Bridging Virtual and Real Worlds: Inspiring Travel through Immersive VR Experiences
As a videographer, the most rewarding thing for me is when someone watches my content and gets a feeling response, they feel something emotionally as opposed to just watching pictures on a screen. In my experience the best way to achieve that response is to create content that makes them feel as though they are there living in the experience. Creatively there's a lot that goes into that, but there are also a lot of technical ways that can be achieved. Stereoscopic / 3D video has always been something that interests me ever since I watched the first Avatar movie in 2012. The ability to perceive physical depth goes such a long way to helping a viewer imagine that they are truly there in a scene. In the last 10+ years since that movie, I've wanted to see how I could bring 3D stereoscopic video into my work, but never truly felt there was a good work flow or distribution method to get it to a mass market in a streamlined or effective way. In recent years the Oculus (now Meta) headsets have continued to evolve and along with Canons new stereoscopic lens release in 2021, I finally felt it was beginning to be the time where I could delve more deeply into this space.
Developing Skills and Building a Library of this Content
In 2022 I was already traveling an awful lot around New Zealand, so I made the effort to shoot stereoscopic content in a wide variety of different beautiful landscapes. This not only developed my skills using the gear (I learnt a lot along the way!) but it also meant I could build a great showreel of different New Zealand landscapes in this format. You can see my Show Reel of footage shot across the country on Youtube and Oculus at the following links. For the best viewing experience, please watch this video using a VR headset. Youtube: https://youtu.be/h9ADfo_evJE Oculus:
The path to achieving high-fidelity stereoscopic video production was not without its challenges. The primary challenge with this particular video format lies in effectively allocating the camera's captured resolution across both eyes. When shooting in 4K, for instance, the resulting output is limited to 2K per eye. Therefore, it becomes crucial to shoot content in at least 8K resolution, and preferably 12K, to achieve a high-fidelity output for each eye. Early VR cameras were unable to offer such capabilities, until Canon introduced their stereoscopic lens towards the end of 2021. This breakthrough allowed the lens to be used alongside their R5/R5C cameras, enabling the capture of 8K resolution. It was at this point that I truly felt the industry was making significant strides towards overcoming this challenge and pushing the boundaries of VR production.
Whilst I invested a lot of time and money in the Canon stereoscopic production, the real limiting factor was still the distribution. For numerous reasons VR headsets have not become more mainstream. I think the key reasons are the price, ergonomics and people haven’t realised how good it is and haven’t experienced really good stereoscopic content (they don’t know what they don’t know).
Apple Vision Pro Headset
Since 2017, rumours have circulated about Apple's entry into the MR (Mixed reality) headset market, which I recognised as a pivotal moment for the industry's advancement. Apple has a reputation for delivering products that offer magical experiences, and while competitors like Oculus, Meta, and Facebook faced skepticism and doubt about the viability of VR headsets, I remained confident in Apple's potential to drive mainstream adoption.
The recent release of the Apple Vision Pro headset in June 2023 marks a significant milestone that could propel the industry forward. Although the headset's initial cost is high and it represents the first generation, I believe now is the opportune time to invest time and skills into this immersive format, positioning ourselves for the future as the market evolves in the years to come.I truly believe we are witnessing the beginning of a significant growth in the VR industry. Personally, I feel a deeper sense of immersion when watching VR content compared to traditional 2D screens. It makes me feel like I am truly present in those places, drawing me into the visual experiences. It's an incredibly exciting time in this rapidly evolving space, and I'm highly motivated to harness the power of VR technology and collaborate with businesses in the tourism industry.
When Apple announced their new headset, the Apple Vision Pro, I created a video tutorial showcasing how to shoot 3D VR volumetric video specifically for this groundbreaking device. If you're interested in exploring the possibilities of this cutting-edge technology and learning the techniques behind capturing immersive experiences, I invite you to watch my video tutorial here: https://youtu.be/RzAQLGlvI_c
So, How Does it Actually Work?
To create stereoscopic / 3D video, a specialized camera rig is used with two wide-view lenses. (I use the Canon RFC 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye 3D VR Lens). These lenses capture two distinct perspectives simultaneously, mimicking how our eyes perceive depth and dimension. This dual perspective is crucial for achieving the immersive 3D effect in virtual reality.
After capturing the footage, specialized software is employed to merge and synchronize the two perspectives into a single cohesive video. This software aligns the left and right eye views, adjusts color and exposure, and ensures proper stereoscopic depth. The goal is to create a seamless and realistic 3D experience that accurately represents the depth and immersion of the captured scene.
Once the stereoscopic video is prepared, it can be viewed using VR headsets. These headsets are equipped with screens that display the merged left and right eye views. When wearing the headset, the user's head movements are tracked, allowing them to look around and explore the scene as if they are physically present in that environment.
