Motion capture company takes a leap into Cornwall

A London-based performance capture company responsible for bringing some of the world’s best-loved films and games alive, has expanded to Cornwall.

Centroid boasts one of the industry’s largest and most advanced facilities available today and has produced performance capture for a long list of well-known films, games and television, including Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, Spectre, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tomb Raider, and Magic the Gathering.

Keen to play a part in Cornwall’s burgeoning screen industry, the company has registered an office at Newquay’s CSpace and plans to forge links with the local universities and colleges to help bridge the gap between business and education.

CEO Phil Stilgoe comments:

“I was born in Cornwall and to be honest, as a teenager in the mid-eighties, I couldn’t wait to leave. Living inland, I didn’t have the beauty of the coastline, or the lifestyle associated with an upbringing in Cornwall. And from a career perspective, my knowledge of opportunities was very restricted; farming, police, army, or catering college – hence wanting to leave the region for other opportunities.”

“The transformation of Cornwall has been incredible and today it’s completely different to the place I grew up in. Post-pandemic, it’s become apparent that it’s no longer necessary for a business like mine to be completely London-centric, so that, combined with the fact that Cornwall is now a creative and cultural hub that’s bursting with opportunity and resource, is what has led me to set up an office here.”

As part of the company’s expansion, Phil has been working closely with Cornwall Trade and Investment and Screen Cornwall.

Laura Giles, Managing Director of Screen Cornwall, commented:

“Creative industries in Cornwall are thriving, and the screen sector is a huge part of this. We are thrilled that a company such as Centroid has spotted the growing opportunities within the region, and will become an invaluable part of the growth of the sector, as well as providing skilled jobs”

Nicola Lloyd, Director of Cornwall Trade and Investment said:

“We are delighted to welcome Centroid 3D to the Cornish business community. Joining a talented and growing creative sector, they bring an impressive track record and enviable client list – I’m excited to see their growth plans for Cornwall come to fruition, as well as see their plans to inspire and work with the next generation come to life.”

The plan is for Centroid to grow in Cornwall and be able to offer career opportunities in performance capture to the next generation. In the meantime, it plans to help drive the creative and digital industries in the region by offering up its expertise and equipment as part of new relationships formed with local organisations, schools, colleges and universities.