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Red Engine brands 360 degree video the ‘next frontier’ of content after Telstra collaboration

Telstra and content creation agency Red Engine have developed a series of 360 degree videos in a move to put consumers “directly in the centre of the action”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEs2glbusbk

The move comes as Facebook announced overnight it too will start rolling out the technology.

Stars from the world of sport and the arts including Jarryd Hayne, Tim Cahill, Paul Gallen, Adam Goodes, Dimity Azoury and Kate Moloney all feature in the Telstra videos that will be hosted on Youtube.

Telstra said the technology was about creating a “unique connection between fans and top Australian athletes and performers”.

“The video will place fans directly in the centre of the action with a 360 degree view. They can look up, down and all around as they choose,” a spokesman said.

One of the videos is a two minute compilation featuring six Australian athletes and performers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1w0gCcNmv4&feature=iv&src_vid=DYOC7nT7gWE&annotation_id=annotation_977282047

Red Engine managing director Julian Townley described virtual reality and 360 video as the “next frontier” of creative content.

“We worked closely with the Telstra team to create this truly innovative content series, which was formulated strategically to not only showcase Telstra’s technology credentials, but also to immerse fans of Telstra’s sports and cultural partnerships in the action like only 360 video can,” he told  Mumbrella

“While the early plays in this field have concentrated on using Oculus Rift and scaling down, we wanted to bring the experience to life using the device that everyone has in their pockets and scaling up, making it truly accessible to users. Giving users control of the experience is undoubtedly the future of content, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ8PoPlhMpQ

Telstra said in a statement: “We’ve seen some big developments in the world of 360 video/virtual reality over the past twelve months.

“Google announced the Jump VR platform, Facebook acquired Oculus VR, Telstra conducted a world first by shooting a drone’s eye view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks and brought Peking Duk’s live performance to fans via 360 at Splendour in the Grass.

“All of this adds up to a growing interest in immersive experiences.”

Steve Jones

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