Deep Dive into Virtual Reality: Creative Collaborations in Documentary and VR

An explosion of new projects at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival's New Frontier, SXSW, and Tribeca Film Festival gives every indication that an unprecedented and exciting new era of creative collaboration between documentary and VR is underway. The first ever public event in Los Angeles to explore the many points of intersection between the documentary and VR worlds, this wide-ranging panel discussion will provoke your curiosity and raise as many questions as it answers about the vast possibilities and possible limitations related to documentary and VR.

What support is out there for VR work in documentary and how can doc makers take advantage of those opportunities? What do these creative collaborations look like and how do they change the approach of doc makers to their craft? Is VR a so-called “empathy machine?” If so, what are the implications for doc makers and audiences? Join us and Sundance Programmer Hussain Currimbhoy, who will engage in thought-provoking conversations with several teams leading the way in documentary/VR including Lucy Walker (A History of Cuban Dance), Brad Lichtenstein and Jeff Fitzsimmons (Across the Line), and Julie Young (Across the Line, Kiya).

This event marks the kickoff event in a unique IDA series dedicated to the exciting new worlds of documentary and VR. In collaboration with Impact Hub Los Angeles, IDA will present two full days of documentary/VR programming at Impact Hub LA’s spacious Arts District location. On Friday April 21, a range of dynamic VR projects will be available for viewing to those registered for either the Thursday VR panel or the Saturday VR Workshop. On Saturday April 22, the Across the Line team from Custom Reality Services will present a daylong “how to” workshop that will explore the VR creative process in depth. Note: those who register for the panel or workshop will be contacted with further information on how to register for an assigned viewing time slot on Friday at the Impact Hub Los Angeles. Hours will be from 10:00am - 5:00pm.