Virtual Reality initiatives for ABC and SBS

Both ABC and SBS have announced virtual reality initiatives for filmmakers in NSW and Queensland, respectively.

The content will play across various platforms including iOS, Android, Gear VR, Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Rift.

ABC:

ABC and Screen NSW are pleased to announce that they will partner on Australia’s first ever Virtual Reality development initiative – 360 Vision.

ABC and Screen NSW announced today at the Australian International Documentary Conference that they will create an opportunity for leading Australian producers, directors and writers across all genres – including drama, factual, children’s and entertainment – to move into more immersive storytelling experiences.

360 Vision will begin with an intensive one-day invitation-only lab at Carriageworks, the venue partner, to be held during Vivid Sydney in June. The lab will bring together screen content creators to experience the latest Virtual Reality content and technology. There will be panel discussions, screenings and networking opportunities with leading Virtual Reality storytellers and technical experts from around the world.

Presenting at the lab and participating in the initiative as a mentor, is Australia’s Lynette Wallworth, the first artist ever selected for the Sundance Institute New Frontier/Jaunt VR Residency Program. Ms Wallworth’s groundbreaking project Collisions, supported by the Adelaide Film Festival, premiered in January at the World Economic Forum, Davos, and at the Sundance Film Festival.

Following the lab, submissions will be sought for Virtual Reality content across all genres, with up to six projects for further development.

Richard Finlayson, ABC Director of Television, said: “ABC has a proud tradition of innovation in both content and platforms. This is a pioneering opportunity, in partnership with Screen NSW, to create a pathway for Australia’s most innovative screen content creators to move into the new frontier of Virtual Reality.”

Courtney Gibson, Chief Executive of Screen NSW, said: “Virtual Reality is a space in which the world’s biggest technology and entertainment companies are starting to seriously play. The time feels right for Australian producers, writers and directors of screen content to come together with technical experts from the VR world to explore the possibilities of 360 degree storytelling for Australian audiences.”

Screen NSW is developing its own Virtual Reality platform for iOS, Android, Gear VR and the web and this will be powered by Triggar VR. Audiences will be able download the app to experience Virtual Reality content. Triggar has developed Virtual Reality apps for clients including Airbus and the United Nations and is working closely with Google now.

SBS:

SBS and Screen Queensland today called on filmmakers across Queensland to be part of a new Virtual Reality project to bring documentaries about Australian life to audiences across the country for the second season of SBS series Untold Australia. Submissions open today.

Up to four talented Queensland filmmakers or teams will be commissioned to develop, produce and market Virtual Reality (VR) short-form documentaries exploring the diversity of Australia’s people, their cultures and lifestyles.

SBS Director of Television and Online Content Marshall Heald said: “SBS is thrilled to partner with Screen Queensland to bring Australians this cutting edge step in how we view and interact with documentaries.

“Virtual Reality documentaries utilise 360° video and/or computer-generated interactive media to create an immersive story that brings the viewer closer to the subject matter.

“The Untold Australia series explores Australian communities that are often overlooked or unheard from, and this remarkable technology gives our audiences an opportunity to gain a greater understanding and insight into their world in season two.”

Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira said: “We are excited to be working with SBS on this new Virtual Reality initiative. Screen Queensland remains committed to growing our state’s industry base and unearthing new voices and stories, and creating opportunities for our industry to learn new skills.

“Millions of people in the world are already enjoying Virtual Reality, experiencing scenes and stories with a 360° view as if they were there, in person. 

“We want to ensure Queensland practitioners are ahead of the game in producing great experiences on the VR platform and learning the technical skills needed to forge ahead into a future in content creation that is happening now.”

SBS is calling Queensland filmmakers and teams to create stories and experiences that uncover non mainstream subcultures or a fresh take on how to create greater understanding and acceptance on culturally sensitive issues. All submissions must exploit the full potential of immersive VR.

Queensland filmmakers should submit a 2-4 page proposal on how they will develop and produce computer-generated interactive media, observational documentary or any technique that suits immersive story telling. Submissions will be produced in (but not limited to) Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Rift with suggested length 3 – 15 minutes.