APRIL 2025 – EXPANDING THE REACH OF SPATIAL VIDEO
Sure, VR with spatial/immersive/stereoscopic video is a great experience. But, even on Oculus, in terms of Users, it feels niche. When you shift the discussion to Blackmagic and Apple Vision Pro, now we’re into sub-sub-niche turf. Fantastic quality, but low consumption at a very high price (but, glad they are doing it). (Noting, we use Blackmagic’s Da Vinci Resolve for our editing, which is exceptionally reasonable)
What if we could expand the use of the VR footage to the web browser for traditional screens and mobile AR? It would be a different experience, but, would we delivermore “depthiness” — more presence and intimacy for the User?
Since it will probably be awhile before everyone had 3D screens on their desks or mobile devices, we focused on solutions for today.
Earlier this month, we shared some early test shots during NAB (well received). We are exploring integrations with established AR platforms. And, yup, we’ve got demos from a recent shoot to share. Give us a shout if you’re interested.
MARCH 2025 – THE TRIP FROM VOLUMETRIC TO SPATIAL
We’ll save the story of the past year+ for another day. Today, we are looking forward, as we commence our new venture into spatial video production and distribution. We are excited to work with a production format that is not restricted in terms of visual style and creativity on Set or in Post. Image quality is exceptional. We have attracted traditional video professionals to this space (in part, because this format utilizes tools and techniques that are familiar to them rather than alien); as well, we have launched, in Beta, a web-based distribution platform for spatial content with pending integration for further AR channels.
Looking forward to the stories we create and can tell…
While we often have platform preferences, we are platform agnostic — And, always exploring new volumetric tools that are the best fit for whatever application we are producing.
Recently, we were fascinated by Volograms latest offering “Messages.” Side Note: The Volograms team are extremely important to the volumetric industry with their innovations and consumer facing products.
After some quick tests, we brought in a DP, lighting and talent to see what quality level we could hit. Here is the result (for webAR):
#volumetric video – Working with traditional film DP to explore methods for on-set lighting of volumetric talent.
MAY 2023 – Pondering Volumetric Video, Augmented Reality and Story
Sometimes we’ll take a step back and question this quest we’re on: Converging volumetric video with augmented reality (AR) to create storied engagements.
It seems as if there would be far more activity pursuing this format – We hope there will be.
I was having a discussion with a fairly well known AR company executive the other day that triggered this Post. His take on AR was that it’s interactive features were what was driving Users. However, also noting that AR still had a long way to go before becoming a mainstream media format.
Not everyone (perhaps, no one) will agree with this analysis, but, here it goes…
- Lean forward and Lean back variables for defining “immersive media” are overly simplistic
- The most “immersive media” formats are film, live music, followed closely by recorded music and theater
- What is meant by “most?” Those media formats engage a range of senses and emotions that are far more complex and deeper than “clicking.” Going further, they are also formats that trigger memories with accompanying emotions. And, in the cases of live music, an individual can become one part of a unit of 20,000 that has a life of its own…
Volumetric video delivers human performance into 3D spaces – AR and VR (Cumulatively XR).
Augmented Reality is content most widely consumed via mobile device, but, glasses and holographic screens are emerging as distribution platforms.
Augmented reality with human performance is a new language of film…With all the potential to complement one of the most immersive of medias.
Basically, volumetric video can evolve AR from “clicks” to engaging with human emotions. And, like film and television, this is all best when wrapped up in a story.
We are only just scratching the surface of incorporating volumetric video content with augmented reality. We’re bringing film makers into the process…and Actors…to see what we can create. It’s exciting times. Our hope is that with the costs of production and distribution dropping, we’ll see many more productions explore this format and deliver meaningful, immersive experiences to many.
NOVEMBER 2022
Opening November 2022, the Spatial Cowboy Studios’ Volumetric Video stage; Houston-based, yet portable. For recorded and real-time volumetric content.
MARCH 2022
We had a fantastic time @ SXSW this year – Running workshops, demos and panels for independent volumetric video production which included SOAR VOLUMETRIC, AMP CREATIVE, VOLOGRAMS and special guests from SENSE OF SPACE. Please to see old, and make new, friends during our time in Austin…Showreel below:
CLICK FOR SXSW EVENT DESCRIPTION: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2022/events/PP119638