What is TalentLab XR?
TalentLab XR is an intensive, 4-week, production-focused mentoring programme that supports emerging Black, Asian and multicultural artists who want to get experience in eXtended Reality and develop their early-stage ideas.
Leading industry professionals will introduce you to a ton of XR tools and techniques to lift your story ideas into new worlds. We’ll help you transform your creative projects, from writing interactive narratives and building 3D worlds to UX design and holograms. Be prepared to go outside your comfort zone!
What is TalentLab XR looking for?
We’re looking for creativity and enthusiasm over technical knowhow. You don’t need a background in digital creation or computer science. You don’t even need a fully fleshed out idea—it’s our job to see the potential in you!
Who can apply?
To apply, you must:
Reside in the UK.
Identify as Black, Asian or minority ethnic.
Be over 18 years of age and not in full-time education (on or after Summer 2022).
Have made at least one short film OR demonstrate at least a year’s experience in a related discipline, e.g. photography, theatre, interactive media and visual arts.
Where will the programme run?
TalentLab XR will be a hybrid (online and in-person) experience. We want creatives from across the UK to have the opportunity to participate in the programme, so all workshop sessions will take place online over Zoom.
We will also hold a series of optional in-person opportunities and events that will give participants access to technical equipment and in-person support.
How will the sessions work?
TalentLab XR offers 2 weeks’ worth of online workshop sessions over a 4-week period, starting 12th September and ending early October. Specific times and dates will be bespoke and therefore determined by the availability of the selected cohort.
Participants will get the chance to network with their peers and ask questions during and after each session.
The live sessions aren’t obligatory! If you can’t make them, you’ll get a recording of each session to watch on demand.
On completing the programme, participants will have the opportunity to submit a project proposal. From these proposals we will then select up to 12 Associate Artists who will be offered a bursary, additional mentoring, and feedback sessions leading up to the TalentLab XR Industry Showcase in January 2023.
Who will lead the sessions?
Participants will be mentored by industry professionals from B3 Media’s creative network. Our mentors are from the XR, multi-platform, and arts sectors. They include line producers, assistant directors, production designers, sound engineers, editors, composers and visual effects artists, as well as multidisciplinary creative practitioners who work in film and media.
We select mentors who will give our participants encouragement, careers advice and, above all, the space to create.
What do I need to participate?
You will need a computer with a working internet connection and access to Zoom. We will take care of the rest.
When will TalentLab XR take place?
Key dates
The programme will run from 12th September to early October:
Sprint 1 (Development week): You’ll get hands-on training and everything you need to help you establish your creative, virtual world.
Sprint 2 (Mentoring weeks): You’ll be matched with an industry mentor who will help you flesh out your idea over a series of 1:1 sessions.
Sprint 3 (Pitching session): You’ll get the chance to pitch your project. We’ll select up to 12 projects for further development, which will each receive a development commission plus development support from B3 Media and our partner network.
After the programme: We’ll invite you to present your project to funders at our TalentLab XR Industry Showcase in January 2023.
How much does it cost?
We understand that these are difficult times. We want to make our programmes affordable and accessible. For this reason, we are running a pay-what-you-can scheme for those who can’t afford the £150 programme fee.
The fee covers all online workshop sessions and materials. All workshops will take place on Zoom, and they will be run by mentors from the creative industry. You’ll just need a working internet connection and the Zoom app downloaded on your device.
What COVID-19 safety measures are in place?
TalentLab XR strives to reach talented multicultural creatives across the UK, including those who are still taking precautions against the pandemic, be that due to their heath or for any other reason.
Although this year we are taking a hybrid approach to the programme, all workshop sessions will take place online via Zoom, and any in-person event is entirely optional.
What do I need for my application?
The application form has the following sections:
Eligibility
Project Details
Supporting Statements
Personal Details
Equal Opportunities
Please think about what you want to tell us before you start the application and feel free to take your time when filling it out. You will be asked to tell us a bit about yourself, your creative practice, and what inspires you. We will ask you for documents and links to support your application (this can be in the form of a portfolio, CV, letter of recommendation, or otherwise). Your progress will save automatically.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to have a fully fleshed out idea for your project. What’s more important is the openness with new ideas to collaborate and extend your practice. We recommend you propose an idea that is commensurate with your level of experience. For example, if you’re submitting an idea for a feature, we advise that you submit a produced short or evidence of commissioned work (e.g. TV, theatre, digital media) in your supporting materials.
When is the deadline?
Submit your application by 30th August 2022, 12:00 BST.
How do I apply?
First, make sure you have gathered the documents you need to complete your application (see What do I need for my application?) Make sure you submit it by 30th August 2022, 12:00 BST.
Please only submit electronically. We cannot accept or return entries sent to us by post. If you can’t upload your supporting materials (showreel, short film) to our system, get in touch so that we can discuss how to send your materials to us.
When will I hear from you?
By 8th September we will inform successful applicants. We regret that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
What have previous TalentLab participants gone on to do?
Since the last year’s inaugural TalentLab XR, several of our Associate Artists submitted successful applications to key funding agencies. Some have also incorporated XR into their wider creative practice, with one participant now working as an Unreal Developer.
Other TalentLab alumni have found success at the BAFTAs, won prizes like the TS Eliot Prize, Alfred Fagon award and more, and presented their work at major venues like Sundance, the London Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, Cannes (Critic Week), and the Rotterdam Film Festivals.
Still have questions?
If you have any queries that this page can’t answer, please email us at projects@b3media.net. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
