Google’s Spotlight Story series has already created some of the most memorable 360-degree videos to date. Today it returns with its sixth entry, Rain or Shine. Its the first film to be released since the launch of the company’s Daydream View headset two weeks ago, where it’s best viewed.
Created in partnership with London-based animation team, Nexus Studios, and directed by Felix Massie, Rain or Shine tells the story of a young girl named Ella. On a hot, sunny day in the UK capital Ella gets an anticipated delivery: a new pair of sunglasses. She’s overjoyed to have her new accessory, but is soon dismayed to learn that every time she puts them on a rain cloud forms above her head. Try as she might, Ella just can’t enjoy the day while wearing her new shades, until she actually finds some use for them.
As is usual with these Spotlight stories, it’s a short, sweet video that wouldn’t be out of place in front of a Pixar movie. It doesn’t reach the heights of the emotionally arresting Pearl — not that that’s the intention — but is still well worth watching for anyone with an interest in this use of VR headsets.
Perhaps what’s most interesting about the film, though, is the small degree of interactivity the viewer has with the world. Examples of this are slight, but one given in the making of video below is two friends sitting at a pub in the background. As you look at them and look away again, they’ll consume more beer. If they drink a lot, they’ll be drunk when they run away from the rain, and stumble around.
For now YouTube is the only place to watch Rain or Shine, though Pearl did later come to Vive via Steam. Fingers crossed this will too.
