Filmmakers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn about virtual reality (VR) productions from Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) VR workshop with Emmy Award-nominated film director Fx Goby scheduled from September 29 until October 3. Fx Goby, who works between Paris, London and Los Angeles, released Back to the Moon in May 2018, a 360/VR homage to Georges Melies, which appeared on the front page of google.com worldwide.
The film went viral, becoming the number one trending video on YouTube and achieving over 200mn views in two days, and was nominated for an Emmy. Fx Goby’s multi-awarded animated short film To Build a Fire received 100 selections at festivals spanning five continents.
According to DFI, this advanced VR class requires applicants to have a background in filmmaking or writing (but not technical skills) since it will not cover the basics of storytelling. Application deadline is September 19.
“The VR workshop will provide participants a unique opportunity to discover emerging technologies and disruptive new trends shaping the global entertainment industry,” DFI CEO Fatma Hassan al-Remaihi said.
“Through the use of case studies and hands-on experimentation, participants will discover how to tell a compelling story in animation and motion capture, the new frontiers of cinema, and discover the unlimited possibilities in content creation,” she added.
Participants will also learn what foundations of filmmaking do not apply in VR, how to create social experiences, and add interactivity and scale to their projects.
After completing the workshop, participants will be able to analyse the differences between film and VR, understand the creative challenges of the medium, and write immersive stories to fully utilise the immense possibilities of this new medium.
“From film to advertising and social media engagement, animation and VR offer exciting career opportunities and have the potential to evolve into something much bigger,” al-Remaihi said.
“Even though the Qatari animation industry is still in the formative stages, the interest the medium has gained from local filmmakers signals strong growth over the coming years and we are confident they will pave the way for a major presence in the global market in an industry that is undergoing a fascinating transformation,” she noted.
The programme includes an introduction to immersive storytelling and VR (day one), group analysis and conversation on the various formats and intentions of the VR films seen on the first day (day two), writing for VR workshop (day three), breakdown and planning for a VR project (day four), and pitching of participants’ ideas to the group.
DFI noted that this workshop is in collaboration with The Animation Workshop, VIA University College (Viborg, Denmark), which has a strong and wide reputation due to the top educations it provides for the international film industry.
The workshop will be presented in English with a lab fee of QR2,500 and a 10% discount will be given to Qatar Museums Culture Pass members. All the needed equipment and software will be provided.
Source:gulf-times.com
