The New York Times (NYTimes.com) showcased some early experimentation with virtual reality at its NewFronts presentation, “Every Angle,” today at Skylight Modern in New York City.
The Times, in collaboration with Chris Milk and his production company, Vrse, offered attendees the chance to view a virtual reality film starring the French artist JR, whose work was featured in the most recent issue of The New York Times Magazine.
The virtual reality film, titled “Walking New York,” takes viewers through the making of the Magazine’s cover, for which JR took a photo of a recent immigrant to New York and pasted a 150-foot-tall version of the portrait on the Flatiron Plaza in Manhattan. The final cover photograph is a shot of the portrait taken from a helicopter above the city. The film, narrated by JR, lets viewers experience every aspect of the process, from the initial photo shoot on the street, to the studio work, to the pasting, to the helicopter ride.
The film was directed by Milk, JR and Zach Richter. It was produced through Milk’s production company, Vrse.works, and is available to watch on virtual reality headsets and any modern cell phone using the Vrse app. Times Magazine editor-in-chief Jake Silverstein stated that he will be working with Vrse on future virtual reality projects.
Rebecca Howard, general manager, video, The New York Times, said, “I first experienced virtual reality at Sundance’s New Frontier event this past year. It was truly a spectacular event and really confirmed the rise of virtual reality filmmaking. For an organization like The Times, the possibilities of virtual reality are so exciting. As we embrace ‘Every Angle,’ virtual reality gives us the ability of capturing all of it.”
New Programming
As part of The New York Times team that received a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of Ebola, Times Video continues to expand its program offerings.
“Times Video continues to be one of the most creative expressions of our journalism,” said Bruce Headlam, managing editor, video, The New York Times. “From breaking news to creating in-depth features, Times journalists are using the medium to amplify our news report and bring rich, visual storytelling to new audiences.”
The Times shared details about new series coming to Times Video including: All in the Family, which focuses on businesses run by families; Trials of Spring, produced by Abigail Disney’s Fork Films, which chronicles the stories of six women who played central roles in the Arab Spring uprisings and their aftermaths; and The Graduates: Detroit Class of 2014, which follows young people who graduated from a Detroit public high school in 2014--the year the city declared bankruptcy.
Andrew Ross Sorkin, Times columnist and founder and editor-at-large of DealBook, announced the launch of his new video series, DealBook Explains.
These new series join a number of new, recently-launched programs on Times Video, including Corner Office, sponsored by Deloitte; Bits Presents Robotica, sponsored by Microsoft; Block by Block, sponsored by Halstead Property; and Made With Kickstarter.
The Times recently announced a collaboration with Travel Channel that will bring the popular Times column, 36 Hours, to television this fall. In addition, The Times and PBS NewsHour began sharing video journalism including news reports and longer form documentaries.
The New York Times Company
The New York Times Company is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The Company includes The New York Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com, international.nytimes.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at @NYTimesComm.
This press release can be downloaded from www.nytco.com.
Contacts:
Linda Zebian, 212-556-7153
linda.zebian@nytimes.com
