It’s almost time for another showcase!
On Thursday 16th April 2026, we’re hosting our 7th Immersive Arts Bootcamp Showcase. Running from 1pm – 3pm, the event is an opportunity for the bootcampers to share the results of the intensive 12-week course, which began in January.
This year’s cohort brings together creatives from a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom started with little to no experience using game engines. From graphic designers to tattoo artists and florists, the diversity of creative disciplines means we have a really exciting mix of projects.
Over the course of the bootcamp, participants have developed confidence using Unreal Engine to create their projects, while also picking up skills in Blender and other creative tools. The training has been demanding with full day sessions each week, supported by optional drop-in sessions where the bootcampers could develop their skills and work on their projects.
We have also welcomed industry professionals to share valuable insights into their careers and the industry. A big thank you to Csaba Berenyi, Founder and MD of Sponge Hammer Games, Ben Neal, Co-Founder of Displace Studio; and BOM’s very own Gurvinder Bisran, who shared his career as a 3D Modelling specialist.
Meet our bootcampers and explore their projects
At the showcase, you will be able to walk around the ground floor studio and mezzanine areas at BOM and experience the participants’ work, which ranges from experiences to playable games. There will be a wide range of demos to play, including a walkable 3D environment inspired by theme park rides, a cat-themed graveyard game and an experience exploring historical immersive soundscapes.
Come and meet our participants, chat about their work and play with their projects and check out some of the emerging talent from the Midlands. Here’s a look at some of the projects which will be showcased…
Projects by current participants, Anneka Dinham, Secrets of the Fallen and Luke Kiedron, Blazing Blades.
Our Industry Panel – Taking Root: Make the most of opportunities in the West Midlands
At 2.30pm, we’ll be hosting a short, informal panel with three speakers from across the film and tv, games and heritage sectors. Hosted by our Head of Programme, Louise Latter, we’re excited to welcome Cassie Smyth, co-founder of Reel Brum, Jennifer Koch, who has worked extensively across the Games Industry and Linda Spurdle, a museums and heritage consultant.
Cassie Smyth, Founder of Birmingham Young Film Network and Co-founder of Reel Brum
Cassie Smyth is the founder of Birmingham Young Film Network, co-founder of Reel Brum and former associate producer at Epic Games. Passionate about filmmaking and a proud Midlander, Cassie founded BYFN in 2018 to support, engage and uplift young filmmakers regardless of experience and access in order to foster a connected, collaborative and diverse film community in Birmingham. She has recently expanded on that work through Reel Brum, a community for the wider film and television community in the Midlands.
Jennifer Koch, Games Industry specialist
Jennifer began her career in HR and recruitment and eventually moved into the games industry, gaining hands-on experience in community management, game design and QA testing whilst working with studios like Kwalee, Rebellion, and Double Eleven. She’s worked on titles such as Fallout 76, Red Dead Redemption and Age of Empires IV. Alongside this she is a keen supporter of community initiatives, content creation and making the games industry more accessible.
Linda Spurdle, Museums and Culture Consultant
Linda is a Museums, Heritage and Culture consultant with over 20 years of experience in the cultural sector, specialising in digital strategy, engagement, and large-scale transformation projects, including leadership roles at Birmingham Museums Trust. She has expertise in collections digitisation, funding bids, and digital curation, alongside a strong passion for heritage and placemaking. Linda is particularly focused on bridging the gap between technology and the cultural sector, helping organisations understand digital innovation, including generative AI and AI policies, while fostering collaborative, accessible, and impactful ways of working.
Laura Veart, CreaTech Frontiers Cluster Manager
Laura has been part of Birmingham City University’s Innovation Centre, STEAMhouse for almost 10 years, she is now the Cluster Manager for CreaTech Frontiers Programme, an AHRC-funded regional cluster whose aim is to support createch businesses in the West Midlands to innovate. The programme supports SMEs, micro-business and individuals in a wide range of creative sub-sectors, including live performance, immersive experiences, digital heritage, gaming, creative computing, and virtual production. We provide grant funding to regional companies and freelancers for collaborative R&D with academics, specialist training and business support.
Virtual Production Suite
We’ll also have our Virtual Production Suite open during the event, with live demos taking place. Meet the team and find out more about the space. We’ll be running motion capture demonstrations and the team will be on hand to answer any questions and how BOM can support your project.
Drinks and Snacks
Light refreshments will be available. Please do let us know of any dietary requirements when you RSVP below.
Tickets
Tickets are free! However, RSVPs are essential. See you there!
RSVP HERE
Image Credit: Photography of our December 2026 bootcamp by Angela Grabowska.
