We strapped onto the new generation of virtual reality headset and headphones for the first time early last year, and it's almost impossible to describe how amazing the experience is. "You are completely and totally immersed in another location," said John Riccitiello, the CEO of the Unity Technologies. He spoke of the fear, excitement, and even anxiety when immersed in the virtual world. And he's right.
We were asked to host a VR Workshop as part of the HKTVA (Hong Kong Televisioners Association) first ever Virtual Reality Gathering Event during Filmmart 2016. We wanted to bring our first experience into this workshop. We believe when they put on the headset and peer into the virtual world, they will be blown away like we were.
This introductory workshop introduce independent content producers in Hong Kong, the general workflow and technical issues when it comes to 360 production. From shooting 360 VR clips, stitching multiple camera sources, editing 360 VR videos to platform distribution issues, even recording 360 sound, those are the issues every content maker should be aware. No doubt some of the hardware and software are quite expensive, Google Cardboards and consumer camera like Richol Theata is affordable and available today for anyone who wants to start their VR journey. Overtime, technical issues will be solved. But unlike 3D stereoscopic movies, you cannot simply take an existing content and convert them into 360 VR content. VR Content has to be recreated from scratch, re shoot and re choreograph for the immersive experience. We will need all kinds of 360 content for every available platform.
Hands on part of the workshop was in the area of video editing. We showcased Dashwood Studio's 360VR Tool box™ , a full-featured stereoscopic 360° plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion and Apple Final Cut Pro. Providing a real-time preview of your timeline directly in your Oculus Rift DK2. The essential tools for every 360 VR editor. Attendees got to edit and experience live 360 streaming using the Richol Theata, tried out immersive experience with Samsung Gear VR and Google cardboard.
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