Tool Announces Multiple VR and Experiential Projects at Sundance

The 2017 Sundance Film Festival will feature the work of several of Tool’s world-renowned directors and artists through a series of VR films and brand installations.

Director Lily Baldwin, known for her career as both a professional dancer and filmmaker, will debut a new virtual reality project called “Through You” with artist Saschka Unseld, founder of Oculus Story Studio. The project has received the 2016 Sundance Institute New Frontier / Jaunt VR Residency, and presents a love story told through dance. Cast: Joanna Kotze, Amari Cheatom, Marni Thomas Wood.

VR Artist Cabibbo has collaborated with leaders in the virtual reality space on a new film titled “Life of Us”, which will debut at the New Frontier exhibition. The project explores evolution and human progress on Earth through HTC Vive experiments that push the boundaries of innovation in physicality and play. Lead Artists: Chris Milk, Aaron Koblin, Pharrell Williams, Key Collaborators: Megan Ellison, McKenzie Stubbert, Jona Dinges).

Tool’s Nora Kirkpatrick (The Office, Edward Sharpe), along with Mike O’Brien (SNL, Portlandia), co-created, co-wrote and co-directed a new 360 sketch comedy series, Virtually Mike and Nora, in which they both star. The series marks a groundbreaking step forward in virtual reality-driven media, bringing together emerging technology and dynamic original content to lead a new wave of immersive storytelling. From using the viewer as a character, to letting the viewer be an omnipresent voyeur, the audience will be a necessary part of the humour in this show. The series will debut in early 2017 on Hulu’s 360 platform and VR app, and the first two episodes, titled “Airplane” and “Twins,” will be shown at Sundance. 

Tool interactive director, GMUNK, will debut a brand new installation for automotive brand Acura, partnering with agency Mullen LA and in collaboration with GPJ and Spinifex. “Mood Roads” is a unique experience for Sundance attendees that allow users to drive the audio visuals through their brainwave data as they ride sitting in a motion simulator chair.

“These pioneering directors and artists speak to the diverse range of storytelling capabilities found on Tool’s roster,” said Julia Sourikoff, EP of VR at Tool of North America. “We’re thrilled to have such a strong presence at Sundance and are proud to represent creatives that are playing a key role in the evolution of VR and the immersive arts.” 

"This body of work is a terrific representation of what Tool strives to be, a place for filmmakers and artists to experiment with new mediums and technology while telling culturally relevant stories,” added Mike Lobikis, Head of Development at Tool. “As an organization, we continue to stretch the notion of what it means to be a production company, and these artists are a huge part of our future."