narrative VR film

MINI: Backwater, a narrative VR film

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MINI and KKLD reached out to UNIT9 to push the boundaries of narrative in VR and showcase MINI’s passion for innovative content. This ambition led us to create a piece of Virtual Film Noir.

“Backwater” follows the story of a couple who carry out a dangerous diamond heist at a fish market, shot on location in Barcelona. The user can look around in all directions to explore the footage, although the plot is told linearly. The key narrative moment take place in a MINI.

“Traditional film tools like close-ups, inserts and shot-reverse-shot, even fundamentals like composing a frame – are either very limited or obsolete in VR. We had to find new ways to draw the viewer’s eye to what we want them to see.”

Henry Cowling, Creative Director of VR at UNIT9

The film was shot on stereoscopic and captured with a customized 9-camera RED Dragon rig in 6K. This was the first time such a rig has been used in Europe, as well as the first time it has been used for a narrative VR film.

The short VR film showcases the MINI Connected feature, which allows its passengers to listen to music and interact with social media while driving. 

You can try the experience here.

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