Monday, February 24, 2020

Antarctica Experience: Technique outdoes narration

After viewing a VR immersive film...
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Robert: It certainly felt as if you were there, right there, in Antarctica.
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Roald: And moving your head around, seeing a penguin come up behind you.
Come here often?
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Robert: A stunning film. But what impression did it leave you with?
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Roald: Um, well, like I had actually been there.
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Robert: Yes, aside from flying by helicopter and hearing people who work there telling us this is the cafeteria and the meals are great, and I can’t talk loudly or I’ll disturb the penguins. Was there a theme?
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Roald: Research into climate change by drilling down into the ice for core samples.
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Robert: But was there a story?
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Roald: Well, in a 22 minute film you can’t do much more than say CO2 levels have risen to double the amount they have ever been in recorded history. Maybe Al Gore’s use of a ladder was more dramatic, even if it lead to climategate.
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Voice-over
Some films get carried away with technology, like 3D or VR. Maybe there aren’t enough human resources or budget left to hire a scriptwriter. You could almost hear the director saying to the people, “Look at the camera and when the light comes on, say something. Like what is your job about.” Or “Here comes a penguin.” How about, “What hours do you work when the sun is up all day?” Or “Do you name any of the penguins?”
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