Category: Space Explorers

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Felix & Paul Studios’ Catalogue Comes to Oculus Quest in two new Apps

Traveling While Black Felix Paul Studios

Last week saw prolific virtual reality (VR) film producer Felix & Paul Studios release its latest work Alegría – A Spark of Light for Oculus Go. Today, the studio has rolled out two apps so Oculus Quest owners can enjoy all of its current and back catalogues.

Felix & Paul

The content will be split between the Felix & Paul Studios Portal and the Jurassic World Portal, enabling the creator to bring together its catalogue of cinematic VR experiences in one space for the first time.

For the launch today, the Felix & Paul Studios Portal will showcase some of its most well known titles:

  • Strangers with Patrick Watson – Created back in 2013, it features an intimate glimpse into the studio and process of the musician.
  • The People’s House – Step into President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s White House.
  • T​raveling while Black – Learn about the long history of restriction of movement for black Americans and the creation of safe spaces.

While the Jurassic World Portal will offer:

  • Jurassic World: Apatosaurus​ –  The closest you’ll get to what it’s like to be in the presence and close proximity of this particular dinosaur.
  • ​Jurassic World: Blue – The same, just with a velociraptor.
Felix & Paul

“The Oculus Quest has been a game-changer in getting more users into virtual reality and we’re thrilled to finally be introducing our collection of experiences to a whole new audience,”​ said Paul Raphael, co-founder and co-director of Felix & Paul Studios in a statement.

This initial release will then be followed in the coming months by Nomads, LeBron James – Striving for Greatness​, Marshall from Detroit​ and Gymnasia. Additionally, a Cirque du Soleil and a Space Explorers Portal will arrive, offering new release Alegría – A Spark of Light and the first two episodes in the series respectively to audiences.

As Felix & Paul Studios continue to release more content, VRFocus will keep you updated.

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Episode Two Of Felix & Paul’s Space Explorers Series Is Now Avaiable

Felix & Paul, the Montréal based pioneers in cinematic virtual reality (VR) experiences have been delivering impressive documentary’s for some time now including The People’s House: Inside the White House With Barack and Michelle Obama. The studio has also being working on a two-part cinematic series that explores the new age of space exploration and episode two is now available.

Space Explorers: Taking Flight

Titled Space Explorers, the two-part series follows what it takes for those wanting to travel to space to become trained and ready to do so. From looking at the early days of training for aspiring astronauts up to the international space station, the series is a rich, detailed look at the latest in space exploration training and technology. The first episode, Space Explorers: A New Dawn, debuted earlier this year and now episode two, Space Explorers: Taking Flight, will explore the world of space even further.

With a focus on the importance of continued collaboration between international space programs as well as new partnerships between agencies like NASA and private corporations, which may prove vital to the success of the world’s space exploration efforts. Viewers will see first-hand how astronauts from different countries come together to support projects like the International Space Station and how by working together, the dream of space exploration is becoming more real with every missions.

Space Explorers: Taking Flight

Viewers will also get to experience several rocket launches, including Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin’s thrilling departure for the ISS, in stunning front-row seat treatment. Thanks to developing a unique system that separated its proprietary VR camera from their corresponding data recording and battery systems, Felix & Paul have been able to get up close and personal as they capture the full intensity of each launch. This is as close as you can get to the launch of a space rocket within standing dangerously close to it.

Space Explorers: Taking Flight is available now on Oculus Rift, Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR right now. The application is priced at $2.99 (USD) on all three headsets and will include both episodes one and two. Those who already own the application can enjoy episode two right away without any additional costs. You can view the trailer for episode two before and for all the latest on Felix & Paul, keep reading VRFocus.

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Space Explorers: Brie Larson übernimmt Erzählstimme in VR-Serie

Die Felix & Paul Studios produzierten gemeinsam mit Oculus und der US-Bundesbehörde für Raumfahrt NASA die VR-Serie Space Explorers: A New Dawn. In der  VR-Serie können Zuschauer Einblicke aus erster Hand in das Training von Astronauten erhalten und die spannende Erforschung der unendlichen Weiten des Weltalls miterleben. Nach dem Debüt während des Sundance Film Festival zu Beginn des Jahres, ist die Serie nun im Oculus Store für Oculus Rift, Oculus Go und Gear VR erhältlich. Für die Erzählstimme der ersten beiden Episoden konnten sich die Produzenten die erfolgreiche Schauspielerin Brie Larson (zukünftige Captain Marvel (2019) ) sichern.

