David Attenborough’s Conquest of the Skies

 

 

WINNER 2023 | Category: Product

 

Entrant

1.618 Digital

 

Abstract

Discover how insects, reptiles and birds unshackled themselves from the grips of gravity and took to the skies in this immersive series. David Attenborough’s Conquest of the Skies takes you on an evolutionary journey through the astonishing 300-million-year dynasty of flight in exceptional 3D 180 VR shot in 8k at 60fps and spatial sound.
 

Description

This is a natural history documentary crafted for a uniquely immersive presentation. Drawing on specially shot rectilinear 3D material captured in the cloud forests of Ecuador and the rainforests of Borneo, we plotted the most significant moments in the evolution of flight and cast creatures as vanguards, rivals, and victors. We then used industry-leading set extension techniques to bring this footage into VR180 in order to do the immersive format justice.

In addition to this incredible 3D material, the team built brand new CGI scenes that would put viewers right into the heart of the prehistoric forest and canyons where dinosaurs soared. These flying dinosaurs were brought to life by our in-house Animation and VFX team, ZOOVFX, with forensic detail, working with archaeologists so that these scenes would match the 8k resolution of our macroscopic footage of insects and birds and withstand high-resolution scrutiny, which is more keenly felt in VR than in more traditional cinematic experiences.

Sound played an important role in auralising and bringing complex environments and, crucially, protagonist instinct species to life. We deployed cutting-edge 3D sound recording methodology, high spatial resolution sound design and volumetric audio to immerse our audience in multifaceted habitats and present animals with great proximity to the viewer.
 

Project video