Capital E has appointed new Acting MediaLab Coordinator, Samuel Phillips who has taken over from Carl Rayner who recently moved to Singapore to start his new teaching journey. Samuel Phillips had already been working alongside Carl in MediaLab delivering the great programmes on offer for young people.

We asked Sam a few tech and MediaLab questions so you can get to know what he’s all about.

What are you most looking forward to in the MediaLab for 2016?

“The MediaLab is an awesome multimedia suite where we intrepidly explore media, technology and digital worlds. In 2016 we’re edging towards the cutting edge.

We’re all about getting tomorrow’s technology and tomorrow’s leaders together to see what they can create. I’m most excited about seeing young thinkers, makers and producers diving into the deep end and creating new things for a better tomorrow.”

In your opinion, which are the coolest programmes in the MediaLab?

“In the MediaLab we can print 3D objects, design games, tell stories in 2D, 3D and virtual environments and code phones and Raspberry Pi Computers. We work together to explore how sound, music, lighting and technology can craft moods, atmospheres and experiences and we’re always learning new ways of doing things.

I love the programmes that push us to the edge of what we know; what could we 3D print to make the world a better place? How can we explore worlds in Virtual Reality? What new stories can we tell with 2D animation? What can we build with Raspberry Pi computers the size of a credit card?”

Are there any exciting projects you’re currently working on?

“The MediaLab is always exploring new things. On any day we can be a secret lab, a visual effects studio, a programming house, or a gaming arcade. We’re always seeking out the latest technology for young people in Aotearoa to create and invent with. At the moment we’re exploring telling stories in 360 degree videos, making animated characters more human with motion capture and finding ways of augmenting reality using smart phones.”

There’s some pretty rad technology being developed in the world. What do you think is the next big thing?

“The world is getting smarter, smaller and more accessible every day. I reckon soon you’ll come to MediaLab and use augmented reality to learn about new technology, then get into your car that will autonomously drive you home, and a computer will turn on your lights and your TV and cook your dinner!

Most importantly though the next big thing is a world full of imaginative, creative, curious leaders exploring the uncharted waters of digital media.”