New Melbourne-based integrated virtual reality production company PLaTO Reality launches
With a strong-hold on current technologies and delivering creative storytelling, PLaTO Reality provides end-to-end development – including initial consultation, advice, full service production, post-production, visual effects and app development and VR technology and activations. In short, Plato has the capabilities to create immersive stories that include CG/VFX, 360 degree video and interactive environments.
PLaTO will streamline the Virtual Reality process, making it more accessible for clients. Behind PLaTO are two powerhouses from the production and post production world: the founders of The OTTO Empire and Visual Playground. (The OTTO Empire and Visual Playground continue to operate as independent companies, with PLaTO a new VR entity).
The combined venture has assembled the best team across creative and technical skills, to customise VR applications and experiences around creative storytelling, in order to highlight the narrative at the heart of any immersive experience.
The new venture combines OTTO’s production skills and recourses with the design, VFX, post production and motion graphic experience from Visual Playground.
PLaTO will work with directors from both within the OTTO roster, and externally from across the board, to tailor the team for each project.
“We’ll work with you to turn a great idea into an amazing experience…The real strength in VR and 360 degree storytelling is the potential to elicit genuine emotive reactions…PLaTO will demystify the technology for commercial use,” says co-founder Jo de Fina.
Though the commercial Virtual Reality space is a relatively new one, Visual Playground is no stranger to the medium, having spent the past 2 years in research, development and production. Their experience in the broadcast world also means they’re well versed in immediate results and real time workflow.
Says co-founder Emily Harridge: “I am very excited about joining forces with The OTTO Empire with our combined expertise and strengths. VR and other emerging immersive technologies are gaining momentum, and there is a real need to create engaging content for the various HMD’s including Oculus, Vive, Gear VR, Cardboard and other 360 video platforms. PLaTO’s focus is on making well-crafted content and experiences for this exciting new medium/”
PLaTO has also announced its first collaboration, a VR short documentary titled ‘Jafri’, will premiere at this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival as part of their new Virtual Reality program. Directed by Michael Beets, ‘Jafri’ is an intimate portrait of Jafri Katagar, Melbourne’s one-man anti-racism street campaigner who, since coming to Australia as a refugee and becoming an Australian citizen, has been vigilant in his fight against discrimination and intolerance.
For the first time, a Virtual Reality Cinema is running as part of the festival, being led by a custom developed platform by Visual Playground, allowing a synchronous VR viewing experience. During the festival, Michael Beets will feature in a ‘VR Masterclass’ at the Wheeler Centre, alongside some of the world’s best VR directors. View full details about Virtual Reality @ MIFF.
To hear more about the VR production process, join Michael Beets and Patrick Taylor, VP Creative Director, and other industry experts, at the upcoming Real World VR Event. The session will be held at The Loop Project Space and Bar on Tuesday 19th July, and will centre around Australian produced 360-degree documentaries and real-time VR experiences.
For more details about the Real World VR event visit the site or contact info@platoreality.com.au
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good on you Jo.