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PIXEL Studios Opens its Doors to Next Generation of Content Creators to Collaborate and Innovate

First of its kind in Singapore - the collaborative space where technology and media converge to cater to online content creators and game developers

SINGAPORE, Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IMDA today officially opened PIXEL Studios, the first dedicated facility in Singapore to spur the next generation of digital content creators and media professionals to explore innovative ways of content creation and storytelling.

Spearheaded by IMDA and managed by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), the 25,000 sq ft space located at the Pixel building in one-north, is one of IMDA's PIXEL (Promising Innovations and Experiential Learning) innovation spaces. Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim graced the launch, which was held as part of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF)'s new digital event, SMF Ignite.

By providing a full suite of facilities and resources backed by capability development programmes with industry partners, PIXEL Studios aims to build a community of creators and create opportunities for collaboration across the creative ecosystem. Minister Yaacob said, "Through the programmes, facilities and resources available, this will be a common place for content creators to meet with like-minded people from diverse backgrounds, across the media and tech sectors and experiment with new ways of media content creation and storytelling."

Collaborative areas, production and technology tools to facilitate experimentation and innovation

Collaborative areas, production and technology tools at PIXEL Studios will support content creators to experiment and innovate with content and technology. Facilities at PIXEL Studios include thematic spaces that can double up as sets for filming and production purposes. For example, meeting and seminar rooms are dressed up as a vintage diner, a kopitiam-themed area with a stage for meeting and presentations, a bar-themed area, a kitchen studio, a relaxation corner and screening area, hot desking spaces, and make-up and changing rooms.

The space will also cater to a larger community of game start-ups. They will enjoy more physical space, with an approximate forty per cent increase in floor area compared to the former Games Solution Centre's premises at Block 71. Seventeen game start-ups will be housed at PIXEL Studios from January 2017.

Production and technology tools to support experimentation will include a green screen studio equipped with professional video equipment, editing tools such as video post-editing, recording and audio post-production suites; VR/AR gear, as well as game engines.

To grow the community, digital content creators and professionals interested in creating experimental content or pilots, are welcome to explore and use the space by submitting a proposal on the official website, www.IMPIXEL.sg.

Robust line-up of programmes to be offered by established industry partners

Collaborating with established industry partners, PIXEL Studios will kick off with programmes to equip content creators with skills on how to create compelling content or build sustainable

businesses through a range of workshops, consultation sessions with experts, networking sessions and hackathons.

For a start, IMDA is collaborating with Maker Studios on a creator-focused "bootcamp" at PIXEL Studios to help local and international short form video creators further their filmmaking skills and collaborate on original content ideas. The two-day event on 1 and 2 December will bring together 50 creators and filmmakers across gaming, comedy, music and lifestyle specialties -- including global online stars Timothy DeLaGhetto, Strawburry17, Tanner Patrick, The Fung Brothers, and Michael Gallagher, along with local stars such as Jian Hao Tan, Wah!Banana and Xiaxue.

IMDA has also established new partnerships with Samsung, StarHub and StyleHaul, which will equip creators with skills and resources in digital content creation. These partnerships are in addition to the existing seven partnerships announced previously (see Annex A). For instance:

  • Samsung will provide its latest virtual reality technology, Gear VR, and run training programmes conducted by experts.
  • StarHub will open a call-for-proposal for the creative community at PIXEL Studios, to encourage the creation of innovative digital media content for StarHub's various platforms. StarHub will also host workshops on new media technologies such as 360 VR videos.
  • Leading global style network, StyleHaul will conduct monthly workshops titled "Beauty Creators Lab", featuring sharing sessions by established fashion and beauty digital media content creators and industry experts, on topics such as YouTube channel optimisation, and beauty content inspirations.

Games accelerator programme to spur growth of games start-ups

For game developers, PIXEL Studios will offer structured training, mentorship and networking programmes, and provide platforms to help game companies launch and market their games locally and internationally.

IMDA has established a new partnership with goGame, a local mobile game publisher that is backed by gaming giant SEGA group. Together with PIXEL Studios, goGame will develop an accelerator programme to equip promising game developers with publishing, marketing and business entrepreneurship knowledge, which are essential skills required for success in today's competitive media landscape.

In addition to programmes for existing media professionals, students and members of public will also be invited to be part of this growing digital creators' community.

Filming Friendly Zone to add to vibrant media ecosystem

Further to the opening of PIXEL Studios in one-north, IMDA's Singapore Film Commission (SFC) has also worked with partner agencies and other location owners to establish selected filming friendly zones within the one-north precinct. This adds to the vibrancy of the media ecosystem, and opens up even more possible locations to enable filming and content creation.

The Filming Friendly Zone @ one-north will provide an environment that is easy for filmmakers to conduct small to medium-sized shoots through streamlined approval processes. The designated filming friendly areas include public parks and selected public access areas in the one-north precinct.

For more information on PIXEL Studios, please visit the official website: www.IMPIXEL.sg or see the brochure: http://imda.sg/2fLfHrr

About Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore's data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.

About Nanyang Polytechnic

As a premier institute of higher learning in Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) is committed to supporting the development of local businesses and industry. It has built multiple communities across different sectors. Through these communities, entrepreneurs and start-ups can become part of a vibrant eco-system of companies alongside leading industry partners. NYP is also the manager for various incubation and training spaces to support the growth and development of diverse sectors.

Among them are the Games Resource Lab at NYP and the upcoming PIXEL Studios, in partnership with IMDA. These spaces host a vibrant community of start-ups, providing them access to global trends, latest technology and a pipeline of talent from NYP's School of Interactive & Digital Media.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pixel-studios-opens-its-doors-to-next-generation-of-content-creators-to-collaborate-and-innovate-300370467.html

Source: Info-communications Media Development Authority
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