Last year we told you about Ten 24’s latest venture, the Sapiens Project, in the company’s Spotlight. The project has officially launched this week with a unique scanning studio based at Orchard Square. This is a really exciting milestone and will give the company and its innovative and ambitious project amazing visibility in the city centre. Here is the press release with more details (including how you can get scanned and earn £40!).

Ten24 studio, well-known for its award-winning character work in the games, film and television industry, has this week launched The Sapiens Project, an initiative to create one of the most expansive libraries of 3D face scans, with this first world-leading studio to be located at Orchard Square, Sheffield.

The Project has been developed to capture 3D faces to diversify game characters and enhance human–machine interfaces in fields such as medical technology, robotics, transport and customer service.

Participants wanting to help inform the future of realistic digital characters, products and research can earn £40 by taking part in a quick 10-minute scanning session at the Orchard Square based studio.

Discussing the project, James Busby from Ten24 said: “The Sapiens Project is about more than just gaming: it seeks to reflect the true range of human appearance. Those who participate will help to develop digital creation to support a range of sectors. Think of it as a peek behind the curtain of how today’s most realistic virtual humans are made!”

Busby continues: “The 3D face scan is a high-quality digital model of a face, created by capturing multiple images from different angles in one go. Rather than anything dramatic like lasers or X-rays, think more along the lines of a professional photoshoot rather a than secret spy lab. We simply use an array of DSLR cameras snapping simultaneously to create what’s needed.”

Shay Murray, Centre Manager at Orchard Square, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Ten24 Sapiens Project to the Square, offering a central and easily accessible location for this first-ever store of its kind.

“The advent of this trusted technique in the video and gaming industry, serving many sectors from creating lifelike digital characters to supporting medical research and technological innovation, indicates an exciting new era for the high street, and is what our customers are coming to expect. At Orchard Square we are proud to be part of that.”

Ben Carlin, Producer at Ten24, added: “We explored several locations around the city centre but Orchard Square instantly felt like a friendly and vibrant oasis.

“We’ve always worked quietly behind the scenes with high-profile clients, so opening our doors to the public is a major leap for us. Studio Jim has truly blown us away with the design and fit-out—stepping into our new space feels like stepping into the future—and Peter & Paul have given us a bold brand presence. It’s been a real team effort, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Participants must be over 18 years of age and will be provided with a vest top and have a wig cap fitted – but no acting skills are required!

Each session takes about 10 minutes, during which participants review and sign a Model Release form before being scanned; £40 in cash is provided immediately afterwards. Take a look at the video below to see what the experience will be like.

Data taken will never be used in sexually explicit content or for government or state surveillance. All personal data, including biometric information, is handled ethically and securely, in full compliance with GDPR regulations, to protect privacy and data integrity.

Bookings can be made online at www.sapiens-booking.com or arranged in person at Ten24’s Orchard Square studio.