VR is the new buzz word of 2016, it seems to have come into focus almost overnight, unless you have been a pioneer in the bleeding edge VR space as some have for the past twenty years, cue http://virtualrealitybrisbane.com
At the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) earlier this year, several sessions were held on VR and its impact on film making and gaming in the future. We were able to watch the response of audience members who had experienced VR for the first time, and I have to say it impacts people in a unique way.
Screen Queensland were quick to innovate and create a scheme in partnership with SBS that has blown the lid off VR almost overnight. The initiative will mean four films are made for VR and will be screened via SBS as part of their “untold stories” brand. You can view the initiative on Screen QLDs website here.
To help those looking to enter a submission, Screen Queensland partnered with QUT, Cutting Edge, Khemistry and Light Weave to immerse film makers, writers, directors and producers into the opportunities that exist within the the VR space.
And VR is finding its voice alongside traditional techniques by allowing the user to feel what it is like to be in the story. The total visual and auditory experience is something that allows the user to feel like they are actually there. No interference from competing stimuli, just you and the world you find yourself in, and it’s extremely powerful. The benefit for organisations is the ability to connect your audience with your cause or message in a way that otherwise would only be achievable by physically being there.
This brave new world is causing a complete rethink for an industry that has become used to controlling the narrative of what the viewer sees. It means becoming relaxed with the viewer defining their own experience and spending more time controlling the environment and the audio and visual cues to guide the viewer where to look.
VR will become increasingly mainstream not only in the film and tv space, but in marketing and corporate communications. Millennials are digital natives when it comes to new technology, but surprisingly VR is being marketed to cashed up Baby Boomers as is evident from several manufacturers and their ad campaigns.
From the slow release of products coming on to the market it seems VR manufacturers have learned from the mistakes of other technologies and are working to get it right. Whatever happens VR is here to stay and the power of this emerging technology can’t be ignored.