At the NAB Show currently in progress in Las Vegas, Nokia announced a partnership with Lucasfilm to deliver an immersive behind-the-scenes VR experience of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This forms part of the existing, multi-year technology agreement between Nokia and Disney, where the OZO camera is being used to create unique VR content.
The Ozo camera is Nokia’s bold foray into virtual reality, targeting the professional market with one of the most complete, high-quality 360 camera solutions currently available, featuring eight synchronised, 2K x 2K sensors capable of 360 degree stereoscopic video and eight microphones for spatial audio recording.
Announced in April 2016, Nokia’s agreement with The Walt Disney Studios was their first content partnership with a major studio, resulting in a few unique 360 video experiences for the films Pete’s Dragon, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and The Jungle Book. For example, Alice Through the Looking Glass’ premiere included a performance by Pink, and the cast of The Jungle Book were interviewed in a giant room in front of an Ozo.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Lucasfilm and Disney to bring the magic of immersive VR storytelling to one of the most exciting and anticipated movie experiences of all time,” said Brad Rodrigues, interim President of Nokia Technologies. “OZO will enable Star Wars fans around the world to be transported into the incredible worlds depicted in the story, and truly feel the power of The Force together.”
Details have yet to be confirmed regarding the exact VR content Disney’s marketers will produce, but the might of Lucasfilm and the relentless momentum of the Star Wars brand will surely deliver something compelling for the fans during the lead-up to The Last Jedi’s worldwide December release. Brian Miller, Senior Vice President, Franchise Creative & Strategy at Lucasfilm, offers some hints:
“We want nothing more than to share the Star Wars universe with fans around the world and fans tell us they love to have the opportunity to learn more about the process of filmmaking. Utilizing the Nokia Ozo to capture our behind the scenes material allows viewers to be transported to fantastical locations and virtually visit the incredible sets where their favorite Star Wars scenes were captured.”