ELIZA: An experimental dance film from ViridianLAB

ELIZA (working title) is a new experimental dance film from York-based ViridianLAB (the R&D arm of York-based visual-effects studio Viridian FX), featuring renowned dancers PeiJu Chien-Pott and Devon Lewis, with choreography by Darshan Singh Bhuller.

Set in a future world shaped by virtual media and simulation, the film uses dance to explore the relationship between a man and an artificial humanoid, and the tension between digital perfection and real physical connection. 

During a three-day shoot, the ViridianLAB team utilised motion capture facilities and technical expertise in the XR Stories immersive R&D lab, alongside green-screen facilities at the University of York. 

This latest collaboration builds on the long-standing partnership between XR Stories, Viridian FX and the University of York.

Ben Price, Producer at ViridianLAB comments: “The collaboration feels particularly fitting in York, a UNESCO City of Media Arts, a designation that recognises the city’s strengths in creative talent, world-class learning institutions, digital innovation and media arts. 

“ELIZA is intended to embody that spirit: a locally rooted project built around experimentation, collaboration and the exchange of ideas between artists, technologists, researchers and industry.”

The film marks the launch of Viridian Academy, a new apprenticeship initiative from ViridianLAB that is open for applications until 1 October 2026. The Academy gives emerging creative talent the opportunity to learn alongside professional artists on real projects, developing practical skills across VFX and compositing, CG and 3D, production and post-production, storytelling and emerging technologies.

Email the XR Stories team to explore options to utilise the project’s immersive R&D lab facilities and in-house expertise to develop, test and refine your immersive project.

Categories: Film, Performance, Technology