9 – 10 October, 3-5pm
Get Up Close To Antarctica
One of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth is closer than ever, thanks to a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience.
Part of the Days of Ice week of activities celebrating the opening of the Antarctic scientific season, Antarctic Immersion is set to redefine how we experience and understand the frozen continent.
Filmmaker Antz Powell has captured hundreds of hours of 360-degree video from Antarctica, and collaborated with The University of Canterbury’s HIT Lab NZ (Human Interface Technology Laboratory New Zealand) to create a unique experience for VR headsets.
HIT Lab NZ’s Rob Lindeman says creating an experience that goes beyond the initial "wow" factor of wearing a VR headset was a key aim. To do that, the experience features diverse and striking visuals, including underwater scenes, and footage from Antarctica's Mount Erebus and Dry Valleys.
He says with so much incredible footage, the key is bottling it up in a package that helps people appreciate the enormity – and fragility – of Antarctica.
“The thing that every person that's been to Antarctica comes back saying is that you underestimate the scale of everything,” says Rob. “VR can allow you to get a much better sense of being there.”
Rob Lindeman -HIT Lab NZThe thing that every person that's been to Antarctica comes back saying is that you underestimate the scale of everything. VR can allow you to get a much better sense of being there.”
Antz says the experience gives people access to places that even a visit to the continent might not allow for. “You can get a bird's eye view from a drone flying over the ice shelf. You'll get to see into the crater of Mount Erebus; travel with the Hägglunds out across the sea ice; be sitting in amongst the penguins at a penguin colony.”
Both Rob and Antz – who have collaborated previously – agree rapid improvements in VR technology have allowed them to create their most realistic Antarctic experience yet. says Rob. “VR can allow you to get a much better sense of being there.”
“It's a much more realistic and immersive experience than traditional filmmaking,” says Antz. “There is no fixed frame – you’re looking around rather than being directed at what to look at.”
Antz Powell - FilmmakerIt's a much more realistic and immersive experience than traditional filmmaking,” says Antz. “There is no fixed frame – you’re looking around rather than being directed at what to look at.”
For Antz – who has over 26 years of Antarctic experience – capturing life at penguin colonies was a highlight. "I’d just leave a camera recording, walk away, come back and get it an hour later." The resulting footage gives viewers a feel of "sitting amongst the penguins” and an intimate glimpse into their natural behaviours.
Both Rob and Antz say that Ōtautahi Christchurch – one of five Antarctica Gateways in the world – is the ideal location for this kind of innovative collaboration.
“The thing that's unique about Christchurch is the ease of collaboration. There's not a lot of egos or bureaucracy in the way. It really adds to our ability to do things nimbly,” says Rob.
Antz says he’s hoping that people leave the experience with more of an appreciation for Antarctica, and its importance to Earth. “It's this 30 million cubic kilometres of ice sitting at the bottom of the planet, which is very much in danger at the moment.”
Antarctic Immersion: A 360 Degree Virtuality Film is available on 9 – 10 October, 3-5pm at the Activity Room, Hapori | Community, Level 1 Tūranga
Bookings available online via City Libraries booking system. NOTE children under 13 years cannot participate in this event due to VR equipment limitations.
