Posted by Florian Wardell | 0 comments
360° videos for your viewing pleasure
I’m sure you’ve all heard about 3D videos – and maybe even experienced it in theaters by now -, but what about 360° videos? What would a product in which the boundaries between videogames and movies are shrunk be like? Imagine a movie in which you would handle the camera, or one in which you’d even take key decisions, altering the outcome of the plot. Such a feature film has yet to be made, but the technology is being pioneered by a company called BigLook360. I stumbled on the video embedded below on Gizmodo, and it blew my mind. I immediately looked up the creators, and Lance Loesberg, the executive producer, graciously accepted to answer some of my questions.
TechHaze: Tell us more about BigLook360. How did the company start, where did you get the idea from?
Lance Loesberg: Actually the entity BigLook360 is new as of this year but all the components, people, technology and expertise has been in existence since the late 90’s. I was introduced to virtual reality and immersive environments in the early 90’s by working with a company that developed and manufactured high end virtual reality systems. After years of partnering and developing immersive solutions for other companies since, I decided to form BigLook360 to focus on creating compelling immersive content utilizing a network of the most experienced and talented people in the field.
In 1999 while helping a startup virtual reality company, I was approached by an advertising agency for General Motors that wanted to create a virtual test drive with the participant being the driver and engaging passengers along the way, but they didn’t want to use animation. At that time, there wasn’t a means to create 360-degree environments that weren’t all animation. This story can get long but the short version is, by finding and engaging some very technologically savvy creative video producers, along with talented programming engineers and a lot of convincing of GM to invest in a concept we pulled off the very first 360-degree immersive, experiential video used as for commercial application. We designed and built an entire system that also used various scents of smell, surround sound audio and vibration in the seats to completely immerse and engage the participants. It was so successful; they ran the program for 3 years!
TH: What gear do you use to shoot a 360 video?
LL: Although we are a certified agent for Immersive Media and have used their Dodeca camera system for many of our projects among others, we always approach every production with the mindset of using the best apparatus for the job whether it is spherical video, panoramic or just a conventional video production.
TH: What are the technical challenges that you encounter when producing 360 videos?
LH: That’s a difficult question to answer. When I look back and think about camera systems we’ve had to duct tape together, develop new software, manipulate compression algorithms and other hurdle other obstacles, today’s technical challenges are minor in comparison.
One challenge is that we are typically utilizing a camera system from a manufacturer that its’ focus is primarily on image capture. They do a wonderful job considering there are no major corporations with huge budgets to manufacture cameras but we strive to produce compelling content in the highest quality possible. We are limited to some extent to the manufacturer’s camera’s capabilities and software. So we usually find ourselves continually developing tools for post production purposes to deliver the best content possible.
TH: 3D video is enjoying a lot of hype lately. Where do you stand on that? Also, did you ever consider shooting a 3D 360 video?
LL: I think 3D is great and will continue to grow. Similar to 360-degree video, compelling content is needed to grasp the attention and move the technology mainstream. With the release of the movie Avatar, 3D is finally getting some attention but unfortunately it’s taken over 30 years.
3D requires two camera perspectives (one for each eye); therefore you would need to use two cameras side by side. If you use 360-degree cameras, they would see each other during the process. That being said, there are some techniques that could be employed which we have conceptualized, but there has not been a demand for this type of application as yet. Given the time and resources, I believe we could produce 360-degree 3D footage.
TH: You seem to be closely involved in military training operations. Why is that?
LL: I had envisioned using virtual reality for training purposes back in the mid 90’s when only games were available. I spent a lot of time meeting with federal and local law enforcement agencies, government security departments and the military discussing how to utilize 360-degree video as either an augmentation or replacement for their existing simulators that were using CG (animation).
The technology lends itself as an excellent training and learning tool for situation awareness, pre deployment familiarity or judgmental use of force. I have also been working closely with psychologist’s that are using VR for treating anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well. 360-degree video environments can be created and deployed more efficiently and in a shorter time with real world images then creating a CGI (animation) environment.
TH: Do you think that 360 video will ever become mainstream, and be used for feature films or documentaries, like IMAX for instance? Will decision making ever be ported to Hollywood?
LL: Those formats as eventually 360-degree video, will be or are driven by compelling content. That’s why our focus is more on the content and its message then on just only capturing the images.
Other challenges for 360-degree video in a public forum is having the ability to project onto a screen and not have your view obstructed by others around you. Head mount displays (HMD’s) can be used in a theater setting giving each individual the ability to direct their own view independently from everyone else. We have done several of these “theater” type systems and they have performed exceptionally well.
TH: Are there any upcoming videos or projects we should look forward to?
LL: We just completed a shoot for a documentary style 360-degree video for Cadberry in relation to Free Trade between Canada and Ghana, Africa. We captured some great footage of scenes that most people will never be able to experience in their lifetime.
Another is the Texas on Tour kayaking adventure that first débuted 2 years ago, it’s launching for the third year due to the success of the program. Other projects are still in a non disclosure stage at this point.
TH: Lance, thanks for your time!
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If you want more of the 360° goodness, why don’t you head to BigLook360′s website, where you’ll find amazing videos of military training sessions, kayak rides and city sightseeing tours.
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