Ss technology evolves, job descriptions change.
This story first appeared in the April 25, 2017 issue of Variety. Subscribe today.See more.
For example, some years ago, when digital cameras came to dominate filmmaking, cinematographers began hiring digital-imaging technicians, or DITs, to handle image-quality control and color correction directly on the set.
And now, with the arrival of virtual-reality entertainment, a new job category has emerged VR operator to help manage camera systems on such productions.
The challenges of transitioning from traditional film and TV to VR are obvious. A single camera is enough to capture images for a movie or show, but VR content aims to replicate a realistic 360-degree environment. And the movements of a headset-wearing viewer control the point of view from which that environment is seen.
Veteran visual-effects supervisor Ben Grossmann, co-founder of VR-content producer Magnopus, says he gets eye rolls from the videogame-industry types on his team when he mentions the job titles he has to create.
They always go, That doesnt make any sense, and Im like, Thats because its half of what I know and half of what you know, Grossmann told the crowd at the From VFX to VR panel at VRLA, a virtual-reality expo that took place in downtown Los Angeles on April14 and 15.
Grossmann, who won an Oscar as part of the VFX team on Martin Scorseses Hugo, explained that many of the asset-development people who make objects, textures and matte paintings can work in both visual effects and gaming. But on projects like Magnopus Oculus Rift VR experience Mission: ISS, created using Unreal and Unity game-engine software, he needs computer programmers with skills specific to those platforms.
The process pushes engineers to the forefront to manage workflow and adds a layer of as many as 30 people working around the clock on quality assurance.
In visual effects, youre like: No ones going to see that corner. Well fix that in the grade, Grossmann explained. But in [VR], theyre like, No, 600 people are going to hit that bug, and then theyre going to complain.
In addition to big changes in effects creation, image capture is entirely different in VR because a 360-degree field of vision must be captured using an array of cameras pointed in different directions.
And data-management issues on a 360-degree video shoot are exponentially larger than those on a traditional film or TV production. Each camera in the array of a VR shoot has a memory card recording an image stream. For instance, Googles Omni VR camera rig has six GoPro cameras, while a Jaunt One VR rig has an array of 24 cameras.
Salt Lake City-based Cosmic Pictures has built a proprietary system with 25 Blackmagic Micro Cinema Cameras that shoots about 26 gigabytes a minute, according to the companys VR project manager, Chris Nielsen. Youre dealing with some major file sizes, Nielsen said.
Many 360-degree shoots use as many as five camera rigs, compounding the file-management challenges. On the VRLA panel Shooting VR for Post, cinematographer Eve Cohen said that, to her, the various VR camera rigs are akin to the different lenses she uses on a traditional production, and Im not going to show up on a shoot with one kind of lens.
VR operators manage these systems. To me, its like having somebody in charge of that camera not necessarily from a creative standpoint, but with a technical understanding, Cohen said.
Traditional three-point lighting is generally out of the question when working with the all-seeing cameras, so producers must find creative ways to illuminate sets. Shooting an interactive/VR experience for the Epix series Berlin Station, Chaos Labs co-founder and creative director Stevo Chang used Freedom 360 rigs with four GoPros, which dont handle low light well.
So for one scene we had to place an enormous number of lamps around the room just to bring the exposure level up, he said.
For T Magazines 360-degree mini-documentary The Creators: Taryn Simon, director Luca Guadagnino wanted just enough light to make artist Simons cavernous installation An Occupation of Loss appear as darkly haunting on screen as in person, so he used minimal practical lighting fixtures and removed them in post.
In a way, its almost an identical process to filming a normal narrative film, said Guadagnino, whose non-VR projects include the 2010 feature I Am Love. It involves alot of post-production.
But the fix-it-in-post attitude that reigns in traditional film and TV can get one in trouble on a VR shoot, particularly when it comes to stitching the joining of image feeds from multiple cameras, accomplished using special software and manual cleanup work by CG artists. If the image is captured improperly, no amount of digital massaging can fix it.
For me, the most important parameter is how close can you get to the camera, observed DP Andrew Shulkind during the Shooting VR for Post panel. Depending on where the [image] overlap is, you may not be able to come closer than five or six feet. If you shoot too close to a chain-link fence, that part of the shot will not stitch. If you move just a couple of feet away, that could make the difference between the shot working and the shot not working.
The technology is tricky, to be sure. But its clear that it takes a VR operator to help figure it out.
