A NEW PROJECT is being launched that aims to provide digital skills training in the form of flexible evening and weekend classes throughout Moray.
The Creative Reality Academy will focus on short interactive media course, including 3-D modelling and animation, video game and app development, programming and digital art work.
Behind the project is Strange High House Ltd., a computer development start-up operated by Gary Groves who until recently was the program leader of the BA(Hons) Interactive Media degree at Moray College UHI.
Gary is also well known in Moray as a key organiser behind the Moray Game Jam and is currently working on his first computer game which will be released in 2017.
Speaking of his latest educational project Gary said: “Digital media is an area which encourages both technical and creative qualities and I’m really excited to be able to bring a series of leisure classes in the field to the local area.
“For me, it’s about sharing my passion for creating interactive experiences and hopefully inspiring people to venture into a field which is a huge economic growth area and a key priority for the Scottish Government.
“The goal for me is not digital literacy but digital creativity – how we can use the latest technologies to bring about new experiences.”
The classes will launch on Tuesday, November 15 for four weeks, giving participants an intro to digital sculpting – one of the fastest growing approaches to 3D modelling for games, animation and film.
It offers an intuitive approach to 3D modelling geared towards the creation of organic shapes, creatures and characters. The course is open to everyone regardless of skill level and does not require any prior knowledge.
Classes will initially be hosted at Northport Studio in Elgin, for whom director Tom Duncan said: “Whether in film or games or design, we see our ever-growing studio as a hub for digital creatives.
“Gary and the Creative.Reality.Academy are the perfect fit for us – his passionate and professional approach totally mirror the values we seek to embody on a day-to-day basis in industry. We’re delighted to host this first programme at Northport Studio and excited to welcome in the next generation of coders and developers who capitalise on this great opportunity.”
For more information check out the website or follow on Facebook. You can also email creative@reality.academy for more information about the project or if you have any further questions.