Renowned documentarian David Attenborough (pictured above) is working on a new film that will make use of Oculus Rift technology. Here’s what you need to know about his upcoming feature, “Conquest of the Skies.”
1. David Attenborough’s ‘Conquest of the Skies’ Compatible With Oculus Rift
Imagine watching hd planet earth on a virtual reality headset. That's what Attenborough is filming for right now.
— Drew Owens (@Drewchebaggles) April 11, 2014
Due out later this year, “Conquest of the Skies” is being filmed with a special eight-camera rig to deliver 360-degree video for Oculus Rift users. “Conquest of the Skies” was filmed in Borneo, according to Realscreen.
2. This Is Not Attenborough’s First 3D Steroscopic Film
The world through Attenborough's eyes RT @verge: David Attenborough producing his latest documentary for Oculus Rift http://t.co/lWZTtS6Tpz
— Ben Popper (@benpopper) April 11, 2014
The Verge reports that “Conquest of the Skies” is not Attenborough’s first foray into non-traditional filmmaking. “Conquest of the Skies” will be Attenborough’s sixth stereoscopic 3D film.
Stereoscopy News notes that Attenborough’s other 3D films include “Flying Monsters 3D, The Bachelor King 3D, Kingdom Of Plants 3D, Galapagos 3D and the soon-to-premiere Micro Monsters 3D.”
3. Oculus Rift ‘Ideal’ for Watching Documentaries
うおおお! pic.twitter.com/5urxlCkRDg
— 小島秀夫 (@Kojima_Hideo) February 20, 2014
Wired UK reports that Oculus technology is ideal for watching documentary films:
“The Rift has primarily been talked about as a gaming platform so far, but increasingly commercial and creative companies are discussing ways in which they could appropriate the technology for a whole range of purposes. The immersive nature of Oculus Rift makes it ideal — in theory at lest — for use in something like wildlife programming, providing a vivid, close-up experience of unusual environments.”
4. David Attenborough Not the Only Oculus Rift Filmmaker
What Facebook Will Be Like With The Oculus Rift http://t.co/cDohUp6rjr pic.twitter.com/HdOKbnPP6W
— Darth Paige (@GameGadgetGirl) April 7, 2014
As we reported earlier this year, the film Zero Point has been optimized for viewing on the Oculus Rift. This may signal the start of widespread film optimization for the Oculus Rift. Facebook’s $2 billion purchase of Oculus may have signaled to filmmakers that this formerly-indie device is ready for the big time.
5. Oculus Rift Movies Could Reach Millions
Trying my best to look cool at @bitcmp -experimenting w/ @oculus_rift. Great stuff built by these students. #dctech pic.twitter.com/QP4cbjW4mq
— Michael L. Chasen (@michaelchasen) April 6, 2014
While Joystiq reports that over 60,000 Oculus Rift dev kits have been sold, insiders believe that Oculus could sell millions of units when public-ready devices finally debut.
Realscreen reports that Atlantic Productions commercial director John Morris expects millions of Oculus VR headsets to be sold. Atlantic Productions is one of the names behind Attenborough’s upcoming doc.
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David Attenborough’s Oculus Rift Doc: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know