Flipbook Studio Lights Up Printworks Manchester with Ground Breaking Digital Artistry

In the heart of Manchester, Flipbook Studio, renowned for its multi award-winning work in Animation, Visual Effects, and post-production, has recently unveiled its latest contribution to the city's cultural landscape at Manchester’s iconic Printworks. The studio, recognised for its storytelling prowess and innovative spirit, has played a critical role in the transformation of Printworks, now home to the largest digital ceiling in Europe.

The ambitious project, part of a £21 million refurbishment of the hugely popular Manchester entertainment centre, included the installation of an awe-inspiring, 1000m2 digital screen on its ceiling. This has transformed the venue into an immersive, interactive, digital space, with the screens enveloping the central public walkways, streaming content in a vibrant fusion of colour and sound. This ground breaking development will change the face of experiential leisure in the UK and it stands as testament to the vibrant creative vision and talent that exists in Manchester.

A Creative Endeavor Like No Other

The transformation of Printworks into an immersive, digital haven was no small feat. The process demanded a merging of creativity and technological prowess. Together with fellow content creators ADI.tv who also installed the LED screens, Flipbook marshalled a dedicated team of digital artists to conceive and realise a programme of compelling visual narratives, unlike anything seen before. From the germination of initial ideas and storyboarding to the intricate processes of animation, compositing, and sound design, the collective effort was aimed at producing a rich tapestry of visual delights. Stunning animated content includes cute, but mischievous, creatures, journeys through space, jungles and stunning, playful pieces which will run throughout the day and night in specially programmed times.  The screen content will rotate against a seasonal calendar of activity meaning visitors will always be greeted by something new.

Andrew Lord, co-founder and director of Flipbook Studio, shared his enthusiasm for the project: "We’re thrilled to have played a pivotal role in transforming Printworks in Manchester into a ground breaking experiential entertainment venue. It was a unique opportunity for us to push the boundaries of digital storytelling, allowing us to explore the full spectrum of our creative capabilities. By infusing the space with a variety of thematic elements, we sought to create moments of wonder and enchantment, making every visit to Printworks a journey through a vibrant, richly animated world. It's a proud moment for us and a significant milestone for the creative landscape in Manchester and beyond."

Transforming the Space into Story

Flipbook, in conceptualising the visual content for the LED ceiling screens, were inspired by a vision to transform the space into a living entity, an immersive environment, that not only entertained but also transcended the ordinary. “Our goal was to make the physical building part of the experience, effectively bringing the outside in and taking the building and everyone in it, to new and fantastical worlds. We set out to develop a varied collection of content designed to enchant and entertain, mixing elements of whimsy with humour, and the eerie with the magnificent, all while weaving stories that connect with a broad spectrum of viewers” explained Andrew.

With an intent to surprise and delight, Flipbook Studio, along with partners ADI.tv, has ensured that every journey through Printworks is an unforgettable experience. The diversity of the content guarantees that there is something for everyone, making Printworks a must-visit destination in the UK’s entertainment scene.