Launching February 2022, this virtual Scale-Up Immersive program will provide Black creators and producers with industry advice and access to funding to scale-up in the immersive media industry

5 JANUARY 2021 (TORONTO, ON) – Dark Slope Studios, a Toronto-based virtual production and metaverse gaming company, today announces a partnership with OYA Black Arts Coalition (OBAC) and the Canadian Film Centre’s Media Lab (CFC Media Lab) to launch Scale-Up Immersive, an accelerator lab in support of Black creatives and producers within the field of immersive media.

Starting February 2nd 2022, the Scale-Up Immersive will provide a minimum of 10 Black-owned media production company founders with three months of industry expert consultation, workshops, case studies and mentoring to develop their business capacities in the growing immersive media industry. 

With support in rapid prototype development and access to industry-standard media production facilities and equipment, those involved will produce a working prototype of their projects using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) or mixed/extended reality (XR). Participants will also gain a better understanding of the immersive media industry, workflow and integration in storytelling, and business and financial structuring. This program is set to run across 3 years, supporting a minimum of 30 founders in immersive media, and positioning them to access additional funding available for digital and immersive productions.

Having just announced its Hyperreality TV initiative, set to shape the future of reality TV with cutting-edge VR technology, Dark Slope Studios provides a broad range of industry expertise VR and digital production. Dark Slope Studios is at the forefront of digital universe design, building interactive entertainment experiences with its work on metaverse development. Based in Toronto, and with a global workforce, Dark Slope Studios combines advanced technologies with compelling storytelling to reimagine the future of entertainment.

Alison Duke, Co-founder of OYA Black Arts Coalition and OYA Media Group comments, “We are excited to be partnering with Dark Slope Studios for the Scale-Up Immersive, and to empower Black-owned production companies in immersive media through this program. We look forward to backing the next wave of creators and thought leaders in the industry.”  

“Working with Dark Slope to give Black creatives an opportunity to create a working prototype they can use to strengthen their portfolios as they enter this emerging market is most exciting for me” comments Ngardy Conteh George, Co-founder of OYA Black Arts Coalition and OYA Media Group.

Dan Fill, President of Dark Slope Studios comments, “We are proud to be partnering with OBAC to support Black creatives and producers in immersive media, and to foster a more diverse industry. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do and promoting Black voices in virtual production is imperative to breaking down these barriers. We are excited to assist in producing tangible outcomes that Scale-Up participants can use to further develop their careers in this industry.”

The deadline for applications has been extended to January 9th, interested applicants are encouraged to visit https://www.oyablackarts.org/scale-up/immersive for additional details.

About OYA Black Arts Coalition (OBAC)
OYA Black Arts Coalition (OBAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Black artists, creators and entrepreneurs within Canada’s entertainment sector. This is made possible by equipping and empowering Black creatives with the skills, support and resources necessary to succeed. OBAC addresses systemic inequalities by providing sustainable solutions including mentorship, networking, programs, unique initiatives, and industry training by providing safe space for experimentation. oyablackarts.org | @oyablackarts

About Dark Slope Studios 
Founded in 2018, Dark Slope Studios pushes the boundaries of multi-sensory entertainment center spectacles, virtual reality experiences, immersive games, and motion capture-driven virtual production for television. From it’s 8000 square foot studio, Dark Slope Studios leverages its warehouse-scale virtual production stage with proprietary pipeline, tools, workflows and game-engine technology in order to bring world class creative properties to life. Based in Toronto, and with a global workforce, Dark Slope Studios combines advanced technologies with compelling storytelling to reimagine the future of entertainment. Visit https://darkslope.com/ to learn more. 

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Media Contacts
Rakhee Sapra
(905) 334-3516
rakhee.sapra@darkslope.com