More:
Virtual Reality Shoots Demand a New Set of Tricks - Variety
- How Virtual Reality Works | HowStuffWorks [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- NYT VR: Virtual Reality by The New York Times [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Toronto - VRTO - Virtual Reality, Toronto [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Immersion - How Virtual Reality Works ... [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality (VR) Leading Technology Company | VIRTALIS [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- What is virtual reality? Webopedia Definition [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2016]
- What is virtual reality? - A simple introduction [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2016]
- Immersion (virtual reality) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2016]
- VRAC | Virtual Reality Applications Center [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2016]
- What is Virtual Reality? - Virtual Reality - vrs.org.uk [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality | Technology | GeForce [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - SI.com [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- President Obama Makes Virtual-Reality Debut in Tour of ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- 3 Beaten-Up Virtual-Reality Stocks: Are They Bargains? -- The ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- VR, Virtual Reality | Virtalis [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- VRTO Virtual & Augmented Reality World Conference + Expo [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- LiquidVR | Immersive Virtual Reality Technology | AMD [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- Virtual reality opens world of possibilities for seniors [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Takes On the Videoconference - WSJ [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2016]
- Virtual reality headset - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Setting the Record Straight One Post at ... [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2016]
- Virtual reality - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- Virtual reality, one year out: What went right, what didn ... [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2016]
- NBA broadcasts games in virtual reality with NextVR ... [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2016]
- What is virtual reality? - Definition from WhatIs.com [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2017]
- Tribemix Virtual Reality for Dementia Care - YouTube [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Gets Real - theatlantic.com [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2017]
- If you're hoping to watch all of the Super Bowl in VR, sorry - CNET [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Fifty Shades fans have a ball with virtual reality experience - The Drum [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Architect Zaha Hadid's Paintings Transformed Into Virtual Reality Art - PSFK (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Adobe's Path To Entering The Virtual Reality Story - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- How Will Virtual Reality Change The Healthcare Industry? - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Has Arrived in the Art World. Now What? - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- How Virtual Reality Can Enhance Customer Engagement - Rocks Digital (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Experience College Swim Meet - SwimSwam [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Explore The Amazon With This Stunning 360 Virtual Reality Video - IFLScience [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Global Virtual Reality Market (Hardware and Software) and Forecast to 2020 - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Europe's virtual reality sector has grown to nearly 300 companies - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Only 8% of Brands Intend to Use Virtual Reality for Advertising - AdAge.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Eric Church Offers Virtual Reality Concert Experience to Fans - The Boot [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- TrueHoop Presents: The Washington Wizards and virtual reality - ESPN [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual reality: prepare for the revolution - AndroidPIT [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- In the burgeoning world of virtual reality, storytelling is both cutting ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- 8 Real Success Tips From Women Building The Future With Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- WATCH: YouTube Stars Create Amazing La La Land-Inspired Virtual-Reality Music Video - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is the future of soccer broadcasting and it's already here - Yahoo Sports [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is boring compared to Beyonc's actual reality - A.V. Club (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality addiction threat prompts cautious approach as VR nears 'smartphone-like' take-off - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Google wants to use Chrome to suck you into virtual reality - CNET [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Ringling showcase offers glimpse of virtual reality in Sarasota - Sarasota Herald-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- The Future Of Virtual Reality: Mobile VR Platforms In A Battle - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Sarah Shahi to Star in NBC Virtual Reality Thriller 'Reverie' - Variety [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Valve is working on three new virtual reality games, 'not just experiments' - GeekWire [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Could Be Your Next Prescription - DesignNews [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Top 6 Virtual Reality Apps for Your Smartphone - The Merkle [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- DACC & Virgin Galactic team up to explore virtual reality - Las Cruces Sun-News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Wichita-created virtual reality can re-create crime scenes - Wichita Eagle [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Boulder International Film Festival diving into virtual reality with 2017 slate - Boulder Daily Camera [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Why this analyst is warning investors to steer clear of virtual reality in 2017 - L.A. Biz [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- 'JAEPO 2017' Shows That Japanese Arcade Gaming Is Beginning To Incorporate Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- UNC-School of The Arts: 'Pioneers in Virtual Reality' - WFMYNews2.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Google Chrome Now Allows Users To Experience Virtual Reality Via WebVR - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality's New Horizons: Enterprise Apps and Gloves for Typing - NewsFactor Network [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Chick-fil-A cows will dive into virtual reality in new ads - Atlanta Business Chronicle [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- See This Famous Masterpiece Recreated in Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Classy classes: 'The Idea of Virtual Reality' - The Stanford Daily [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Tim Cook says AR has more potential than virtual reality - The INQUIRER [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has a growing impact on college football - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- This company is opening a virtual reality multiplex this fall - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality weather add-ons let you feel the sun and wind - New Scientist [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Stanford researchers personalize virtual reality displays to match a user's eyesight - Stanford University News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Miyamoto Still Has Doubts About Virtual Reality - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is still too isolating to be 'the next big thing' in tech - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Samsung Goes for a New Look in Virtual Reality at New York Fashion Week - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Pricey Virtual-Reality Headsets Slow to Catch On - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- IMAX Unveils Flagship Virtual Reality Center in Los Angeles - Variety [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Coach, IMG and Simon Malls Partner on Virtual Reality Experience - WWD [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Using Virtual Reality To Get Inside An Ailing Person's World - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto Is Still Not Entirely Sure About Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]