--
Blackmagic Design today announced that Director Michael Muller used 18 Micro Studio Camera 4Ks as part of two custom built virtual reality (VR) rigs to film Into the Now, an underwater VR documentary, which is the first in a series of films about marine life and the challenges facing our oceans today.
Told through Muller's personal journey of overcoming his fear of sharks, the film touches on the pressing issues that our oceans face, such as climate change, pollution and overfishing, while also serving as an educational tool for viewers to experience the oceans firsthand through VR. Produced by RSA VR and Vanishing Oceans, LLC, the film premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival and was screened at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and the Sandbox Immersive Festival, part of the 2018 Qingdao International VR Week.
The film is also part of an ongoing research project with Stanford Universitys Neurology department on the benefits of VR for people with PTSD, anxiety and other stress disorders. Muller and Andrew Huberman, head of Neurology at Stanford University, along with a team of five scientists from Stanford, initially shot a sizzle piece, which made Muller realize the need for a better quality camera system to make the kind of film he wanted.
The challenge was that I only had two-and-a-half months to raise funding to travel the world, and I needed a camera system that didnt exist yet. Animals are migratory, so the clock was ticking, said Muller. I needed 4K resolution in a compact form factor, genlock and an interchangeable lens mount, among other things. Luckily, I met Casey Sapp and Matt DeJohn from VRTUL, and they built a solution: the VRTUL 1 rig using Blackmagic Design's Micro Studio Camera 4Ks.
San Diego based VRTUL (www.VRTUL.co) is a live action VR solutions and production company. Created and built in just eight weeks, each of the two VRTUL 1 rigs consisted of nine Micro Studio Camera 4Ks, along with a Mini Converter SDI Distribution, a Mini Converter Sync Generator and a Blackmagic 3G-SDI Shield for Arduino. The rigs were both used simultaneously and as primary and backup systems.
The Micro Studio Camera 4K was the best solution for a few reasons, explained Muller. Genlock ensured that the cameras maintained perfect sync, especially since we arranged them in native stereoscopic 3D pairs. The form factor was also key, since the camera's small size allowed us to mimic the average human interpupillary distance for a realistic 3D effect, with cameras rotated 90 degrees. Also, the 4K resolution in combination with our lens choice gave us the desired pixel density, so we could achieve a final stitch of up to 6K resolution. Finally, the 422 signal allowed us to capture a high-quality ProRes file via an external recorder, which provided better color flexibility in post as compared to other VR cameras which rely on H.264 compression.
Additionally, the Blackmagic 3G-SDI Shield for Arduino, Micro Studio Camera 4K's expansion port and Blackmagic SDI Control Protocol unified all the camera controls, so Muller and his team could control all cameras simultaneously from one custom keypad. The Mini Converter SDI Distribution allowed the team to duplicate the Mini Converter Sync Generator signal, and the Mini Converter Sync Generator ensured shutter sync between all cameras.
The shoot took place over the course of a year and took Muller and his team all around the world. I obviously could have kept going, and plan to at some point, but for this first series of films I had to limit it to the nine expeditions that targeted some of the coolest things to see in the oceans. From Africa to the Galapagos, we really crisscrossed the planet, filming pretty much back to back to get it done in time for a 2018 release, he noted.
With 30 years of experience as a professional photographer, Muller has spent the past 15 years shooting animals in their natural environments, including 32 expeditions around the world to photograph sharks. I realized that photos did not carry the power to show these animals the way people need to view them, and I thought a documentary film might be able to do what photography lacked in dimension and storytelling capabilities, said Muller. I want to inspire this new generation to get out and see nature and protect it. I want people to see just how amazing our planet is and that we still have time to save it. People protect what they love, and I want to find ways to help people fall in love with our oceans in ways they haven't before.
Creating content in VR with a brand new camera system was a fun challenge since we were trying to discover new ways of storytelling in a medium that has no roadmaps for how to do anything yet, he concluded. The Blackmagic Design components performed very well and shooting VR has allowed me to bring people along on these journeys, put them right in the center of the action and see our planet in a way they've never be able to until now.
