SoCal VR Conference: What Will It Take to Move Virtual Reality to the Mainstream?
“It’s not just sticking a camera on something and recording in 360 degrees,” said Jim Willson, director of immersive products/VR for Samsung. “There has to be a reason and rationale. The production needs to be thought out in a way that you take advantage of the 360-degree environment. Filmmakers are trying to figure out what does this mean. How do they control the narrative?”
Samsung’s app Milk VR, which streams VR content, now offers about 200 experiences, and Willson reports that “filmmakers and production companies that we are working with now have better understanding of camera placement, lighting and the post production quality is going up significantly.”
Sports is one possible answer, and Samsung’s Milk VR is testing the waters with the recent launch of a U.S. Olympic Committee Reality Experience, which will to offer a 360-degree view of beach volleyball, diving, gymnastics and polo vaulting. Featured athletes include women’s beach volleyball team members Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat, diving gold medalist David Boudia, pole vaulter Mary Saxer and gymnast John Orozco.
Also during the SoCal VR conference, California Science Center board of trustees member David Knight gave a featured talk about the virtual reality shoot that he exec produced to give viewers access to the Space Shuttle Endeavour (which is housed at the center). This footage is available on Milk VR, and additional footage will be used for the permanent Endeavour display, which is scheduled to open in a new pavilion at the center during 2018.
See the full story here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/socal-vr-conference-virtual-realitys-808226