I've been wondering hard about VR storytelling and the challenges for writers ... the form is so different. Well, just found a new VR short that is pretty close to traditional 2D, but also filmed in 360 degrees... I found myself so distracted clicking around looking for stuff going on around the main action that I lost focus every time I clicked away. I imagine it's the same even with a VR headset on. Looking off to see what else is happening is a huge disconnect from the narrative (even though presumably it's all narrative in VR). Anyway... Is this an issue???? VR experts pls chime in... http://www.theinvisibleman.film/
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VR is booming in adult porn. Overseas. $$$$. Very little story :)
I'm shocked, shocked I say to find gambling going on in this establishment :)
who needs a beefy story when there's plenty of sweet eye candy? :)
Me... :)
...good grief (slaps forehead). Lol!
An eclectic experiment , the effects seemed to add depth rather than distract from the meat of the story, I agree@Hugo, the film a good traditional short to kick off with.
Hugo--yes, I know you directed... thanks for responding :) It was really clear you guys were experimenting... and grappling with "the language" of VR or lack thereof. I think you did a great job, actually. I just don't see this taking off until the headsets get really small... like eye glasses small. Everyone I know who does VR has this as a big concern. It's exhausting moving around with those huge headsets. Anyway... I get this is new an in formation, etc. :) and the form needs people like you who get it... and clearly you do. So... bravo. It also needs people like me (storytellers) who know how to give people like you (Directors in VR) what they want!!! :) I'm excited by all this too.... we're just so early on the curve I think. Anyway... I really appreciate you responding... I totally support what you're trying to do.... becasue writers like be will ultimatly benefit as well.
Hugo... well, now you have me thinking. I'm really curious what you thought about this distraction problem when you decided how to do this? Directors want to control the eyes of the audience ... what was your thought process about this when you developed your shots? How did all this tie you up in knots... if it did? I think we can all benefit from a director's take on this distraction problem, since you had to actually deal with it! thanks...
Really interesting comments... you have me rethinking... :)
Just found this discussion... interesting! I've been looking into VR recently and it seems there are still problems to be solved. The first few times I watched (admittedly without a VR headset) I kept spinning around making sure something interesting wasn't going on somewhere else - real fear of missing out! I've read about several ways I've heard to combat this. Give the viewer time to really take in their surroundings before launching into the story. Give movement and sound cues to catch the viewers attention so they don't wander to much from the story. Most of the 360 VR videos I watched just kind of ignored the viewer, which does feel a bit weird. You're there in the story. Also, even if you're acknowledged (like in the one above, I think?) it again feels a bit odd to be mute and without agency. With all that in mind I wrote a short script for VR recently. Many are horror and I wanted to try something outside that genre. It was definitely a challenge to think about the surroundings so much. And to write the story from only one person's visual point of view. It's exciting that the medium is progressing so fast.