Martin Rumenov In an innovative partnership, Atlantic Productions has joined forces with Meta Platforms to unveil a groundbreaking immersive experience that sheds light on the impact of climate change on the Galapagos Islands. This initiative brings together cutting-edge technologies to deliver an immersive and educational journey through the iconic archipelago.
The acclaimed series, “Galapagos with Sir David Attenborough,” renowned for its stunning cinematography and environmental storytelling, is set to pioneer the use of Meta’s extended reality (XR) technologies. Atlantic Productions, known for their expertise in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) documentaries, will employ stereoscopic 180-degree cinematography to offer a unique visual experience to audiences.
Atlantic Productions, headquartered in Hammersmith, London, has an impressive track record of BAFTA-winning films in XR. Their portfolio includes acclaimed works such as “David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef” and the digital twinning of the RMS Titanic, following the release of “Back to the Titanic.” The company has previously collaborated with tech and media giants such as Apple, National Geographic, Google, Sony, Meta Platforms, Sky, IMAX, Intel, and more.
The introduction of Meta’s Quest 3 mixed reality headset at the Connect Event in September serves as a perfect complement to the Galapagos project. This advanced mixed reality device boasts features like true-color passthrough, a Snapdragon XR2 processor, and cutting-edge hand and eye tracking solutions.
The Galapagos series is set to include Quill Illustration’s 3D painting and animation solutions, adding a new dimension to the storytelling. This collaboration promises to immerse viewers in a 3D world, enhancing their understanding of the ecological narrative.
Atlantic Productions’ foray into virtual reality (VR) filmmaking has already garnered over 3.2 million views on Meta Quest TV, reflecting a significant level of engagement in the XR entertainment sector. The presentation of the series on Meta Quest TV also brings spatial entertainment to younger generations, showcasing the potential of the recently launched Meta Quest 3 headset.
To depict the effects of climate change and the warming of the Pacific Ocean’s surface, Atlantic Productions leveraged 8K, 180-degree immersive video streaming, combined with third-order ambisonics, in partnership with audio experts from Q Department. The use of Meta Quest 3 enhances the audiovisual experience, providing an enveloping and seamless encounter.
Moreover, the collaboration with VR art form Quill adds a creative layer to the series, aligning with the mission of immersive filmmaking technologies. “Created,” an immersive art medium, enlisted a team of global artists, including Samia Khalaf, Ruxandra Popescu, and Zoe Röllin, to create captivating content. Their expertise in immersive content has unlocked the full potential of XR technologies in the entertainment industry.
The Galapagos series, featuring the legendary Sir David Attenborough, is set to debut exclusively in virtual reality on Meta Quest TV on November 21 of this year. Sir David Attenborough remarked on the unique significance of the Galapagos Islands, stating, “Unlike many other tropical islands elsewhere, 95 percent of Galapagos biodiversity still survives. But only just. We have the chance to bring back the full glory of this fragile ecosystem.”
Eric Cheng, Head of Immersive Media at Meta, highlighted the power of VR experiences in transporting viewers to remote locations effectively. He noted the effectiveness of underwater sequences in VR, emphasizing how they create an immersive environment that truly surrounds the audience.
Anthony Geffen, Chief Executive of Atlantic Productions, expressed the desire to leverage the latest 3D technology to unveil the Galapagos’ extraordinary ecosystem and animals. The series combines cutting-edge visual effects and Quill to unveil the hidden forces shaping the Galapagos.
This venture is not the first milestone in immersive storytelling involving Sir David Attenborough. “The Green Planet Augmented Reality (AR) Experience” was previously showcased in London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus. The exhibition featured Sir David’s commentary, a real-time 3D replica of the biologist, and 5G networking technologies from EE, Samsung Galaxy mobiles, and cloud and edge computing tools.
Immersive filmmakers like Gary Yost and Alan Bucharia have also made significant strides in stereoscopic filmmaking, using advanced technologies to revolutionize visual storytelling.
The original series of Galapagos with David Attenborough were originally released in 2013 in 3 episodes, 60 min each series.
FAQ:
Q: What is the partnership between Meta Platforms and Atlantic Productions?
A: Meta Platforms and Atlantic Productions have partnered to create an immersive experience showcasing the impact of climate change on the Galapagos Islands.
Q: What technologies are being utilized in this project?
A: The partnership utilizes Meta’s extended reality (XR) technologies and Atlantic Productions’ expertise in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) documentaries.
Q: How will audiences be transported into the Galapagos ecosystem?
A: Through stereoscopic 180-degree cinematography, viewers will be immersed in the heart of the Galapagos ecosystem.
Q: What is the objective of the project?
A: The project aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of climate change and the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems like the Galapagos.
