Aurora Reel Accelerator strengthens regional innovation in virtual production
Virtual production is transforming how films and other visual content are created. Through the Aurora Reel Accelerator (ARA) project, Novia University of Applied Sciences and its partners are strengthening regional research, development and innovation capacity in this rapidly evolving field, helping companies, students and creative professionals access new technologies, expertise and new opportunities for collaboration.
Virtual production combines technologies such as large LED screens, digital 3D environments and real-time rendering to create immersive filming environments. Beyond improving production workflows, it opens new possibilities for experimentation, skills development and innovation across the creative industries.
"Aurora Reel Accelerator reflects Novia's commitment to strengthening research, development and innovation in emerging creative technologies. By bringing together industry, education and regional stakeholders, we are creating a foundation for new knowledge, skills and business opportunities," says Therese Sunngren-Granlund, Research Manager at Novia UAS.
Building expertise in virtual production
A key focus of the project is to strengthen regional competence in virtual production, where digital environments are combined with live-action filming. By connecting expertise from film, gaming, 3D design and digital technologies, the project contributes to new multidisciplinary capabilities that can support future growth and competitiveness across the Aurora region.
Virtual production gained international attention through productions such as The Mandalorian (2019) or Sentimental Value (2025) but adoption remains uneven across Finland. Aurora Reel Accelerator seeks to help address this gap by creating opportunities for learning, testing and collaboration between education and industry.
The project will also support the development of audiovisual projects from across the Aurora region through dedicated Reel Jams aimed exclusively at local enterprises. By providing a structured environment for experimentation, collaboration and project development, these activities will help transform ideas into new content, services and business opportunities.
"Aurora Reel Accelerator is about more than introducing new technology. It is about empowering companies, students and creative professionals to experiment, collaborate and build expertise in virtual production," says Pablo Santur, Project Manager of ARA.
Turning ideas into new opportunities
For students, the project provides hands-on experience with emerging technologies and access to skills that are increasingly sought after in the creative and digital sectors. For companies, it offers opportunities to explore new production methods, test new approaches and strengthen their innovation capacity.
Ultimately, Aurora Reel Accelerator is not only about new tools but about empowering people to learn, experiment and create. By supporting talent development, innovation and cross-sector collaboration, the project aims to help position the Aurora region at the forefront of virtual production and creative innovation.
Facts
Summary: Aurora Reel Accelerator is a three-year cross-border initiative that strengthens the cultural and creative industries across the Aurora region through virtual production (VP). Led by Novia UAS together with Creative Crowd and a network of regional partners, the project combines filmmaking, game development and emerging technologies to build new skills, collaborations and business opportunities.
Period: 1.1.2026–31.12.2028
Focus area: Culture as a Force for Change
Research theme: Culture and Digitalization
Campus: Jakobstad
Total budget: 1 377 760 €
Novia budget: 697 768 €
Financers: Interreg Aurora, Regional Council of Lapland
Partners: Creative Crowd AB