Revolutionizing the Film Industry: The Impact of New Technologies on Movies

The Shanghai International Film Festival is bringing together the world of cinema and cutting-edge technology through its “Vision Lab” exhibition. At the Push Art Center in Putuo district, attendees can immerse themselves in the intersection of filmmaking and new technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (ER). This innovative showcase aims to demonstrate how these advancements are shaping the movie industry and providing a glimpse into the future.

One of the featured attractions is a futuristic twist on the classic tale “The Journey to the West,” presented in a VR format. Using motion capture technology, the movements and gestures of the actors are tracked in real-time and translated into a virtual environment. This allows for seamless modifications of the actors’ appearances and voices, offering filmmakers unprecedented creative control.

Lou Yanxin, the founder of Sandman Studio, believes that these emerging technologies will revolutionize the film and entertainment industries. He highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements and acknowledges the tremendous potential of AR, VR, and mixed reality. However, he also acknowledges the challenge of keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology, as humans struggle to match the speed and capabilities of machines.

Visitors to the exhibition can explore breathtaking experiences made possible by these technologies, such as diving into the depths of the ocean and interacting with jellyfish, scaling the majestic Alps, or embarking on a thrilling journey through outer space. The immersive nature of the VR experiences leaves a lasting impact on attendees, with one visitor expressing a desire to have such technology available for personal use at home.

The film festival features a selection of 30 movies, including six premieres in China. However, it is the interactive mixed reality game “Eggscape” that has captured the attention of many. Developed through a collaboration between Sandman Studio and 3dar from Argentina, the game provides a fully immersive experience where players can actively participate in the action, rather than passively observing.

Interactivity and the ability to influence the storyline and outcome of the movie are key factors driving the growing interest in VR. Che Lin, the curator of Vision Lab, emphasizes the importance of creating a truly immersive environment where viewers become active participants. The exhibition offers various VR devices and dome-screen movies, as well as interactive dancing, enabling visitors to truly step into the world of cinema and become part of the narrative.

According to research institute Omdia, consumer spending on VR devices and content is projected to reach a staggering $7.5 billion by 2026, with an estimated 70 million VR headsets in use worldwide. The value of VR hardware and software is also expected to skyrocket, reaching $16 billion by 2026, up from $6.4 billion in 2021. These figures demonstrate the growing significance of VR technology and its impact on various industries, including the realm of filmmaking.

The Shanghai International Film Festival‘s “Vision Lab” serves as a testament to the fusion of creativity and technology, offering a glimpse into the future of cinema and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

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