SNL, Vanderpump Rules, SYFY WIRE and seven other shows get the 360-degree treatment in this multi-episode collaboration.
It appears as though NBCUniversal is making an even deeper commitment to VR after announcing a new partnership with Google to bring some of its most popular original programming to the world of VR in the form of 10 multi-episode 360-degree productions.
Produced using Google’s high quality Jump VR capture platform, the 360-degree series will feature original content from networks such as E!, NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, SYFY, Telemundo, USA Network and more. This includes immensely popular shows such as NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules, SYFY’s Wire and others.
“We are constantly looking for opportunities to bring consumers new ways to experience content from across the NBCUniversal portfolio,” said Ron Lamprecht, Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. “This partnership combines the creative expertise of NBCUniversal with Google’s VR capabilities to create these engaging experiences. We look forward to working with Google and YouTube on more collaborations like this in the future.”
“NBCUniversal’s networks and shows have a proven track record of high-quality storytelling that audiences can’t get enough of. Bringing them to VR lets fans connect with that content in a whole new way,” stated Amit Singh, VP of Business & Operations for VR & AR at Google. “NBCU’s teams were able to easily capture engaging VR content using the latest VR Jump cameras. And with YouTube, audiences can experience it on any device, bringing them closer to their favorite series.”
To help celebrate the announcement, two 360-degree Vanderpump Rules videos are now available for viewing on Bravo’s official YouTube channel. In Vanderpump Dogs users are given a 360-degree tour of Lisa Vanderpump’s new Hollywood dog rescue center including everything from her “trademark” pink walls to the centers surprisingly luxurious doggie biscuit bar. In James Kennedy, Scheana Marie, and Lala Kent Get Glam fans get an exclusive 360-degree bonus clip of the season finale as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the shows infamous interview set. Yes, it’s as fabulous as you’re imagining.
Additional 360-degree content from a variety of other NBCUniversal programming will be arriving over the coming weeks, as well as several videos available in VR180, a budding new format which features impressive 4k, three-dimensional video. Users will be able to access the 360-degree content using their smartphones or, for a more immersive experience, a Google Cardboard or Daydream headset.
Of course this isn’t the first instance of NBCUniversal embracing VR entertainment. The media company has experimented with the format heavily in the past releasing 360-degree content of comedians Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart during their individual guest hosting duties on SNL, as well as 180° and 360° videos during SYFY Wire’s coverage of Emerald City Comic Con.
However, with 10 multi-episode productions involving some of TV’s biggest shows on the way, this is arguably the conglomerates biggest push towards VR since their 360-degree coverage of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Hopefully we continue to see a healthy blend of original 360-degree programming as well as immersive behind-the-scenes tours.
