Viacom and New York Media Lab Launch Viacom Music + VR Scholarship

Viacom NEXT, Viacom’s new entertainment technology group, and the New York Media Lab have created a fellowship program to “encourage the development of music-based primary virtual reality content for the audience”.

Viacom NEXT, in collaboration with the New York Media Lab, recently launched the 2017 Viacom Music + VR Scholarship Program, which will provide six graduates and undergraduates the opportunity to create a music-based virtual reality experience. From Viacom's extensive library of more than 25,000 tracks and various instruments in the Viacom catalogue.

Everyone allowed to work independently or with a team of two will be encouraged to create a unique VR experience that integrates the music world, interactive art, virtual reality and storytelling, with a view to presenting innovative recording art methods to deliver new music to their fans. . In turn, fans will be able to experience the music of their favorite artists beyond any way they have encountered.

Participants of the seminar have 8 weeks to study the VR experience from June to August. In addition to the Viacom Music Library, everyone can use a range of media and technical services, including spare computers, HTC Vives and other VR headsets. During these eight weeks, researchers will also have the opportunity to be guided by industry innovators from Viacom executives and other leading organizations. Each researcher will be asked to conduct a weekly critical meeting at the Viacom office, all of which will be the final criticism at the end of August.

The joint leader of the Viacom NEXT virtual reality producer and researcher program Mac Lotze said in a statement: “Viacom is working hard to create original VR content and change fans and artists’ participation in music. “We are happy to welcome these creative ideas. Young talents go to Viacom and continue to explore the great potential of this medium. ”

Participants in the fellowship program are selected based on their different backgrounds in art, technology and design, talents and expertise. Classes in 2017 include Corey Bertelsen, New York Game Center; Danny Dang, School of Design and Technology, Passenance School of Design; Juan Jose Egúsquiza, New York University Interactive Telecommunications Program; or Fleisher, Interactive Telecommunications Program, New York University; Huang Xiaohuang, Parsons Design School of Design and Technology; and Zhao Jin, New York Game Center.

At the end of the program, the participants will show their work to the organizers together with organizations such as MTV and Nickelodeon. It will also be a leader in creative coding, game design, film and music. The 2017 researchers will have the opportunity to present their work at the end of August at the New York City Media Lab's September annual summit and November's New York City Media Lab to explore the future.

Last year's researchers produced five unique virtual reality experiences. Two of the researchers were asked to leave Viacom's NEXT staff to help shape their leadership position in the industry. Other highlights of the 2016 course include innovative music experience withdrawals, including the recording artist Max Frost of Atlantic Records, Hot Pink's “Pink Melody”, award-winning animator Tyler Hurd and Smash Party VR, which was released on the HTC Vive headset. game.

Justin Hendrix, executive director of New York Media Labs, said in a statement: "We are very happy to continue our cooperation with Viacom this summer and push the boundaries of virtual reality storytelling." With advancements in virtual and augmented reality technologies, the ability to rapidly produce high-quality experiences will be more important to media companies."