The multisensory simulator VIX was launched in Brazil to great fanfare on 12 October. Accompanied by a large delegation of dignitaries from the Brazilian government, the New York company Sensorama opened the doors to its futuristic vessel at its world preview.
VIX is a ride at the cutting edge of technology that transports the audience into an undersea world brimming with special effects such as movement, wind, mist, heat, odors, a 360° sonic universe and a gigantic curved 4D screen. Lasting around 10 minutes, the experience can be shared by 24 people at a time.
“It’s not so much an active way of watching a film, but the true sensation of feeling as if you are inside the film itself.” states Lucas Werthein, Sensorama’s co-founder. “There are only a few simulators of its kind and it is a first for Latin America. The others are found in theme parks like Disney and Universal.”
“VIX is one of those projects that came to us as a welcome surprise. It’s testament to the quality of our artists and the work they have achieved on previous projects that the VIX team approached us, yet I believe it is our personalized approach, that focuses on the needs of each project, that truly won over Sensorama” confides Louis-Philip Vermette, producer at Digital Dimension. “The VIX team was searching for a partner to guide them through the creation of visual content and we knew how to bring about the creative solutions required to achieve the desired performance requirements all the while respecting their budget. This relationship of trust has resulted in a wonderful creative freedom.”
The Digital Dimension team in charge of the visual section of the ride worked with Sensorama’s team from the outset of the project in order to help them create a specific world. Without access to the simulator, which was under construction, Digital Dimension’s creators had to find a solution to test the evolution of the clip. They turned to virtual reality helmet Oculus Rift to help them recreate the ride’s imagery. “It was very important to be able to simulate the feeling of the ride, above all when setting up the cameras. You want the clients on the ride to have a great time in an exciting and stimulating world.” Digital Direction Production Director Guy Harvey tells us. “Oculus Rift, which was recently acquired by Facebook, allowed us to find the right balance to create a thrilling ride”.
Proud of the democratization they have brought to the world of multisensory simulators, Sensorama’s team assures us that the VIX installation in Brazil is but the first of many.
To see the making of VIX go to: http://www.digitaldimension.com/portfolio-items/vix-making-of/
About Digital Dimension
Founded in 1996, winner of 6 Emmy® Awards and 4 Visual Effects Society Awards, Digital Dimension specializes in the creation of visual effects and 3D animation for the film, television, and interactive entertainment industries. For further information visit: www.digitaldimension.com