# # #
About Michael Muller
Michael Muller (www.mullerphoto.com) established himself as a top celebrity photographer and television commercial director before pursuing his passion to photograph marine life. In 2016, Taschen published Mullers first book entitled Sharks, which captures sharks on film using the most powerful strobe in the world, on which Muller himself holds the patents. Muller emphasizes the necessity for more ocean protections using imagery to evoke awe, with GQ Magazine praising his portrayal of sharks in all their sleek, gnashy, surreally beautiful glory. Into the Now is Mullers first film shot in VR. He is joined by creative studio Here Be Dragons to produce the rest of the films in the series, among other projects. To learn more about Muller and Into the Now, check out Instagram @michaelmuller7 and @intothenowVR
About Blackmagic Design
Blackma
Most recent headlines
17/02/2025
TVBEurope talks to the team who brought a piece of broadcasting history back to life on BBC Wales last night
By Jenny Priestley
Published: February 14, 2025 ...
17/02/2025
Eligible studios will receive the relief directly from their local authorities, with no need to submit a claim
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 17, 20...
17/02/2025
As DEI initiatives come under pressure in the USA, supporters of Rise, which promotes diversity in the media and entertainment sector, discuss the continuing im...
17/02/2025
EIB Global loan will partially fund SES's continued O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit (MEO) fleet expansion enabling additional capacity worldwide. O3b mPOWER s...
15/02/2025
At Nielsen, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) play a critical role in nurturing a ...
15/02/2025
Innovation to empower creativity: Explore the latest in Lightroom
Rob Christensen February 15, 2025
0 Comments
Whether you want to remove distracting ...
15/02/2025
Wisycom, a worldwide leader in RF technology and provider of wireless solutions, announces a new distribution agreement with EQUAPHON. An Argentinian profession...
15/02/2025
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Mariano and Vincent Vince Divine to the ...
15/02/2025
Tuxera, a leading provider of quality-assured file systems and networking solutions, will showcase how Tuxera Fusion SMB enables unprecedented performance for m...
15/02/2025
Bitmovin's latest Video Developer Report indicates an increasing role of AI, the slow adoption of next-generation codecs, and continuing challenges when it ...
15/02/2025
When Michelin Enterprises set out to promote its prestigious Hotel Guide in the new Sleepless in the Kitchen , campaign, veteran German/Slovenian gaffer Robert...
15/02/2025
Formula E, the world's first all-electric racing series, revolutionizing motorsport with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability has sele...
15/02/2025
Agile Content, a global leader in TV and video technology solutions, announces its rebranding to AgileTV.
The transition to AgileTV stems from a commitment to ...
15/02/2025
Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. Th...
15/02/2025
Following the success of the original Airglow Booklight, DoPchoice debuts a new addition to their inflatable line the Float. This lightweight, inflatable, round...
15/02/2025
LAS VEGAS Marshall Electronics has announced that it will debut its newest camera controller, the RCP Plus, at the 2025 NAB Show at Booth N2649 between April 5 ...
15/02/2025
ATLANTA Gray Media has named Blake Sebo as the next general manager of KTUU and KYES, Gray's NBC and CBS affiliates in Anchorage, Alaska....
15/02/2025
KOKKEDAL, Denmark DPA Microphones will feature its new CORE+ technology for distortion-free microphone sound at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, in Las Vegas....
15/02/2025
SWANSEA, U.K. QuickLink will launch StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, two new models of its QuickLine StudioPro video production platform, at the 2025 NAB Show, Ap...
15/02/2025
Live From 2025 NBA All-Star Game Weekend: After 25 Years, Turner Sports All-In F...
15/02/2025
NASCAR Driver Cam on Max Embraces Cloud-Based Workflow for 2025 Season Chris Brown of WBD Sports says Mobii will play key part in delivering signals from the tr...
