ABC and Screen NSW are set to partner on Australia’s first ever Virtual Reality development initiative – 360 Vision.
The partnership, announced at Australian International Documentary Conference in Melbourne, will create an opportunity for leading Australian producers, directors and writers across all genres – including drama, factual, children’s and entertainment – to move into more immersive storytelling experiences.
360 Vision will begin with an intensive one-day invitation-only lab at Carriageworks, the venue partner, to be held during Vivid Sydney in June.
The lab will bring together screen content creators to experience the latest Virtual Reality content and technology. There will be panel discussions, screenings and networking opportunities with leading Virtual Reality storytellers and technical experts from around the world.
Presenting at the lab and participating in the initiative as a mentor, is Australia’s Lynette Wallworth, the first artist ever selected for the Sundance Institute New Frontier/Jaunt VR Residency Program.
Wallworth’s groundbreaking project Collisions, supported by the Adelaide Film Festival, premiered in January at the World Economic Forum, Davos, and at the Sundance Film Festival.
Following the lab, submissions will be sought for Virtual Reality content across all genres, with up to six projects for further development.
ABC Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, said ABC had a proud tradition of innovation in both content and platforms.
"This is a pioneering opportunity, in partnership with Screen NSW, to create a pathway for Australia’s most innovative screen content creators to move into the new frontier of Virtual Reality.”
Screen NSW chief executive, Courtney Gibson, said virtual Reality was a space where the world’s biggest technology and entertainment companies were starting to seriously play.
"The time feels right for Australian producers, writers and directors of screen content to come together with technical experts from the VR world to explore the possibilities of 360 degree storytelling for Australian audiences,” she said.
Screen NSW is developing its own Virtual Reality platform for iOS, Android, Gear VR and the web and this will be powered by Triggar VR.
Audiences will be able download the app to experience Virtual Reality content. Triggar has developed Virtual Reality apps for clients including Airbus and the United Nations and is working closely with Google now.