SBS and Screen Queensland today called on filmmakers across Queensland to be part of a new Virtual Reality project to bring documentaries about Australian life to audiences across the country for the second season of SBS series Untold Australia.
Up to four talented Queensland filmmakers or teams will be commissioned to develop, produce and market Virtual Reality (VR) short-form documentaries exploring the diversity of Australia’s people, their cultures and lifestyles.
SBS director of television and online content Marshall Heald said: “SBS is thrilled to partner with Screen Queensland to bring Australians this cutting edge step in how we view and interact with documentaries.
“Virtual Reality documentaries utilise 360° video and/or computer-generated interactive media to create an immersive story that brings the viewer closer to the subject matter.
“The Untold Australia series explores Australian communities that are often overlooked or unheard from, and this remarkable technology gives our audiences an opportunity to gain a greater understanding and insight into their world in season two.”
Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira said: “We are excited to be working with SBS on this new Virtual Reality initiative. Screen Queensland remains committed to growing our state’s industry base and unearthing new voices and stories, and creating opportunities for our industry to learn new skills.
“Millions of people in the world are already enjoying Virtual Reality, experiencing scenes and stories with a 360° view as if they were there, in person.
“We want to ensure Queensland practitioners are ahead of the game in producing great experiences on the VR platform and learning the technical skills needed to forge ahead into a future in content creation that is happening now.”
SBS is calling Queensland filmmakers and teams to create stories and experiences that uncover non mainstream subcultures or a fresh take on how to create greater understanding and acceptance on culturally sensitive issues. All submissions must exploit the full potential of immersive VR.
Queensland filmmakers should submit a two-four page proposal on how they will develop and produce computer-generated interactive media, observational documentary or any technique that suits immersive story telling. Submissions will be produced in (but not limited to) Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Rift with suggested length 3 – 15 minutes.
