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Mike O'Callaghan is a Lecturer in Animation at Ulster University's Belfast School of Art within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. He teaches on both undergraduate and MA Animation courses while maintaining active research and industry collaborations.
His educational background includes a BA and MA in Computer Games Art. Prior to academia, O'Callaghan built an extensive industry career as a 3D artist working on major television productions including Disney's 'Doc McStuffins' (Peabody Award winner), 'Henry Hugglemonster', 'Octonauts', and the BBC's 'Go Jetters'.
His research focuses on virtual reality storytelling and surreal animation, with particular emphasis on virtual production pipelines for theater applications. His current work integrates digital technology with traditional stagecraft to create innovative performance experiences.
O'Callaghan has been actively involved in several significant research projects including the EPSRC-funded 'Development and Full Integration of VP Pipelines Adapted for Theatre Affordances' and 'XRNetwork+: Virtual Production in the Digital Economy'. His recent activities include virtual production pipeline training sessions, live stage testing of virtual production techniques, and presentations at international events including the Saudi Film Festival.
From 2017-2023, he operated his own animation business 'Oaken Studios' working with clients including Lego and HBO while developing original concepts for VR films and television pitches.
