Archive notice: This article was originally published on February 16, 2016. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
VR NOW supports innovative concepts in virtual reality (VR) so that their content can be realised. The term “VR” is deliberately broad and includes all types of simulations in a VR environment, such as VR experiences / VR games / VR animations / augmented reality (AR), or technology-oriented production approaches based on VR / AR.
The call for VR NOW begins on February 15, and the application deadline is March 15, 2016 (postmark). On March 7, an information evening will be held at the Animationsinstitut of the Filmakademie, offering an opportunity for mutual exchange and clarification of general questions about the VR NOW training programme. Teams consisting primarily of alumni from universities in Baden-Württemberg can apply, regardless of their graduation year.
A team should cover at least directing, look, technical directing and producing. The application should be based on a project concept. The initiative is aimed, among others, at artists, producers, computer scientists and people interested in technology in the VR / AR field. Following preselection, up to six teams will be invited to consultation meetings at the Animationsinstitut and to FMX 2016 (April 26–29), where the funding decisions will also be made by a jury. The development phase from concept to prototype will then take place from June 2016 to April 2017 at the Animationsinstitut. The prototypes are to be presented to an international professional audience at FMX 2017.
If funding is awarded under the VR NOW training programme, the Animationsinstitut provides the appropriate infrastructure to develop projects from the concept phase through to a presentation-ready prototype. This includes both the provision of the required IT equipment and workplaces, and support for projects from internationally renowned lecturers and project-support staff. The project is accompanied particularly closely by the Animationsinstitut’s Research & Development department.
The Ministry of Science wants to make Baden-Württemberg an engine and source of impetus for the future-oriented technology of VR and is providing 500,000 euros in funding for this VR initiative. The MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg is also supporting VR NOW with a funding prize totalling 20,000 euros.
All information about VR NOW and the application forms are available at http://www.animationsinstitut.de/vrnow. Teams apply in English with a concept that should cover the following aspects of their project proposal:
- Content and storytelling
- Graphics, design and technical implementation
- Scientific relevance, if applicable
- Production plan, estimate of effort and exploitation concept
- Biographies of the participants with evidence of their reputation in the respective field
- For alumni, proof of education at a university in Baden-Württemberg
For all questions about VR NOW, the Animationsinstitut can be reached by email at vrnow@animationsinstitut.de or by telephone at 07141 969 82 800. The main contact is Christian Müller.