Space Explorers: A New Dawn – Brie Larson übernimmt Sprechrolle in VR-Serie

In der kinoartigen VR-Serie Space Explorers werden die Zuschauer auf eine Reise in die beeindruckenden Weiten des Weltalls und dessen Erforschung durch Menschenhand eingeladen. Dabei dürfen sie aus erster Hand das Training von NASA-Astronauten kennenlernen und erhalten Einblicke in die Arbeit und das Vorgehen der Veteranen. In verschiedenen Episoden werden zudem diverse Raumfahrtprogramme und -missionen vorgestellt und die neusten Erkenntnisse über den Weltraum dem Publikum nahegebracht.

Für die ersten beiden Episoden konnten sich die Produzenten des Felix & Paul Studios nun die Erzählstimme von Schauspielerin Brie Larson sichern, die im nächsten Jahr die Rolle im Superheldenfilm Captain Marvel von den Marvel Studios übernimmt. In einem Statement spricht sie euphorisch über ihre Rolle im VR-Projekt:

Space-Explorers-Oculus-Rift-Oculus-Go-Gear-VR-Brie-Larson

Image Courtesy: Stewart Cook/REX/Shutterstock (9640572dt)

“Ich blicke ehrfürchtig auf die Arbeit der NASA-Astronauten und deren unglaubliche Hingabe sowie das harte Training, das sie für die extrem anstrengenden Missionen absolvieren müssen. Die Rolle der Erzählerin in der VR-Serie Space Explorers zu übernehmen, war für mich eine einzigartige Gelegenheit und ermöglichte mir meine Anerkennung für diese echten Superhelden und ihre Aufopferung für ihr Land, durch die Erforschung des Weltraums und die wissenschaftliche Gemeinschaft zu zeigen.”

Space Explorers ist für 2,99 Euro im Oculus Store für Oculus Rift, Oculus Go und Gear VR erhältlich.

(Quellen: Upload VR | Deadline | Video: Oculus Youtube)

Der Beitrag Space Explorers: Brie Larson übernimmt Erzählstimme in VR-Serie zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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Felix & Paul Studios Expanding Thanks To Government Grant

Felix & Paul Studios, pioneers in cinematic virtual reality (VR) experiences have been awarded $350,000 (CAD) in financial assistance by the Government of Canada to aid the company is expanding its business.

The Confessional

The move is part of the Government of Canada’s plan to help innovative enterprises perform and market their products internationally which in turn would help to stimulate the economic growth of Canada, while ensuring the sustainability of local business. The repayable contribution sees  Felix & Paul Studios able to now expand their business by acquiring new equipment that will be able to meet their production and post-production needs.

The Montréal based company have been the creative minds behind a number of impressive VR content across devices such as the Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream. By combining technological innovations and creative to deliver unique cinematic VR experiences,  Felix & Paul Studios are also able to collaborate on larger productions including Jurassic World.

“I am very pleased about the financial assistance from the Government of Canada, which has chosen to build on the innovation capacity and desire to expand of a business that sets itself apart by its know-how, boldness and innovation. This contribution will help Felix & Paul Studios continue to develop and create highly skilled jobs.” David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

During the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, Felix & Paul Studios unveiled two new critically acclaimed VR experiences: its Space Explorers series and Isle of Dogs: Behind the Scenes, a VR experience accompanying the latest film by Wes Anderson. Through the funding granted by the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) the company plan to expand with new servers, computers, specialized software, and production and post-production equipment which, once completed, will create 18 jobs for the business.

“Today we are seeing the results of many years of research and development. We are proud to offer the public here and abroad new avant-garde works that define the potential of this new medium. CED’s support is strengthening our growth prospects.” Stéphane Rituit, Director General, Felix & Paul Studios

For more on Felix & Paul Studios in the future, keep reading VRFocus.

