Virtual Reality: The Next Frontier of Filmmaking - You've probably heard this mantra from anyone who's ever picked up a VR headset and they aren't necessarily wrong. New forms of media come along once every couple of decades and VR is the latest form to take shape since the advent of online video. If you're interested in learning what goes into the production of a spherical capture and VR you're in the right place!

In this Stage 32 Webinar, Zeke Thomas, an executive producer at Ego 360 (clients include: Legendary Pictures, Nerdist Industries, VidCon, Youtube, Outside TV, and Paramount Pictures) will provide an overview of best practices for shooting a 360 video and spherical capture from concept to execution. He will cover the importance of storytelling in immersive environments, how your location will inform your production workflow, and the best way for consumers to interact with your content.

Virtual Reality/spherical capture is a relatively new form of media that is being adopted by consumers at an incredible rate. If you're interested in throwing your hat in the ring, take advantage of Zeke's knowledge to learn about what works and what doesn't for immersive experiences.

As an executive producer at Ego 360 and VR your host, Zeke has guided, budgeted, and executed a multitude of projects in immersive storytelling as well as managed client/studio relationships. He has been a filmmaker and storyteller in the digital space since 2007 and continues to produce in both framed and immersive environments.

• Overview: What is VR and How do we capture it?
• What is the difference between VR vs 360 spherical capture?
• The VR landscape
  • How people consume your work?
  • Uses for VR in everyday life (Commercial, Science, Training, Tourism)
  • Cinematic VR narrative = experiences
• Why should we film a VR piece vs a regular framed piece?
• What works vs what doesn't?
  • Examples: The Gold Standard in VR - Help
  • Current smaller pieces - Exorcist, Don't Breathe
• Empathy vs agency
• What makes good content?
• Film school rules = worthless in VR
• The Importance of Locations
• Production - How do I shoot my crazy idea?
  • How creativity will inform your production techniques?
  • Who is this for and where will it live?
  • Types of rigs you have access to.
  • Lens and stitches
  • Camera technique
•  Post-Production
  • Transitions/Cuts
  • Plug-ins
• An in-depth Q&A with Zeke Thomas!

• Anyone who is looking to tells stories in immersive environments,
• Anyone who has already shot a 360 video but wants level up to showing someone an immersive experience
• Writers, Directors, Producers, and actors who want to work in the space and understand the workflow.
• Below the line crew: to understand the challenge of capturing experiences spherically and diegetically.
• Studio Executives who see the possibilities of building out experiences and extended worlds for their properties.
• Marketing Executives who want to learn about another way to reach their target demo
• Content Managers who want to understand how VR is consumed.