Virtual Reality: Perception, Production, Possibilities

Virtual Reality is a multi-billion dollar industry that is growing each day. Seemingly born out of video games and film, it is naturally catching-on as a new medium that allows for endless possibilities in entertainment, marketing, education and visual storytelling. Today’s expert is Michael Grabowski, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair of the Communication department at Manhattan College. He began his career in television over two decades ago and his work on documentaries, short and feature films, commercials, music videos and news has been seen at the Guggenheim, the Smithsonian, in several film festivals, and on several broadcast and cable networks. Dr. Grabowski’s research in neuroscience, film history and virtual reality converge to provide a unique perspective on this emerging new phenomenon. In this episode, we’ll explore: -the difference between Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality. -how VR works to create an immersive environment with a stereoscopic 360 degree view and spatial audio. -the director’s role in VR production and design. -different ways to create VR: 360 degree video vs computer animated 3D worlds (using software like Maya, Unreal Engine or Unity). We learn about how VR challenges our multi-sensory perception, making users of VR active experiencers rather than just passive viewers. Beyond our five senses, VR activates our thermoception, proprioception, linear acceleration, and our vestibular sense. However, with this great power comes great responsibility. For producers of VR, we discuss the ethical considerations so as to not create “bad VR”. Dr. Grabowski shares his predictions for future content and experimental work in VR, how its emergence will compare to that of TV, and why we shouldn’t think of VR in the same way as we do film. With 4D rides in amusement parks, fully immersive video games, and VR documentaries challenging our ideas of what film can be, this episode is a must-listen. LINKS: The McGurk effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-lN8vWm3m0 www.MichaelGrabowski.com www.twitter.com/filmgrabowski Clarity for your Creative Career: www.LauraMeoli.com/book Ideal Career Assessment Video: https://youtu.be/xc0_QiV6IFU Listen to more episodes of the LoudaVision Podcast: www.LoudaVision.com Follow me on the social media: @LoudaVision Image Credit: Alexandre Girardeau