilmEU. - LMTA Spatial Sound Lab (Vilnius)
FilmEU Partner: Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA) Coordinator: Roberto Becerra Contact: roberto.becerra@filmeu.eu Website: misc.lmta.lt Focus Area Spatial and immersive audio, Dolby Atmos, ambisonics Primary Goals: Pioneer immersive sound research and facilitate cross-institutional collaboration within FilmEU. Lab Description: The LMTA Spatial Sound Lab comprises two complementary facilities: the Sfera Dome and the new Cinema Atmos studio at Lithuania’s National Film School. It advances spatial and immersive sound research across Dolby Atmos, ambisonics, and experimental music. The lab enables creative exploration in sound design, performance, and cinematic audio, serving both artistic and educational purposes. Its goals include pioneering technical innovation in spatial audio, supporting Atmos-based production, and facilitating collaborative research within FilmEU. The facilities integrate academic, musical, and cinematic practices, offering a key hub for immersive sound experimentation and interdisciplinary exchange. - Lusófona Virtual Production Studio (Lisbon)
FilmEU Partner: University Lusófona (UL) Coordinator: João Aguiar Contact: joão.aguiar@filmeu.eu Website: NA Focus Area Real-time filmmaking, LED-based XR, and sustainable production Primary Goals: Develop hybrid film production methods and embed virtual production in research and education. Lab Description: The Virtual Production Studio at Lusófona University is a state-of-the-art environment for artistic research in real-time filmmaking and LED-based XR production. Combining Unreal Engine rendering, camera tracking, and photorealistic lighting, the lab bridges traditional cinematography and virtual workflows. Its mission is to advance hybrid audiovisual creation, sustainable production, and educational innovation. By embedding virtual production in curricula and industry collaborations, it fosters new cinematic grammars and applied R&I outcomes. As a pivotal node in the WIRE HUB, it connects immersive, spatial, and AI-driven labs, shaping the future of virtual cinematography and cross-institutional artistic research. - IADT Immersive Lab (Dublin)
FilmEU Partner: Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire (IADT) Coordinator: Emma Nolan & John Buckley Contact: emma.nolan@filmeu.eu & john.buckley@filmeu.eu Website: NA Focus Area Virtual production, motion capture, and interdisciplinary media Primary Goals: Train researchers in immersive media techniques and foster innovation across creative disciplines. Lab Description: The IADT Immersive Lab is an innovative space combining an LED Volume Wall and Motion Capture Rig, designed for research, education, and creative experimentation in immersive media. It supports film, television, animation, photography, and psychology research, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. Its goals include equipping researchers and students with industry-relevant skills in virtual production, fostering creativity through hands-on access to emerging technologies, and connecting artistic practice with digital filmmaking. Scheduled for launch in 2025, the lab will serve as a shared resource within FilmEU, promoting innovation and capacity-building across research, teaching, and industry engagement. - NATFA 3D MAPL (Sofia)
FilmEU Partner: National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA) Coordinator: Zdravko Ruzhev Contact: zdravko.ruzhev@filmeu.eu Website: NA Focus Area: 3D modelling, printing, and digital fabrication Primary Goals: Promote sustainable materials and hybrid digital-physical workflows for eco-conscious media production. Lab Description: The 3D MAPL (Advanced 3D Modelling, Printing, and Post-processing Laboratory) at NATFA integrates cutting-edge fabrication, scanning, and virtual prototyping technologies. It focuses on sustainable 3D printing and material innovation for film, theatre, and animation, exploring biodegradable resins and AI-assisted modelling. The lab serves as a multidisciplinary hub for practice-led research in digital fabrication and immersive design. Its goals are to enhance storytelling through 3D technologies, develop eco-efficient production processes, and promote hybrid physical-digital workflows. As part of WIRE, it expands artistic research into material experimentation and green media production practices. - VIA AI Frontier Lab (Aarhus)
FilmEU Partner: VIA University College (VIA) Coordinator: Thomas Erland Pedersen, Jeppe Olsen & Louis Thonsgaard Contact: tho@via.dk, jole@via.dk & ltho@via.dk Website: LinkedIn profile Focus Area: AI-enabled media production and generative creativity Primary Goals: Explore AI-driven filmic storytelling, prototype innovation, and promote AI literacy in artistic research. Lab Description: The AI Frontier Lab at VIA University College is a Living Lab dedicated to exploring AI-enabled media production and digital transformation. Evolving from VIA’s MiXR Lab, it facilitates co-creation between researchers, students, and industry professionals. Its research spans generative AI, cinematic storytelling, and multi-platform production. The lab’s goals include building an innovation ecosystem for AI-driven creativity, offering training and workshops, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across film, XR, animation, and design. As a transversal WIRE HUB node, it brings computational intelligence to artistic research and education. - VŠMU Sound Lab (Bratislava)
FilmEU Partner: Academy of Performing Arts Bratislava (VSMU) Coordinator: Richard Žolko Contact: richard.zolko@filmeu.eu Website: NA Focus Area: Immersive and interactive sound research (Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D) Primary Goals: Advance immersive sound design and foster collaboration across FilmEU and WIRE research communities. Lab Description: The VŠMU Sound Lab is a Dolby Atmos–certified immersive audio studio dedicated to research in sound perception, interactive soundscapes, and generative audio. It supports cinematic, VR, and gaming applications, with a focus on AI-driven sound design and adaptive audio systems. Its objectives include advancing artistic research in immersive formats, developing workshops and masterclasses for FilmEU partners, and integrating sound innovation into broader creative practices. Through its expansion into Auro 3D, the lab strengthens the HUB’s audio dimension and fosters cross-institutional collaboration in spatial sound research.
Calls
- Immagination Challenge Fall 2025 Call
The FilmEU+ Imagination Challenge is a call for innovative and disruptive ideas to shape the future of short-form storytelling optimized for mobile and young audiences.
We're looking for entrepreneurial students and staff from the FilmEU+ network to work in interdisciplinary teams. Your mission is to devise and pitch solutions to real-world challenges from major industry partners (a public service broadcaster, a film distributor, and a TV production company).
Focus areas include
- Micro-formats for young audiences
- New mobile-first business models
- Emerging technology & Short-Form
- Youth audience engagement and marketing
Key Dates & Opportunities
Online Entrepreneurship Course
- 24/25 October - Online
Industry Summit Immersion
- 11-12 November - Lisbon
Why Join?
This is a launchpad to make an impact on the strategies of major media companies. You'll gain hands-on experience, develop entrepreneurial skills, and expand your network with top-tier professionals.
Selected students will be notified 17th of October and travel costs to Lisbon will be covered.
Apply by 15 October!
