LOGAN Takes the Oculus Rift on a Virtual Drift for Castrol EDGE

Forever pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology, LOGAN launches its new division on the heels of “Virtual Drift” a groundbreaking project for Castrol EDGE via agency The Brooklyn Brothers. For the first time ever, the production company was able to recreate their infamous automotive films – “Gymkhana Seven,” Castrol “Blackout,” and “Recoil 2” – but this time in the virtual world using the Oculus Rift.

“Virtual Drift” begins by placing champion Formula Drifter Matt Powers and his 650-horsepower Mustang on a clear open course, before connecting the driver to the Oculus gear. Blinded by the headset but fed images of a virtual obstacle course, Powers must drive his real car in response to the virtual environment. Powers skillfully maneuvers his way to safely avoiding pitfalls, falling boulders, and monster waves, as the entire virtual world collapses around him. The resulting film, directed by Ben Conrad, shows a harrowing and inventive use of the extraordinary VR technology.

To create this stunt, Conrad and his team of creative technologists, including Adam Amaral and Glenn Snyder, designed a digital, apocalyptic obstacle course to test the best drivers’ reflexes and skills. They then hardwired a car in the real world with a triangulated GPS system and a network of sensors that would monitor variables including speed, temperature, torque, and throttle. All this data was then collected and processed through a computer and plugged into the virtual world essentially creating an exact replica of the car in the space. As the driver maneuvered in the real world, the virtual car would move as well.

“We’re doing something that has never been done before,” notes Conrad. “Drifting in a real car with your eyes completely covered is extremely dangerous, but our tech team was were able to make it happen. LOGAN has always been about pushing the envelope when it comes to experiential projects and filmmaking. It was so awesome to be a part of this first of its kind project.”