When people talk about the cultural touchstones that paved the way for VR, Brett Leonard’s Lawnmower Man is never far from thought. The 1992 movie envisioned a bold and terrifying future for the technology. Some would hold it in the same regard as Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One. Fast forward 27 years and Leonard is now making a series for VR. The first installment is set to screen at South By South West (SXSW) this month.
The series, named Hollywood Rooftop, will feature at the festival’s VR Lounge. As the name suggests, the series follows a group of actors. Each is trying to ‘make it’ in show business. They share their triumphs and turmoils with viewers. The piece if being filmed both in 360 degrees and with a 2D camera so that everyone can see it.
But, while the series can be watched in VR, Leonard is trying something different for SXSW. The first episode will instead be screened to a group using a 360-degree video projector. In a prepared statement, LeonardBree said he hoped the experience would “inspire an ‘Immersive New Wave’ of storytelling in this emerging medium”.
The wider VR Lounge area is run by VR Fest. It’s also set to feature virtual performances from Lady Gaga & Katy Perry and AR installations among other showcases. The site opens on March 13th at the Capital Factory inside the downtown Omni hotel. The screening of Hollywood Rooftop takes place that evening.
As for a wider release for the series? There’s no word just yet but we’ll let you know.
