Beyond Productions and Ensemble to elevate virtual reality capabilities with new partnership
In 2016 Beyond Productions and Ensemble will partner to bring sophisticated technology and storytelling techniques to Australian Virtual Reality production, a space that is likely to grow significantly for marketers who value the role content can play in their marketing mix.
Says John Luscombe (left), EVP and general manager at Beyond Productions based in Sydney: “This new partnership, Beyond Ensemble 360, brings Ensemble’s brand storytelling experience in long-form content together with Beyond’s global production capabilities and VR experience.
“We were early adopters of 360 video content to enhance our television series such as MythBusters. We release exclusive behind the scenes VR content with premiere episodes of MythBusters on the US Discovery Channel. We are excited to expand this fully immersive story telling expertise to stand alone branded content.”
Ensemble and Beyond recently collaborated on an Australian first VR experience, producing a seven-minute video featuring one of Australia’s prime pieces of maritime military history – the submarine HMAS Onslow. The businesses are also collaborating on a large virtual reality project for a major Australian insurance brand expected to go into production in February.
Says Tim Hodgson, managing director, Ensemble: “We believe virtual reality offers unique and significant value for brands if it is done well. But it has a time and a place. VR can offer truly immersive engagement into a brand experience that is not feasible through other technologies. Partnering with the pioneers in VR technology at Beyond is truly exciting, ensuring we can push the innovation boundaries whilst telling stories effectively.”
Since its establishment in 1984 the Beyond Productions has produced more than five thousand hours of television programs for broadcast internationally including the Emmy nominated Mythbusters series, Taboo, Deadly Women, Beyond Tomorrow and Selling Houses Australia..
Ensemble is a non-traditional creative agency intent on creating communications, experiences and products that people choose to engage with.