Multiple new Virtual Production facilities with mocap and giant LED screens, amongst other magical technologies, point to new entertainment products. But how do these forms reach people, and what are the implications for performers? We have seen the popularity of blended live and pre-recorded shows like ABBA Voyage, where the eponymous group is presented as digital avatars. One of the drawbacks of these kinds of productions is the expense of renting and moving the equipment into a regular venue.TV shows like 'The Mandalorian' continue to be held up as the quintessence of Virtual Production but this simply can't be the way -there must be new forms. Members of our community of practice stream for remote performance, the result for the audience is watching two-dimensional screens as a broadcast. Therefore, we propose transforming the virtual production facility into a networked accessible multisite venue to increase sustainability, job creation, longevity and value for money. As Gibson/Martelli we are engaged in developing streaming tools for motion capture and immersive performances involving XR, live mocap and participatory audiences.
We plan to leverage our existing VR exhibit 'PAN + TILT' as a use case, taking it to the next stage by building methods for remote and 5G performance. Our insights and digital dramaturgy will create new forms that can extend into other use cases, including dance, theatre, fashion, music, presentations, health and wellbeing, training and education. Our project will generate a 'playbook' that can guide smaller and larger productions. Using bodystorming, telematics, network gaming and 5G, we will grow a series of investigations to connect performers to local and remote audiences at two venues in shared space. This model forms the basis for a virtual rehearsal room where physically separate performers come together to create the next generation of immersive experiences and the performers of the future.