Virtual Reality
When I was at Disney in the ’80s, VR was trying hard to break into mainstream media. I was totally in, and went along with Captain EO as a reasonable 3D substitute for what I knew was going to be great. Not many others thought so. BTW, there’s a bootleg, below. If you’ve never seen it you should. Michael Jackson, “goin’ in”. Awesome.
In the 90’s I was into it with Virtual Boy and movies like Lawnmower Man. Nobody else was that into it.
In the 2000’s I was waiting, but got really deeply involved in 3D animation. But I never really forgot VR.
Virtual Reality is Here
It’s been a long time coming, but it seems Virtual Reality is finally here to stay. The gear is still pricey, and the content isn’t there yet, but if audiences at Sundance and SXSW are to be believed, this is going to be very, very exciting.
I’ve pulled together a group of visionaries to form a VR Animation Studio ardeeXYZ, and we’re recording a weekly podcast to discuss what’s new and up and coming in VR animated films. We’re also talking about more traditional media like theatre and film and how it may be changed by VR.
It’s going to be great. If you’re into VR or think you might be, be sure to follow us on Twitter. And let me know what you think of this new storytelling technique.