3 MINUTES WEST will research and test a range of AI-powered creative tools for character design, environment design, motion capture, animation, mixed media integration and compositing. We will utilise these tools for the visual development and workflow development of an ambitious, mixed media, multi-format IP with strong commercial potential. AI design and animation tools are revolutionising the creation of animation and mixed media content; dramatically reducing the time and budget needed to bring complex creative concepts to life. For micro / small independent production companies, facing unprecedented challenges in the TV and film industry, AI tools don't just offer value for money. They are revolutionary. Our approach explores the boundaries between mixed media technology, animation, art and performance. Whereas AI-powered technologies are often used to create photoreal / sci-fi / fantasy / games-style characters and locations that look and feel computer-generated, we will take an artistic approach. We aim to harness the power of today's cutting edge technology to create an original, artistic look with a hand-painted feel and high production values. This project will lead to opportunities for growth for our company, our sector and our region. The results will include an AI-created visual development workflow that can be used as a comparison with a traditional mixed media workflow. We will share our findings with other independent producers of mixed media content, enabling our project to have a positive impact across our sector. In addition, we aim to contribute to the R&D of more energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable production methods.

3 MINUTES WEST will work with the pioneering Pathway XR Studio to research and develop an innovative, mixed media, AI-enhanced, real-time animation workflow. We will test the creation of a real-time animated character, based on the movements of a human dancer, in a virtual location. This project utilises the latest motion capture, AI processing, virtual production and real-time, in-camera animation technologies. Whereas these cutting-edge technologies are often used to create photoreal, games-style characters and locations that look and feel computer-generated, we will take an artistic approach, adding VFX to create an original, hand-processed, cinematic look. We believe this workflow will open up new possibilities for the creation of ambitious, mixed media / mixed reality content; focusing on real-time creation and a reduction of work needed in compositing and post-production. Our approach pushes the boundaries between mixed media technology, animation, art and performing arts. This is a natural progression from our first feature film, COPPELIA, an original combination of live action, CG animation, music and dance. This project will lead to opportunities for growth for our company, and our sector. In addition we aim to contribute to the development of more energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable production methods.