Immotion, the global leader in immersive edutainment, recently revealed its newest virtual reality film, The Great Migration, at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Mid-Year Meeting.
Using motion-based, 360º virtual reality technology, IImmotion immerses viewers in the amazing journey of over two million animals as they move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Maasai Mara reserves in Kenya. The Great Migration of East Africa, which is regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is packed with predators, such as crocodiles, lions, and cheetahs, who feed on herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles as they cross the Mara River in search of better pastures.
Recently, though, other factors have threatened migration. “The wildlife of the Serengeti-Mara region are under attack by human-induced obstacles,” says Rod Findley, Immotion president and CEO. Climate change and population encroachment are influencing the migratory paths these animals depend on.
“Without a successful migration every year, the entire ecosystem of East Africa is jeopardized. The conservation element of this story is of the utmost importance.”
Filmed in-situ
Under the direction of creative director Ken Musen, Immotion’s team of Emmy-winning virtual reality filmmakers spent three weeks in the Maasai Mara filming stunning, immersive footage of the migration. Thirteen 360º VR cameras were employed by two camera teams recording simultaneously to capture the action. There were just three cameras that survived.
“We were able to place our VR cameras in places along the migration’s paths that no one has ever tried before,” says Musen. “For the first time ever in VR, you are actually inside a herd of wildebeest as they struggle across the river, inside the jaws of a hungry crocodile, coming face-to-face with a hippo in a river. We’re very excited about the final film.”
To record the activity on land, in the air, and on the water, Musen and crew used a variety of tools, including “Rock-cams,” “Croc-cams,” drones, and hot air balloons.
The virtual reality movie was suspenseful from beginning to end. Under a lion’s watchful eye, one of the Maasai warriors accompanying the crew managed to carefully grab a partially eaten camera from the field during a vital period of filming. The group also assisted in the recovery of a wounded young elephant at another point in time.
“Production on this VR film was a challenging process,” adds Musen. “Yet it was tremendously fulfilling to be able to capture this type of immersive, never-before-seen footage so zoo patrons can be transported to the Mara without ever leaving the zoo.”
Immotion uses immersive technology to improve visitor engagement in aquariums and zoos while educating audiences about the value of conservation. The Great Migration, the most powerful movie in its expanding repertoire, will soon be available at its zoo partners worldwide.
