Sky opens new unit to make major push into virtual reality
Having made an initial foray into virtual reality (VR) in news coverage, Sky is now launching an aggressive push into the world of VR with the sports it owns rights to show.
Editor | 18 March 2016
Having made an initial foray into virtual reality (VR) in news coverage, Sky is now launching an aggressive push into the world of VR with the sports it owns rights to show.
The pay-TV giant is promising that its new commitment to VR content will bring its expertise in storytelling to the creation of immersive experiences that will put the viewer right at the heart of the action.
To step up the production of VR content across all its markets, Sky has created Sky VR Studio, a dedicated in-house VR production unit. As well as creating sports content, the new unit’s remit will also encompass films, news and entertainment.
The new venture is the culmination of work in VR that began in 2013 when the company invested in Jaunt, a US-based company pioneering cinematic virtual reality.
Sky VR Studio will be charged with driving the creation of cinematic, fully immersive VR content, producing more than 20 individual films, across a unique range of Sky content. In the coming months, Sky VR Studio will create brand new, exclusive VR content such as a perspective on heavyweight boxing; following Team Sky as it sets its sights on retaining their Tour de France crown; exclusive VR content across a range of news, arts and entertainment programming.
“The Sky VR Studio allows us to add a new dimension to storytelling, taking viewers to extraordinary places and offering a unique perspective on a whole host of events,” commented Gary Davey, Sky’s MD of content. “The development of VR technology is moving at an incredible pace and excitement is building about its potential. Our expertise across a wide range of video content, from original drama to live sport, gives us a unique ability to bring VR to life for customers.”
The first pieces of fully immersive VR content to be produced by the unit will be released on 18 March in the form of two so-called ‘unprecedented’ films shot during Formula One testing in Barcelona. The film is attributed with being able to transport viewers to the pit lane, into the team garages, and out onto the track.
The two F1 VR experiences, produced in conjunction with Formula One Management and Williams Martini Racing, will be made available via the Facebook 360 Video platform. The full VR experience will also be available on the Oculus platform, and viewable on the Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Rift headsets. Sky will look to distribute content through a dedicated Sky VR app later in 2016.
To step up the production of VR content across all its markets, Sky has created Sky VR Studio, a dedicated in-house VR production unit. As well as creating sports content, the new unit’s remit will also encompass films, news and entertainment.
The new venture is the culmination of work in VR that began in 2013 when the company invested in Jaunt, a US-based company pioneering cinematic virtual reality.
Sky VR Studio will be charged with driving the creation of cinematic, fully immersive VR content, producing more than 20 individual films, across a unique range of Sky content. In the coming months, Sky VR Studio will create brand new, exclusive VR content such as a perspective on heavyweight boxing; following Team Sky as it sets its sights on retaining their Tour de France crown; exclusive VR content across a range of news, arts and entertainment programming.
“The Sky VR Studio allows us to add a new dimension to storytelling, taking viewers to extraordinary places and offering a unique perspective on a whole host of events,” commented Gary Davey, Sky’s MD of content. “The development of VR technology is moving at an incredible pace and excitement is building about its potential. Our expertise across a wide range of video content, from original drama to live sport, gives us a unique ability to bring VR to life for customers.”
The first pieces of fully immersive VR content to be produced by the unit will be released on 18 March in the form of two so-called ‘unprecedented’ films shot during Formula One testing in Barcelona. The film is attributed with being able to transport viewers to the pit lane, into the team garages, and out onto the track.
The two F1 VR experiences, produced in conjunction with Formula One Management and Williams Martini Racing, will be made available via the Facebook 360 Video platform. The full VR experience will also be available on the Oculus platform, and viewable on the Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Rift headsets. Sky will look to distribute content through a dedicated Sky VR app later in 2016.