Case Study: Building a World-Class Digital Screen Campus at the University of Canterbury
Tuesday August 12, 2025 17:52
Background: A New Vision for Creative Education
When the University of Canterbury (UC) set out to create a world-class Digital Screen Campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the goal was ambitious: to build commercial-grade film, television, animation, and gaming production and post-production facilities for students, with a long-term plan to enable commercial use of the space. The site, a former School of Education campus, would be transformed into a state-of-the-art training ground for the next generation of content creators.
To achieve this, Gencom partnered with UC’s existing AV partner Futureworks, and sound reinforcement specialist Barton Sound, to form a consortium that could provide a complete solution including local on-site support and deep industry knowledge.
“The University selected the consortium because of our combined capability to address all the requirements,” said David Barnard, Director at Gencom. “Futureworks was already embedded with UC. Barton Sound was brought onboard as big audio specialists. And Gencom delivered the domain experience and integration expertise to ensure the studios were truly fit-for-purpose.”
Project Scope: Otākaro, Wairakei, and Jack Mann
The initial fit-out included three key facilities:
- Otākaro: A picture post-production hub with four Avid Media Composer edit suites and a DaVinci Resolve colour grading suite.
- Wairakei: A dedicated audio post facility with six audio edit suites (stereo and surround), three mixing stages, and associated recording booths.
- Jack Mann: Home to two sound stages and, in later phases, a was turned into a theatre and a large-scale Virtual Production Studio (VPS).
The project was part of UC’s broader strategy to enhance both academic delivery and regional industry growth. As Mike Forrester, Programme Manager of Facilities and Technology, explained: “The original vision was to build a full production lifecycle for film, gaming, and animation: screenwriting, shooting, editing, grading, mixing. Everything a student would experience in the real world. We also saw the potential to engage commercial users to stimulate the local industry.”
Design-Led from the Ground Up
UC's early facility designs were revised after technical feedback from the consortium identified limitations. Gencom’s team, including Pete Wallace and David Barnard, worked with architects, engineers, and UC’s technical leaders to reshape layouts, acoustics, and system workflows to meet professional standards.
“We were brought in at a fairly late stage to advise on a very specialised facility,” said Barnard. “It became clear that the initial architectural designs missed some specialised requirements that were needed to support UC’s goals for the facilities. We worked collaboratively with Futureworks and brought in expert advisors from the post production industry to completely rethink the technical fitout.”
Challenges and Collaboration
As with any large-scale build, the project faced a number of challenges, including delays, complex procurement, and supply chain disruptions. A major issue was the absence of academic staff in the early planning stages. System recommendations had to be made before the educators who would ultimately use them were in place.
“We had to make decisions without input from the academics who would eventually use the facility—because they hadn’t been hired yet,” Barnard noted. “That required flexibility and a lot of back-and-forth with the university as people came onboard.”
Strong collaboration between Futureworks’ on-site team and Gencom’s specialists helped keep the project moving.
Dion Peszynski of Futureworks commented: “One of the strengths of this consortium was that everyone brought something different to the table. Gencom brought deep production knowledge, we provided implementation and AV support, and Barton Sound offered large scale audio experience. We built on each other’s strengths to deliver something truly world class.”
A Virtual Leap Forward
Although the Virtual Production Studio (VPS) was procured separately, it is now a defining feature of the Jack Mann building. Gencom led the system design, specifying a high-resolution VuePix Infiniled LED wall through distribution partner ULA Group and assisting in the system's installation.
With real-time 3D rendering via Unreal Engine and integrated motion tracking, the VPS gives students the ability to shoot realistic scenes without leaving the sound stage.
“It’s not just a wall. It’s a fully interactive 3D environment where you can change the scene, lighting, and even camera perspective in real time,” said Forrester. “In fact, it’s already been used to create a feature film.”
Outcome: A Facility That Sets a New Standard
Today, the UC Kōawa Digital Screen Precinct stands as one of the most comprehensive screen training facilities in New Zealand. While Phase One focuses on educational use, the design also anticipates future commercial activity.
“We wanted students to walk into an environment that feels real, and that’s what we’ve built,” Forrester said. “They’re getting hands-on experience with tools and workflows used by industry professionals. That’s going to make a real difference in their careers.”
Gencom’s Contribution
Gencom’s involvement included:
- Technical consultancy and early-stage architectural review
- Acoustic and AV system design for picture and audio post facilities
- Specification and supply of tools including Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Resolve, and Neumann monitoring
- Design and installation support for the Virtual Production Studio
- Ongoing collaboration with Futureworks during integration and commissioning
“It was a complex, multi-phase, multi-discipline project, but one we’re incredibly proud of,” said Barnard. “It’s a facility the University can be proud of, and we were honoured to help bring it to life.”
About Gencom Technology
Gencom Technology is Oceania’s leading system integrator specialising in broadcast and media solutions. With decades of experience, Gencom is renowned for its innovative designs and exceptional service, helping clients worldwide stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
For further information, please contact:
Amery Carrière
Marketing Manager
Gencom Technology
