Gimmick or game-changer: is virtual reality the future of film?
Virtual reality, its proponents say, will change the face of cinema within the next decade, but some say the ‘computer game’ feel can be a little off-putting
Busan — Virtual reality (VR) will change the face of cinema in the next decade — but only if content keeps up with the advances in technology, industry experts at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) predict. VR is already being heavily promoted by the tech giants, with Facebook and Microsoft launching new headsets they hope will ensure the format goes mainstream. Studios and filmmakers are also poised to capitalise, as cinema industry reports estimate VR could generate as much as $75bn a year in revenues by 2021. Earlier this year, the IMAX chain opened its first VR cinema in Los Angeles, while the leading film festivals — including Cannes, Venice, and Tribeca — now have sections dedicated to recognising ground-breaking work in the medium. "Facebook and Apple are pouring billions of dollars into this industry and these hardware developments are key but it will all come down to content and we are excited by the way that is developing," explained Korean-American filmmaker Eug...
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