a16z Podcast | Building Worlds with VR, Art, and Narrative | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Virtual reality pioneer Robert Stromberg discusses his career, the impact of technology on storytelling, and the potential of VR as a new storytelling medium.

Key Insights

• 🌍 Robert Stromberg's diverse background in world creation, visual effects, and art direction has contributed to his success in the filmmaking industry.
• 🤗 The intersection of technology and storytelling in virtual reality opens up new possibilities and challenges in the realm of narrative experiences.
• 🚨 VR storytelling is an emerging medium that requires a careful balance between technical aspects and compelling storytelling to create immersive and emotionally engaging experiences.
• ⚾ The future of VR content consumption may involve subscription-based platforms or curated experiences in movie theaters or VR arcades.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did Robert Stromberg's background in world creation and visual effects influence his work on movies like Avatar and The Martian?

Stromberg's early experience as a matte artist and visual effects supervisor gave him a deep understanding of world creation, which he applied to movies like Avatar and The Martian. He was able to bring these virtual worlds to life by creating every element, from plants to sound, and ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience.

Q: How did Stromberg's meeting with James Cameron lead to his involvement in Avatar?

Stromberg received a surprising call from James Cameron, who had seen his work on Master and Commander. Cameron asked Stromberg to help create the world of Avatar, and after expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Stromberg created a visual image that impressed Cameron and led to his role as a production designer for the film.

Q: How does Stromberg view the intersection of technology and storytelling in virtual reality?

Stromberg believes that VR is a new medium that requires a symbiotic relationship between the technical aspects and the creative storytelling. He sees VR as an opportunity to merge the gaming world and Hollywood, creating a unique and immersive narrative experience that hasn't been seen before.

Q: What are some of the challenges faced in VR storytelling, particularly in terms of maintaining audience attention and preventing motion sickness?

Stromberg acknowledges that VR storytelling is still in its infancy and presents both challenges and opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of compelling storytelling, smooth camera movements, and attention to subtle details like the horizon to prevent motion sickness. He also suggests that content ratings based on motion and potential discomfort may be necessary in the future.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Robert Stromberg shares his journey from being a matte artist to a two-time Academy Award-winning production designer and director.

• He explains how his fascination with world creation led him to explore various roles in the filmmaking industry.

• Stromberg discusses his experience working on movies like Avatar and The Martian, and his recent venture into virtual reality storytelling.