Introduction in the World of VR and VR as a Learning Tool

Wim Forceville

An inspirational introduction in the world of VR and answers to questions like: why is this environment so disruptive for the framed media? Wim Forceville will give an insight into the VR application as a learning tool and guide us through some very exciting case studies that he has produced. He is a creative producer and director in immersive media. Wim focuses on producing high quality VR experiences that show a social relevance. He is also affiliated to the LUCA School of Arts, Ghent (Belgium), where he works as a researcher and lecturer.

Creating and Prototyping for VR

Alexander Herrmann

A hands on presentation on how to create a VR experience. Starting out with very simple techniques and tools Alexander Herrmann will also project more difficult workflow through two case studies of his recent work: “Cabinets of Wonder”, a project about the imaginary world of children, and ‘Future Diaries’, a sci-fi transmedia project.

He is the founder and head of development of Expanding Focus GmbH – a Germany based VR production house specialised in the conception, production and distribution of VR experiences and cinematic VR content. He works in the fields of documentary, fiction, installations, music and games.

Why VR? Making With Meaning

Tessa Ratuszynska Price and Fiona Frances Nicholson

Artist collective’s The OthVRs approach to VR and what they find exciting about the industry, including predictions about the future of the medium relating to how it differs from the traditional cinema and how 360˚ filmmaking uses theatre and installation art techniques as well as technical skills. Tessa Ratuszynska Price and Fiona Frances Nicholson will present case studies that might be used in educational settings and encourage newcomers to engage in VR. The creative duo represent The OthVRs which is an open 360˚/ VR/ XR collaborative group based in Bristol. Their aim is to encourage a broader and inclusive spectrum of individuals within this emerging media by democratising access to materials, funding and resources.

Emotions in Interactive Virtual Experiences

Wim Wouters

There is a gap between the emotional experience then watching a movie and playing a video game. There are certain emotions that work better in games. Fear is one of them. But also pride, guilt and anger work quite well. On the other hand love, sadness and more empathic emotions are stronger in movies. Both mediums seem to draw emotions from a different pallet. Wim Wouters will open up some new emotional doors to explore in the world of VR. He is digital product designer with more than 15 years experience in designing, developing and producing games and interactive installations. He is co-founder the Belgian Game Association and is now part of Poppins & Wayne, where he explores technology and story to make imagination come to life.

Moderator

Reinis Kalnaellis

Currently a student of Virtual Reality MA program at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. After graduating from the Baltic Film & Media School in Tallinn, Estonia and TV School of Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Czech Republic, Reinis Kalnaellis kickstarted his career as award-winning animation director. His lately recognized international filmography titles include Singing HUGO and His Incredible Adventures, The Golden Horse and Funny Alphabet among others. He is currently working on his animated feature film projects Apple Pie, the King and I, produced by Rija Films and Paul Thiltges Distributions.

RIGA IFF Hackathon

This can be your first step to mold together cinema and VR through the guidance from industry expert lectors/mentors and practical teamwork alongside other creative and technical people from various fields. Come with your own idea or join a team.

We invite students and professionals primarily from these areas:

• Film (directors, writers, artists, actors, etc.)
• Visuals (graphic artists, 3D modelers, illustrators, animators, etc.)
• Digital (developers, game designers, UX designers, etc.)
• Sound (musicians, composers, sound engineers, etc.)

Teams will be equipped with Samsung Gear VR headsets as well as Galaxy S9 mobile phones. Awards for the winning team will be provided with generous support of SAMSUNG as well as Cross Motion. SAMSUNG will provide the winning team with Samsung Gear VR headsets and Galaxy S9 mobile phones. Cross Motion will offer an opportunity to travel to an essential European VR networking event.

Practical info

• Friday lectures are optional, but we strongly recommend listening to those to better prepare for practical work.
• Friday Networking & RIGA IFF FORUM award event is optional, but we recommend using that as a chance to formulate project ideas and find the best teammates.
• Mentors will provide advice on various authoring tools and techniques to get you started and will help you resolve challenges during the journey.
• We will provide shared areas for work and some spartan sleep if needed. Please take your sleeping bag.
• We will provide some snacks.
• Our friends will provide limited amount of tech – Samsung Gear VR headsets, 360 cameras, photo cameras. List of available tech will be extended, stay tuned!
• Bring your own computer and work equipment.