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Filmmakers and journalists are using virtual reality to trick audiences’ brains into believing that they are in a new environment.
At the Sundance Film Festival, a current exhibition is showcasing the technology through several films that creators say give a new look to real-life events. “Project Syria” recreates events in Aleppo, Syria, placing viewers on a street where a bombing occurs.
Virtual reality could engage new audiences in the news and real-world events, explains Nonny de la Pena, creator of “Project Syria.”
“Younger audiences are growing up now very comfortable with digital environments, with having avatars, and they may not be reading the newspaper or watching television,” she said.
Chris Milk, founder of VRSE.com, described a traditional viewing experience on TV or a computer as a flat, rectangular “window” that a viewer looks through to perceive a story.
Virtual reality changes the experience by simulating a new environment, which “tricks” the brain into engaging with the story in a new way, Milk said, “It is essentially hacking your audio and visual system.”
The concept of virtual reality dates back to 1968, when computer scientist Ivan Sutherland created a head mounted device that displayed images to a viewer. But no one has yet created a widely-popular virtual reality experience, and several companies are developing the new technology.
Facebook recently purchased Oculus VR, which is developing a new head-mounted virtual reality product. Oculus VR’s Story Studio will explore using virtual reality in narrative films.
Warm up questions
- What is virtual reality? Have you ever experienced it? When and where?
- Why do you think virtual reality technology has not become a mainstream experience yet?
Critical thinking questions
- What are some positive and negative consequences of virtual reality becoming as widespread as video games?
- Do you think virtual reality is a good way to engage students in the news? Would it make you more likely to pay attention to the news?