The combination of the synchronized video and the user's head movements creates an incredibly lifelike experience. As the viewer looks around, the VR headset adjusts the perspective accordingly, providing an immersive sense of depth, scale, and presence. This level of immersion offers a unique and captivating way to engage with visual content, bringing the scenes to life and evoking a strong feeling of actually being there.
Overall, the process of creating stereoscopic video for VR headsets involves capturing two perspectives, merging them with software, and experiencing the content through VR headsets. This workflow allows for an unparalleled level of immersion, enabling viewers to explore virtual environments as if they were truly present, revolutionising the way we interact with video content.
Production for Tourism Industry
I believe I have a great ability to implement this technology alongside businesses in the tourism industry to more effectively showcase their products in immersive ways to prospective clients. My deep understanding of this technology, along with my technical abilities and gear allow me to create content for the newest generation of immersive headsets. This will well position forward thinking tourism businesses that wish to capture the interest of new customers, utilising these new immersive products. I would love to speak to any businesses that would like to discuss how this technology could be of benefit to their marketing efforts.
The Benefits
VR content offers significant benefits for tourism businesses in their marketing efforts. When it comes to booking a holiday or a tour, emotions play a vital role in decision-making. Potential customers seek experiences that fulfill specific feelings or desires. Therefore, the key to effective marketing lies in providing a glimpse of those experiences in the most immersive way possible. VR content is a powerful tool that allows tourism businesses to do just that. It offers the most experiential platform for showcasing video content, enabling potential customers to truly immerse themselves in the destinations and activities being promoted. By leveraging VR, tourism businesses can give viewers a taste of the experiences they offer before they even arrive, igniting their emotions and desires. This not only sets businesses apart from competitors but also helps attract and captivate potential customers, ultimately driving bookings and conversions. VR content has the unique ability to transport viewers to the heart of a destination, allowing them to visualize and connect with the experience on a deeper level. With VR, tourism businesses can effectively stand out, engage their target audience, and create an emotional connection that compels viewers to choose their offerings for their next unforgettable journey.
VR content not only helps tourism businesses stand out and attract potential customers but also offers accessibility and inclusivity to a wider audience. VR content offers accessibility and inclusivity, allowing tourism businesses to reach a wider audience. By transcending physical limitations and geographical barriers, VR enables individuals with mobility issues or limited resources to virtually explore destinations and engage in activities. It provides an immersive experience from the comfort of their own homes, captivating potential customers who may not have been able to participate in traditional travel. This broader reach creates opportunities for businesses to connect with diverse audiences worldwide, inspiring them to consider future travel plans. VR content opens new horizons and fosters a sense of connection and inclusion, expanding the reach of tourism businesses and inviting individuals from all walks of life to embark on virtual journeys.
Our Unique Approach
One aspect that sets us apart is our dynamic approach to production, facilitated by our motorhome-based studio. (Learn more about us an how we work here). This mobility allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the destinations we serve, staying on-site for the duration of each project. By being physically present in these locations, we have a deep understanding of the environment, culture, and unique experiences that the tourism industry has to offer. This knowledge enables us to create VR content that truly captures the essence of these destinations, providing viewers with a genuine and immersive experience.
Moreover, our technical capabilities in producing 12K stereoscopic video further enhance our ability to create captivating VR content. This high resolution ensures a realistic and detailed output for each eye, maximizing the sense of depth and presence for viewers. With our expertise in VR production and the latest gear, we are well-positioned to support the adoption of this new immersive technology across New Zealand.
Looking Ahead
My future plans in VR content creation are focused on creating immersive experiences that go beyond selling and marketing. I want to inspire viewers to personally engage with the products and services my clients offer. VR content has the incredible power to transport individuals to virtual worlds, but I believe its true potential lies in acting as a catalyst for real-world experiences. By providing a taste of what awaits them, VR content can ignite curiosity and excitement, compelling viewers to step out and personally explore the destinations, activities, or services being showcased.
I strive to strike a balance between virtual immersion and the invitation to experience the authentic in person. My aim is to create content that not only captivates but also drives tangible engagement and participation. By showcasing the wonders of a destination or the unique features of an activity through VR, I hope to inspire viewers to embark on their own unforgettable journeys.
Together with my clients, I am eager to embark on this exciting path, leveraging the power of VR technology to create experiences that not only captivate but also inspire. If you are a tourism business seeking to elevate your marketing efforts and create a lasting impact on your audience, I invite you to reach out and start a conversation. Let's explore how VR content can take your marketing campaigns to new heights and connect with your potential customers on a profound level.
Take the first step towards creating immersive and unforgettable experiences. Contact me today to discuss how VR content can revolutionize your marketing efforts and inspire a new wave of engagement and exploration.