360 Degrees with Rewind's Sol Rogers

In an exclusive interview filmed in 360 degrees using a basic camera rig, Sol and Shawn discussed the versatility of the medium, from straight 360 degree video to the more complicated and technically difficult “true” VR, which involves high-end CG and often utilises specialist software such as games engines. Sol also describes the differences between 360 degree, VR and AR; terms which often get conflated in the media, to the detriment of the medium. The ability to move independently, use actions to affect outcomes and allow full environmental interaction differs immensely from 360 degree video, and Sol talks through these differences, touching on the linear nature of 360 degree video and the limitations this causes. 

Leading on from this, Sol and Shawn talk about how 360 degree video is ushering in a new era for cinematography. Conventional editing, filming and narrative techniques simply don’t work with this new medium, and this is forcing film makers to adapt their narratives and filming techniques to match the technology. These limitations are driving film makers to innovate, and while discussing the future of the medium Sol touches on the ability of 360 degree video to bring people into the film on a personal level, especially through documentary and news reporting (e.g news reports from conflict zones, or refugee camps.

Sol and Shawn finish by concluding that VR production in its current form is almost like an alpha/beta phase, where people are constantly learning and there are no true VR 'experts'. VR is a young and constantly evolving medium, with almost endless potential for innovation and experimentation.