In this episode of TechFirst, I chat with Emmy award-winning XR director Michaela Ternasky-Holland about whether immersive storytelling via virtual reality can change the course of history.
Documentaries already have.
The Day After aired in November 1983 and is credited with changing U.S. president Ronald Reagan’s pursuit and signing of a nuclear non-proliferation treaty with Soviet premier Mihail Gorbachev.
Can it happen again?
Using her VR documentary project, On the Morning You Wake, as a case study, Michaela explains how the deeply immersive nature of VR can change the audience’s perception of a global threat – nuclear weapons. She compares the engagement and impact of VR experiences to traditional 2D experiences, highlighting how the narrative and the audience’s sense of agency play key roles in creating quality engagement. The discussion further explores the future of immersive storytelling, addressing their potential and challenges in the technology field.
(Subscribe to my YouTube channel here)
Subscribe to the TechFirst podcast
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Overcast
Other podcasting platforms
Episode synopsis: the power of immersive storytelling
(Note: this is AI-generated)
Immersive storytelling is revolutionizing the way we consume narratives, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. In this blog post, we explore the fascinating world of immersive storytelling through an interview with Michaela Ternasky-Holland, an Emmy award-winning XR director who specializes in creating experiences in VR. We dive deep into her acclaimed project, “On the Morning You Wake to the End of the World,” a three-part VR documentary about the threat of nuclear weapons. Join us as we uncover the power of immersive storytelling and its potential impact on audiences.
The Project and its Inspiration
The interview begins with Michaela providing insights into the genesis of her project, explaining how it originated from Princeton University’s Science and Global Security program. The goal was to create a world-changing documentary that could shed light on the effects of nuclear weapons. Michaela reveals how immersive technology, especially virtual reality, was essential in making the audience feel a sense of intimacy with the subject matter. The project aimed to activate the audience and take them on an emotional journey rather than simply providing facts and information.
Overcoming Accessibility Challenges
Accessibility is a crucial factor in the success of any VR project. Michaela discusses the challenges of making VR experiences comfortable and approachable for users. She mentions the need for carefully managing the logistics of VR spaces, ensuring the audience’s comfort, and minimizing waiting times. Training docents or volunteers to properly communicate with users and create a welcoming atmosphere was also essential. Michaela emphasizes the importance of ensuring that users feel safe and comfortable not only with the technology but also with discussing intense topics like nuclear weapons.
The Impact of Immersive Storytelling
One of the core topics of discussion is the impact of immersive storytelling. Michaela shares fascinating insights into her research, revealing that users who experienced “On the Morning You Wake” through VR were more likely to engage with the topic, explore further information, and feel empowered to take action. Comparing the effectiveness of the VR experience with a 2D film version, Michaela explains how VR evoked more positive emotions, instilled hope, and made the audience feel like they could make a difference. The immersive nature of VR created a stronger emotional connection and increased engagement.
The Future of Immersive Storytelling
As the interview progresses, Michaela and John Koetsier, the interviewer, speculate on the future of immersive storytelling. They ponder the challenges of mass distribution and accessibility, acknowledging that VR technology is still evolving and perfecting its form. Michaela highlights the importance of integrating VR into people’s lives in a productive way, similar to how smartphones became integral to our daily routines. They discuss upcoming technologies such as smart glasses and immersive projections, which may shape the future of storytelling.
The Versatility of Immersive Storytelling
In the final section, Michaela and John explore the diverse possibilities of immersive storytelling. They agree that the ultimate expression of storytelling depends on the purpose of the project and the intended audience. Michaela draws parallels between interactive games and linear experiences, highlighting how each medium caters to different emotions and objectives. She emphasizes that there is no single perfect apex for storytelling, but rather a wide range of possibilities that can be tailored to create specific impacts.
Conclusion
Immersive storytelling is an ever-evolving field that holds immense potential for engaging audiences on a deeper level. Through our interview with Michaela Ternasky-Holland, we gained valuable insights into the power of immersive storytelling and its ability to evoke emotions, drive engagement, and effect change. As technology continues to advance and accessibility improves, we can look forward to a future where immersive storytelling becomes a mainstream medium, enriching our lives with new perspectives and unforgettable experiences.
TechFirst is about smart matter … drones, AI, robots, and other cutting-edge tech
Made it all the way down here? Wow!
The TechFirst with John Koetsier podcast is about tech that is changing the world, including wearable tech, and innovators who are shaping the future. Guests include former Apple CEO John Scully. The head of Facebook gaming. Amazon’s head of robotics. GitHub’s CTO. Twitter’s chief information security officer, and much more. Scientists inventing smart contact lenses. Startup entrepreneurs. Google executives. Former Microsoft CTO Nathan Myhrvold. And much, much more.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel, and connect on your podcast platform of choice: