TalentLab XR 2024: Elevating Diverse Voices in Immersive Storytelling
London, 10th June, 2024 – B3 Media is thrilled to announce the relaunch of TalentLab XR 2024, a pioneering mentoring and development programme designed to amplify diverse voices through the power of immersive storytelling and eXtended Reality (XR).
Building on the success of its inaugural run, TalentLab XR 2024 offers emerging Black, Asian, and minority-ethnic artists an unparalleled opportunity to explore and expand their creative boundaries using cutting-edge digital technology.
Applications are open until Monday 15th July, 2024, 13:00 GMT.
Dismantling Barriers, Nurturing Talent
TalentLab XR is committed to breaking down barriers in the XR space, providing access to tools, training, and mentorship for underrepresented groups.
By nurturing diverse talent, the programme reshapes the landscape of immersive storytelling, ensuring that a wide range of voices and perspectives are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
A Transformative Journey
TalentLab XR 2024 is an intensive, hands-on creative lab tailored to support and develop early-stage ideas from diverse creators. No prior XR experience is necessary – participants need only bring their creativity and imagination.
Over the course of the programme, they will receive:
• Hands-on training and a VR headset to kickstart their XR journey (Stage 1: Development)
• One-to-one mentoring from industry leaders to refine their ideas (Stage 2: Mentoring)
• Opportunity to pitch projects to industry professionals for a chance to secure a development commission of up to £500 and further support from B3 Media (Stage 3: Pitching)
A Hybrid Approach for Nationwide Reach
TalentLab XR 2024 adopts a hybrid format, combining online workshops accessible nationwide with optional in-person events. This approach ensures that creators from across the UK can participate while providing valuable networking and hands-on learning experiences.
Spotlight on Success
The impact of TalentLab XR extends far beyond the programme itself. In June 2023, TalentLab XR 2022/23 Associate Artists and B3 Virtual Residency 2023 artists took centre stage at the Epic Games London Innovation Lab, showcasing an electrifying mix of immersive storytelling pitches and demos that inspired industry attendees and sparked lively discussions.
This event exemplifies the programme’s success in providing diverse creators with a platform to present their ground-breaking work to key industry players.
Alumni Testimonials
“SXSW 2024 will forever be etched in my memory as a whirlwind of inspiration, innovation, and endless networking opportunities.”
Marcus Joseph
Writer/ Musician/ Spoken Word Artist/ Creator of Jazz Maze VR projectWriter/ Director/ Unreal Engine Developer
“The bursary from TalentLab XR empowered me to invest in the equipment I needed to bring my vision to life. The programme’s support and the chance to collaborate with a community of like-minded creators were instrumental in helping me navigate the world of XR.”
RCL Graham
Writer/ Director/ Unreal Engine Developer
“Joining TalentLab XR was a turning point in my career. The support, guidance, and opportunities I received were crucial in helping me transition from traditional filmmaking to the cutting edge of storytelling in XR.”
Lara Kobeissi
3D Artist/ Animator
“TalentLab XR pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a world of endless creative possibilities.”
Leann O’Kasi
Actor/ Writer
Empowering Diverse Creators
TalentLab XR alumni have secured development funding to take their projects to the next level, presented at esteemed events like the London Film Festival Expanded immersive programme and Epic Games London Innovation Lab, and been selected for prestigious creative programmes like the Future Art and Culture Connect programme at SXSW (Austin, TX). These transformative experiences highlight the programme’s ability to nurture and elevate diverse voices in the immersive tech sector.
Join the XR Revolution
If you’re a diverse creator ready to push the boundaries of storytelling and explore the potential of XR, TalentLab XR 2024 is your launchpad to success.
Applications are open until Monday 15th July, 2024, 13:00 GMT.
Visit https://www.b3media.net/talentlab-xr-2024 to apply and embark on a transformative journey that will shape the future of immersive storytelling.
About B3 Media
B3 Media is a leading creative media arts network dedicated to supporting filmmakers, digital artists, and storytellers from diverse backgrounds.
With a proven track record in delivering successful professional development schemes, B3 Media supports creatives at every stage of their journey, from the initial spark of an idea to showcasing their work locally and globally.
For media inquiries
Please contact Marc Boothe (Founder and Creative Director, B3 Media): marc@b3media.net
TalentLab XR is a hybrid development programme supported by Arts Council England.