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Headspace Studio Expands VR Sound Operations With new L.A. Office

Technical sound services company, Headspace Studio (Inside the Box of Kurios; Jurassic World: Apatosaurus; The People’s House: Inside the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama) has today announced the expansion of its virtual reality (VR) sound operations with the opening of a new studio in Los Angeles, California.

kurios_1

The new Los Angeles office marks the first expansion for the Montreal-based company. The L.A.-based operation aims to further the company’s mission to provide VR producers, developers, and filmmakers with on-set and post-production audio solutions of the highest technical, execution, and creative standards and an end-to-end process pipeline for 3D positional audio production, post-production and delivery.

“Expanding to L.A. was a natural move for us. Having already delivered soundtracks on 360 video and VR productions for major Hollywood studios and leading VR storytellers, our new presence in L.A. allows us to be even closer to more VR content creators,” said Jean-Pascal Beaudoin, President and Head of Sound of Headspace Studio in a statement.

In addition to the new office Headspace Studio has hired audio industry veteran Viktor Phoenix as head of the L.A. branch, bringing 17 years of interactive audio experience to the role. Phoenix was previously Sound Supervisor for the Sound Lab at Technicolor and held senior positions at AAA game developers Pandemic Studios, an Electronic Arts-owned developer, and Turtle Rock Studios.

“I’m incredibly excited to have Viktor join the team to launch our L.A. office,” adds Beaudoin. “Viktor possesses not only the vast interactive audio experience and leadership qualities required to lead the new studio, but also a shared passion for exploring the power of sound field audio in presence-based immersive storytelling.”

“As virtual reality advances toward mainstream consumer adoption, producing high-quality VR content with seamlessly-integrated positional audio has become more essential than ever,” said Phoenix. “I am excited to be joining Headspace Studio at this exhilarating time in the entertainment industry. Audiences are becoming increasingly sophisticated and expect immersive experiences to feature spatial audio that helps to deliver on the promise of the future of storytelling. Jean-Pascal is a pioneer in cinematic VR audio workflow and mixing and I am thrilled to be joining him and the rest of the Headspace Studio team to lead the charge on the west coast.”

Headspace Studio was founded in 2015 as a separate division of Felix & Paul Studios. Recent projects the company has participated in include Space Explorers: A New Dawn and Isle of Dogs: Behind the Scenes (in Virtual Reality), both of which have premiered during the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Currently Headspace Studio is assisting in production of Kite & Lightning’s Bebylon Battle Royale, which is due for release later this year. For any further updates from the audio specialists, keep reading VRFocus.

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Oculus Sends 5 VR Experiences to Sundance 2018

The Sundance Film Festival just kicked off in Park City, Utah, and Oculus announced in a blogpost they’re debuting five experiences at the New Frontier section of Sundance—all of which they helped bring to life.

Sundance’s New Frontier hosts a curated selection of works realized in the mediums of VR, AR, MR and AI. You can check out a full list of every entry into their year’s Sundance New Frontier showcase here.

Oculus will be doing a deep dive on each experience they’ve brought to Sundance, the first of which details the making of will.i.am and The Black Eyed Peas’ Masters of the Sun.

Dispatch

Written and directed by Edward Robles of Here Be Dragons, Dispatch follows a small-town police dispatcher (Martin Starr, Silicon Valley) as he faces an all-night crime spree. The experience takes you inside the dispatcher’s perspective in this episodic, audio-based miniseries. The first three episodes launched on Rift and Gear VR in November, and the finale will launch on the Oculus Store January 25 following its world premiere at Sundance.

Masters of the Sun

Launching for Gear VR, Masters of the Sun is presented by will.i.am and The Black Eyed Peas. It takes place during the ’80s when ancient and modern forces of evil started destroying black communities. Vocal talent including Rakim, Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Jason Isaacs, Slick Rick, and comics industry legend Stan Lee tell the story of mobilization and reclaiming their city, fighting back against the evils of drugs, crime, and discrimination.

Check out Oculus’ Q & A with will.i.am here.

Space Explorers

The latest project from Felix & Paul Studios, Space Explorers lets you reach new heights through the power of VR. Created in partnership with NASA, the experience follows their astronauts as they prepare to launch into space. Space Explorers is coming to Oculus in 2018.

