presents
Paignton Picture House
-Digital Stories-
-Digital Stories-
presented by Digital Media Students of
presents
Paignton Picture House
-Digital Stories-
-Digital Stories-
presented by Digital Media Students of
In this section, South Devon College takes a closer look at the educational potential of the Paignton Picture House and the broader cultural heritage of Torbay. We are committed to creating engaging educational content that brings the rich history and significance of these landmarks to life for the younger generation. Through storytelling, creative projects, and collaborative learning, we aim to make culture in Torbay accessible and inspiring for all, ensuring that its legacy continues to thrive within our community.
In an effort to digitally preserve one of the UK’s oldest surviving cinemas, we conducted a comprehensive 3D LiDAR scan of the Paignton Picture House before its renovations. Using the cutting-edge Leica BLK360 LiDAR scanner, we captured intricate details of the historic structure, ensuring that its pre-renovation state was archived with precision.
Working alongside students and leveraging our academic partnership with Epic Games, we utilised RealityCapture software to process the scan data into high-resolution 3D mesh models. This meticulous process allowed us to generate an accurate digital representation of the space, which could then be imported into industry-standard 3D production tools for further development.
To bring the scan to life, we used Blender to animate a smooth flythrough of the digital model, providing an immersive virtual tour of the venue. To enhance realism, we applied Physically Based Rendering (PBR) techniques to accurately simulate the lighting conditions within the historic cinema, adding depth and atmosphere to the final visualisation.
This project not only served as a valuable educational opportunity for students but also ensured that the legacy of the Paignton Picture House remains accessible in digital form for future generations. As the building undergoes its transformation, our detailed 3D scans stand as a testament to its storied past, preserving its unique architectural features for historical reference and virtual exploration.
Bringing the Paignton Picture House to Life Through Interactive Gaming
As part of an innovative digital preservation project, a team of four second-year students developed an interactive game inspired by the historic Paignton Picture House. Working with the venue’s brief, the students created a unique experience where players can pick up film reels and play them on the projector, immersing themselves in the magic of cinema’s golden age.
The game was developed in Unreal Engine 5, utilising cutting-edge technology to recreate elements of the Picture House in an interactive format. Initially, the students aimed to build a full VR walkthrough of the space, incorporating the detailed 3D LiDAR scan of the venue. However, to ensure a focused and polished experience, they concentrated their efforts on crafting a smaller-scale minigame that captures the essence of the Picture House.
Over the course of two months, the students operated as a mini studio, with each team member assigned specific roles and responsibilities. They worked to tight deadlines, mimicking industry workflows and gaining invaluable hands-on experience in game development, project management, and immersive storytelling.
This project not only provided students with a professional development opportunity but also contributed to the ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the Paignton Picture House. By blending historical preservation with interactive technology, the students have helped create a new way for audiences to engage with and appreciate the cinema’s storied past.
Torbay’s Cultural Development - Paignton Picture House is a collaboration between Torbay Council, Paignton Picture House Trust, Torbay Culture, South Devon College and the Agatha Christie Festival Limited. It is supported by the Cultural Development Fund (CDF), a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) fund, administered by Arts Council England
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.