MediaLab at Queen’s collaborate with Kinetek on immersive feature film
The MediaLab at Queen's has collaborated with Kinetek Ltd, an immersive media company, on the production of Underscore, an ambitious and immersive feature film.
The project represents a milestone in virtual production and creative technology at Queen’s, combining cinematic storytelling with cutting-edge innovation in real-time visual effects, motion capture, and generative media.
The MediaLab’s CaptureLab served as the primary location for a five-day shoot, where Kinetek’s production team utilised the studio’s LED volume wall, Pixera and Unreal Engine-powered virtual environments, and full motion capture capabilities. The collaboration allowed for a fully immersive in-camera visual effects workflow, enabling real-time integration of digital assets on set.
Professor Michael Alcorn, Director of the MediaLab at Queen’s said: “This partnership with Kinetek is very special. Just a few weeks after the MediaLab opened, the Kinetek team were the first to use the facilities, and it opened up and validated the work we are doing here. Storytelling has a whole new future ahead of it.”
Underscore stars acclaimed actors Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls) and Jessica Reynolds (Kneecap, Outlander), whose powerful performances bring emotional depth and resonance to the story’s immersive and transformative journey.
Written and Directed by former Queen’s Teaching Fellow in Film, Hugh McGrory, Underscore tells the story of Laoise and Aodhán, a Granddaughter and Grandfather, as they confront the end of the world. As nature mutates and collapses, they undergo a striking transformation into light - signalling a rebirth from destruction. Developed for multiple platforms - including immersive dome experiences, gallery exhibition, linear film, VR, and metaverse environments - the film pushes the boundaries of format and narrative form.
Hugh commented: “Queen’s has always been forward thinking. When the MediaLab opened we were the first film crew in the door to use it. These tools and technologies are allowing smaller production companies to get the production value and output only Hollywood studios could do previously.”
Underscore was made with development and production funding from Northern Ireland Screen and Kinetek, and filmed entirely in Northern Ireland.
It will premiere as part of the Belfast Film Festival on Wednesday 5 November. For more information, please visit: https://belfastfilmfestival.org/
Media
Media enquiries to Zara McBrearty on email: z.mcbrearty@qub.ac.uk