South by Southwest’s Virtual Cinema showcased 25 innovative virtual and mixed reality projects that allowed attendees to experience this new emerging tech from a variety of different disciplines. At SXSW this year, VR was the buzz and many industries are exploring how to create new experiences for people. I caught up with three of the showcases: an educational VR project where users can interact with and learn about museum artifacts, an interactive motion comic book and a third that brings music to virtual reality through a VR music video. These three projects were good examples of the variety of experiences at the Virtual Cinema and how this new platform is growing across industries in exciting ways. Also, get an in-depth look at the Virtual Cinema through a video tour and gallery at the end of the post!
1. Hold the World
Imagine having the opportunity to meet the legend that is Sir David Attenborough. Well, you will have just the chance in this incredible VR experience by Sky VR and Factory 42. In Hold the World, Attenborough sits right in front of you at a desk and instructs you to interact with museum artifacts that you can handle and examine. As you touch and look at the object, you’ll learn about it in an engaging and immersive way. Learn more about Hold the World from Alex Winterbotham, Development and Content Producer at Factory 42.
2. MONO
Madefire has taken comic books to the next level with MONO, a motion book in VR. Readers will literally jump right into the pages and interact with the world around them as they progress through the gritty story of an ape-man creature who was once the Queen’s assassin and is on a mission to rescue his daughter. Learn more about MONO from Ben Wolstenholme, co-founder of Madefire.
3. Aeronaut
The music industry is also interested in seeing how VR can be utilized as a new engaging experience for fans. Billy Corgan decided to try this new technology with his single, “Aeronaut,” from his album “Ogilala,” and created an immersive VR experience that listeners can enjoy. Learn more about the experience from Dave Meeker, Global Director, Emerging Technology from Isobar, who helped create the innovative music experience.