360
Early in my time directing the Planetarium, I recognized that technology’s swift advance would soon make spherical live-action filmmaking affordable. (It was already technically possible). Jason Fletcher, an innovative partner-in-crime on my team, was eager to explore this technology, and he soon had us filming with a rig consisting of six GoPro cameras. We used it for parts of From Dream to Discovery, filmed at Goddard Space Flight Center. After a few years, I was able to start filming with a pair of Kodak PixPro SP360 4K cameras. Although the tech has advanced rapidly, the creative world is still early on the curve of learning how to use it and, more generally, how to use VR effectively and artistically.
On The Line of Totality
10:20am, August 21 was the moment Madras, OR entered the zone of totality of the 2017 solar eclipse, the start of two minutes of wonder for me, my family, and tens of thousands of people gathered to experience this extraordinary phenomenon. I knew that the occasion would be perfect for 360 video, and I was determined to capture the footage and use it for a truly compelling demonstration of the technology. I convinced Sheldon Mirowitz to compose music for the start and end, and added just a touch of narration to set the stage. Totality is reached close to halfway through this 6-minute film. Thanks to Swissnex‘s commitment to innovation, technology and the arts, I was able to present a fulldome version to the public at Boston’s 2017 Hubfest.
(In most browsers, the YouTube 360 player will allow you to view the entire sphere of video by clicking and dragging, or by pointing your mobile device in different directions. If the motion doesn’t work, try accessing it via this link, which should take you to YouTube.)