At long last! The free download of Utopia 1.0 in VR is available to all on the GearVR platform.
DOWNLOAD IT HERE! [How to install GearVR apps]
For the past year, we've been working to translate Utopia 1.0 the film into the VR experience. What began as a summer challenge during NY Art-A-Hack with collaborators Lee Tusman and Dave Tennent, evolved into what it now is today thanks to improvements in technology; a generous grant from Media Arts Assistance Fund, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, Electronic Media and Film, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; administered by Wave Farm; and the talented team of the NYU VR Lab, Mahe Dewan, Javier Molina, and Todd Bryant, who worked their magic. While we wanted to present the entire 20 minute film in the VR headset, our tests indicated 8 minutes would be more comfortable in this environment. The VR edition is a condensed version of the original, presented in a virtual cinema, and followed by a Q&A with my avatar. Thanks also to ConstructVR who made sharing this piece surprisingly easy.