Centre for Research in the Digital Entertainment and Media Industries

Themes

Summary

The Centre for Research in the Digital Entertainment and Media Industries (DEMI) was developed to provide a rigorous research base for the study of screen-based industries including games, film, television, animation, AR/VR/XR, simulations and virtual production.

Our aim

Working with internationally established research and innovation staff to deliver innovative solutions to our partners in industry, the public sector, the third sector and the wider community – regionally, nationally, and internationally.

The revenue generated by the world's entertainment and media industry is expected to grow to more than $2.5 trillion by 2025. Within that, the UK is forecast to become one of the world's largest national markets, with predictions suggesting a market share in excess of £88 billion, and in response to levelling up initiatives, much of that growth outside of London.

The Centre for Research in the Digital Entertainment and Media Industries (DEMI) was developed in response to this growth to establish a rigorous research base for the study of the media industries. We are dedicated to the creation of an embedded research and innovation culture across all our activities, ensuring the integration of a research-led curriculum that draws upon the work that we are doing in the Centre.

We have specialisms that are interested in the role of a of screen organisations and institutions, screen production distribution and consumption networks, the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the screen industries, the role of health and well-being and the importance of media literacy initiatives and, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the contemporary screen industries, members of the Centre come from across the University and from a variety of different disciplines: from film, music and games to photography and fine, architecture and philosophy.

Group leader

Dr Kieran Hicks

Course Director

Dr Kieran Hicks is a game design lecturer, they are the director of the DEMI research centre. Their research explores games from user-based and design-based lenses, using games as a tool to engage diverse groups in beneficial activity.

Kieran's profile

Researchers within Centre for Research in the Digital Entertainment and Media Industries

Dr Islam Abohela

Senior Lecturer

Islam is the Architecture Course Leader. He is an Architect with extensive experience in the design and construction of the built environment. Islam’s research focuses on the intersections between Architecture, Film and Sustainability.

Islam's profile

Michael Safaric Branthwaite

Associate Professor

I am a Contemporary Fine Artist as well as an active researcher in integrated practices. My main area of interest is the use of technology and the digitisation of History and Heritage

Michael's profile

Professor Ian Brown

Professor

Prof. Brown’s research investigates how contemporary social identity is constructed through rituals of consumption within popular culture. His research also explores the Invented World and the Natural World, including plant/human relations.

Ian's profile
for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021