Media company explores new digital health care innovation

University and with expertise from Canterbury Christ Church University, Maidstone Studios and Screen South Folkestone, the project presented a golden opportunity to experiment and develop new skills.

The team at Square Stone Media are passionate about making strategic video content for STEM sector organisations. Their background in science and technology makes them uniquely qualified to communicate the activities and achievements of their clients that range from manufacturers to leading science institutes. Now they are not just capturing stories of innovation, they are innovating themselves.

In 2021 members of the team enrolled in the Hi3 Network, a government backed scheme to stimulate research collaborations between academics and creative businesses based in the South East. Led by London South Bank local services commissioned by Kent County Council – such as Live Well Kent (in partnership with the NHS) and One You Kent – are on hand to support because a healthy body supports a well mind.

As a result, the Hi3 programme has equipped the Square Stone team members with new knowledge in Virtual Reality design, 3D photogrammetry and 360 cinematography. The technology is so exciting that Square Stone director, Dr Dominic Rees-Roberts, was inspired to initiate a new research project. He drew on his research experience gained during his PhD at Imperial College London to develop a novel VR application aimed at helping young people who hear voices. VR is a rapidly growing field in the mental health sector. In collaboration with LSBU researcher Dr Preethi Premkumar, the team has identified a new therapeutic VR concept that they hope will benefit the many thousands of young people who hear voices across the UK.

The Square Stone team are also excited to offer new XR approaches for their clients. Immersive media such as VR, augmented reality and extended reality has the potential to engage audiences more deeply and leave a lasting impression.