SPHERES

The first chapter of SPHERES, called “Songs Of Spacetime,” is debuting at Sundance. SPHERES is a three-part series that transports viewers into the deepest pockets of the Universe, bringing to life future worlds and exploring oneness with the cosmos. SPHERES is created by Eliza McNitt and will launch on Rift in 2018.

Wolves in the Walls

From the team behind the Emmy Award-winning project Henry comes Wolves in the Walls, a gorgeous, interactive adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean’s haunting work brought to life in VR. Wolves in the Walls is coming to Oculus in 2018.

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The post Oculus Sends 5 VR Experiences to Sundance 2018 appeared first on Road to VR.

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Five Oculus Experiences Head To Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival has now begun – and as we’ve seen throughout the week on VRFocus a number of different experiences have announced their appearance at the event; often backed in some manner by a number of studios and creators. And when it comes to the hardware stakeholders it’s not just StarVR’s Starbreeze Studios, Oculus are also involved.

In fact, off the back of their recent announcement of Oculus Start, the Facebook owned company have revealed they are bringing five virtual reality (VR) experiences to the showcase which is taking place in Utah. “We’re excited to highlight five Oculus-supported experiences pushing the medium forward and celebrate their debuts at Sundance 2018.” Said the company in an entry on its blog where it also listed the five experiences, several of which we have featured here before on VRFocus.  You can find these below:

Dispatch

Written and directed by Edward Robles of Here Be Dragons, Dispatch follows a small-town police dispatcher (Martin Starr, Silicon Valley) as he faces an all-night crime spree. The experience takes you inside the dispatcher’s perspective in this episodic, audio-based miniseries. The first three episodes launched on Rift and Gear VR in November, and the finale will launch on the Oculus Store January 25 following its world premiere at Sundance.

Masters of the Sun

Launching today for Gear VR, Masters of the Sun is presented by will.i.am and The Black Eyed Peas. It takes place during the ’80s when ancient and modern forces of evil started destroying black communities. Vocal talent including Rakim, Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Jason Isaacs, Slick Rick, and comics industry legend Stan Lee tell the story of mobilization and reclaiming their city, fighting back against the evils of drugs, crime, and discrimination.

Space Explorers

The latest project from Felix & Paul Studios, Space Explorers lets you reach new heights through the power of VR. Created in partnership with NASA, the experience follows their astronauts as they prepare to launch into space. Space Explorers is coming to Oculus in 2018.

SPHERES

The first chapter of SPHERES, called Songs Of Spacetime, is debuting at Sundance. SPHERES is a three-part series that transports viewers into the deepest pockets of the Universe, bringing to life future worlds and exploring oneness with the cosmos. SPHERES is created by Eliza McNitt and will launch on Rift in 2018.

Wolves in the Walls

From the team behind the Emmy Award-winning project Henry comes Wolves in the Walls, a gorgeous, interactive adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean’s haunting work brought to life in VR. Wolves in the Walls is coming to Oculus in 2018.

VRFocus will have more news for you regarding The Sundance Film Festival next week.

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Felix & Paul Show What Having The Right Stuff Involves

For anyone who has ever had the dream of becoming an astronaut and exploring space, an upcoming 360-degree film from acclaimed filmmakers Felix & Paul will soon be showing what it takes to be one of the privileged few who make it into space.

Felix & Paul are continuing their partnership with Oculus, who have funded the creation of the film, called Space Explorers, which is scheduled for release some time in 2018. The film was made with cooperation from NASA, Space X and even the Russian Space Program so the filmmakers could capture the process that creates and astronaut or cosmonaut.

The 30 minute film will show images of NASA’s Johnson Space Centre, including the specially constructed pool where trainee astronauts practice working in the kind of microgravity they can expect when in space. There will also be footage of the Mars Rover testing grounds at White Sands In Mexico.

There will, of course, be numerous interviews with astronauts and NASA scientists on the challenges, goals and triumphs of space exploration, showing a glimpse of what the future could hole for the current generation of trainees, who my one day be on their way to Mars.

A 3-minute trailer for the film is available to view below, and can also be seen in 360-degrees by using a Samsung Gear VR headset. Felix & Paul are hoping to show Space Explorers at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. If Space Explorers is successful, there are even tentative plans to do some further filming aboard the International Space Station.

VRFocus will bring you further news on Felix & Paul’s VR projects as it becomes available.