Denver, February 22, 2017 – Two Canadian leaders in virtual reality and immersive storytelling―the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and Vantrix―will be at Denver’s IMERSA Summit (February 22–26) to offer a sneak peek at Kyma, a new full-dome experience from pioneering Montreal filmmaker Philippe Baylaucq, shot in part using the Vantrix PRO camera.
The NFB’s executive producer for special projects, René Chenier, and Vantrix CEO Jean Mayrand will join leaders from the planetarium, full-dome, giant-screen and themed entertainment communities from around the world, to present an exclusive four-minute excerpt from Kyma, the latest dome project for Montreal’s Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, produced by the NFB in collaboration with Montréal Space for Life.
Launching at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium in May 2017, Kyma will transport audiences into a 360-degree allegorical tale of how our universe―and all of us―are composed of waves. From music to light, from the smallest particle to vast galaxies, Kyma is a voyage through the wavelength of life, combining artists, musicians and acrobats in a stunning immersive show.
Developed in Montreal, the Vantrix 360 system allows users to independently explore their own field-of-view in a “being-there, from-anywhere” sensation, thanks to a new VR technology that offers a hemispherical distortion-free 360×182-degree experience.
“Our partnership with Vantrix is allowing us to create a 360-degree experience for audiences that is more seamless and vividly real than ever before, in what will be the first original full-dome production from the NFB,” said René Chenier. “Philippe and I are thrilled to be working with Vantrix to explore the possibilities this cutting-edge technology offers, and push the boundaries of art and science into immersive storytelling with Kyma.”
“We are excited to partner with the NFB to bring new and innovative solutions to the dome and VR markets,” said Jean Mayrand. “Utilizing a high-quality camera such as the Vantrix PRO25 simplifies the dome production and post-production workflows significantly. Additionally, VR distribution can easily be added to reach new user groups with a novel immersive experience.”
Kyma is the latest collaboration between director Philippe Baylaucq and producer René Chenier, who previously worked together on the groundbreaking 3D HD thermographic production Ora (2011), winner of the Autodesk 3D Independent Short Film Competition from Hollywood’s Advanced Imaging Society. Kyma is the third project that Baylaucq has directed for the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, after his acclaimed Tempo (2014) and Aurōrae (2015). His credits also include the multi-award-winning NFB experimental dance work Lodela (1996), as well as Omnicity: An Interactive Visit (1992), a multi-media experience developed for the 350th anniversary of the City of Montreal.
Quick facts about Vantrix 360
• Single-camera capture; one camera can replace a multi-camera rig, saving the production team both time and cost as well as simplifying the production logistics.
• One lens with native 360×182-degree field-of-view capture; the optics are tailor-made for dome production.
• High quality; sensor resolution of up to 5,000 by 5,000 pixels with large pixel size and 10-bit colour depth bringing studio production quality into an integrated package that includes camera capture and raw-format recording.
• No stitching required; post-production workflows are simplified since image stitching is not necessary. Also, image quality is further improved as there are no artefacts and inconsistencies from stitch lines.
• Immersive viewing in VR mode; the dome format fits perfectly for 360 and virtual reality distribution to headsets and mobile devices. The immersive nature of the playback allows users to choose their own field-of-view, enabling a more personal first-hand experience than traditional 2D video.
• Immersive video also opens up new opportunities for storytelling, where viewers are in the “best seat in the house” and can view the content from different angles.
About Vantrix
Vantrix is a global leader in next generation video services for transcoding and 360 virtual reality systems. Since 2004, Vantrix products have been deployed across 75 networks, serving over 1 billion subscribers worldwide. Vantrix software enables content owners and service operators to optimize their media processing operations and give their customers high-quality media experiences on any device. Pioneers in media optimization and delivery since 1994, Vantrix technology is helping top mobile operators and video service providers across the globe successfully converge traditional linear business models with OTT multiscreen delivery.
About the National Film Board of Canada
The NFB is Canada’s public producer of award-winning creative documentaries, auteur animation, and groundbreaking interactive stories, installations and participatory experiences. NFB producers are deeply embedded in communities across the country, working with talented artists and creators in production studios from St. John’s to Vancouver, on projects that stand out for their excellence in storytelling, their innovation, and their social resonance. NFB productions have won over 5,000 awards, including 15 Canadian Screen Awards, 17 Webbys, 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. To access many of these works, visit NFB.ca or download the NFB’s apps for mobile devices and connected TV.
About Montréal Space for Life
Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, Insectarium and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada’s largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.
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Associated Links
Kyma trailer
Vantrix PRO camera
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