Samsung believes there ought to be more episodic virtual reality shows, and it has a plan to help creators generate that type of content.
Samsung is launching Pilot Season, an initiative that will provide grant money to a set of indie filmmakers. The company also intends to let the filmmakers use its professional 360-degree camera, and it will give the series exclusive distribution via a dedicated channel on the Samsung VR Video service.
The 360 Round features 17 cameras that both capture and livestream content. Samsung recently added a new mobile app for previewing content and remote controls for the camera. The company also recently added real-time calibration of stitch lines, and color and light correction capabilities to the camera.
The pilot VR shows produced by the project include scripted sci-fi comedy series “Bro Bots,” a narrative fiction series based on Sigmund Freud’s “The Interpretation of Dreams,” and “Voyages,” a series that explores the human life cycle from birth to death with original music from Amon Tobin, Little Dragon and Jonny Greenwood.
All of the series can be accessed with a Samsung Gear VR with Controller and a compatible Galaxy device such as Galaxy S9 or S9+ via the Samsung VR Video service.
RELATED: Samsung signs live VR content deals with UFC, Live Nation, X Games
In addition to trying to build more episodic VR offerings for its hardware and service, Samsung has also been signing deals with various producers to add access to live VR content.
Last year, Samsung announced it was adding to its VR Live Pass on Gear VR with live entertainment partnerships with the UFC, X Games and Live Nation.
“We are excited to offer Samsung Gear VR users the opportunity to experience their favorite live music and sporting events through our industry-leading VR ecosystem,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and executive vice president at Samsung Electronics, in a statement. “Partnering with these companies to expand our VR services helps us to open up a new gateway of opportunities for fans and demonstrate our commitment to delivering experiences that make the seemingly impossible, possible.”