14/02/2025
Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new m...
14/02/2025
From an island off the coast of Lutruwita to the global stage in France SBS & ...
14/02/2025
The future of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) land systems is evolving so that ...
14/02/2025
Here are 5 reasons why you should attend ISE 2025
Discover more about Calrec: Learn more about Calrec's legacy of innovation in broadcast audio solutions ...
14/02/2025
World Radio Day: On the same wavelength
By Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec
To mark World Radio Day, Calrec's International Sales Ma...
14/02/2025
DALLAS and TYSONS, Va. Tegna has concluded a broadcast rights agreement that makes Tegna's KFAA in Dallas the exclusive local television partner of the Dall...
14/02/2025
Amazon's Prime Video has released a new app for Apple TV that the streamer said delivers an improved streaming experiences with faster scrolling, improved s...
14/02/2025
CLEVELAND Telos Alliance announced a software update for its Axia Quasar XR and SR line of audio-over-IP (AoIP) mixing consoles and will show the offering at th...
14/02/2025
Puget Systems Returns to HPA Tech Retreat 2025 with New Analysis Tools for Puge...
14/02/2025
Glass Animals: Tour of Earth Uses Blackmagic Live Production Workflow
Brie Clayton February 14, 2025
0 Comments
80six deploys Blackmagic URSA Broadcas...
14/02/2025
A dispute between Paramount and Youtube TV that would have pulled CBS stations and Paramount's cable channels from the streaming service has been temporaril...
14/02/2025
Colourist Deidre (Dee) McClelland details how she helped shape the distinct look and feel of whimsical Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, Memoir of a Snail
By C...
14/02/2025
BitFire said it intends to introduce forward-looking services that simplify the launch of live production workflows, and enhance real-time collaboration
By Jen...
14/02/2025
The claim by the liquidators is the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the companys collapse at the end of 2021
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 14, ...
14/02/2025
A carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount could come to a head today (Feb. 13), with the virtual pay TV provider threatening to pull all of the progra...
14/02/2025
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. LG Electronics USA has opened a new in-house, state-of-the-art virtual production studio at its 360,000-square-foot North American headqu...
14/02/2025
NEW YORK In a bid to help local broadcasters find new ways of monetizing their content, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and TVB have relea...
14/02/2025
WASHINGTON Three Democratic U.S. Senators have sent a stern letter blasting FCC Chair Brendan Carr for the weaponization of the agency for attacking broadcast...
14/02/2025
Years after launching the streaming service Apple TV+ in November of 2019, Apple has finally released a version of its steaming app for Android devices....
14/02/2025
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. Red Digital Cinema will make its V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X camera systems available with Nikon's premier Z Mount, providing filmmaker...
14/02/2025
DAYTONA, Fla. The Fox Sports production of this year's Daytona 500 will see the addition of a few new tech elements and the continued unfolding of the broad...
14/02/2025
Watch Bryson Battles Blind Audition on The Voice Get a Four-Chair Turn Michael Bubl said the Boston Conservatory at Berklee musical theater senior might have...
14/02/2025
2025 Daytona 500: FOX Sports Looks To Ride Super Bowl LIX Momentum Into NASCAR S...
14/02/2025
14 Feb 2025
VEON's Kyivstar and the Come Back Alive Foundation Raise USD 2....
14/02/2025
Max Renews THE PITT, Starring Noah Wyle, For A Second Season
Max
Warner Bros. Television Group
The Pitt
New Episodes Of The Medical Drama From John...
14/02/2025
This year, Technicolor proudly celebrates 110 years of shaping the magic of cinema pioneering color, visual effects, and innovation that bring unforgettable l...
14/02/2025
NBA All-Star: More Games, More Teams, More Music, More Sound From the Court Turner Sports' team will deploy familiar tech to capture all the audio By Dan D...
14/02/2025
LIV Golf Continues To Innovate With Drones, Data-Driven Graphics, and All-Access...
-- 
