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Beginner’s 360 video course

Instructed by Robert Hernandez, Immersive Shooter’s editor at large.

This series of video tutorials were created by Prof. Robert Hernandez, Immersive Shooter’s Editor-at-Large, for the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, which originally offered the online course in March 2017.
The Knight Center routinely offers diverse courses, so we highly recommend you check them out! We are re-offering the course here with their permission.

Introduction

This video was shot in 360 and is not compatible with every browser. Watch the non-360 video

Goals

This course aims to provide journalists, media practitioners and the general public with knowledge about virtual reality as it applies to non-fiction storytelling and journalism, ranging from content creation to content consumption. The course will explore the quickly changing landscape of this emerging technology, reviewing current VR Journalism experiences available; looking at the diverse hardware/software to produce experiences; and the new ethical questions this new medium raises.

Objectives

At the end of the course, you will come away with knowledge about:

  • How VR is being used in non-fiction, journalistic storytelling.
  • The differences between “live-action,” 360 videos compared with CG/3D, interactive “gaming” experiences.
  • How the different hardware and software can be used to produce these VR experiences.
  • How this new medium changes production, distribution and consumption.
  • How VR raises new ethical questions non-fiction storytellers need to keep in mind.

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Module one

Immersive journalism: why now?

In this module you’ll learn:

  • How technology has evolved to enable this platform
  • The quick history of VR
  • Journalism’s role in modern VR
  • The emerging landscape of VR Journalists

Module 1A

Intro to Immersive Journalism

Module 1B

Augmented Reality

Module 1C

What is Virtual Reality

Reading list

  • Tip Sheet
  • The Rise and Fall and Rise of Virtual Reality
  • Virtual Reality Journalism
  • The reality of VR/AR growth
  • The New York Times’ latest VR project is an adaptation of George Saunders’ new novel

Module two

VR JOURNALISM EXPERIENCES

In this module you’ll learn:

  • The different types of VR experiences: Live-action vs CG/3D
  • The different consumption formats
  • Experience a variety of different VR non-fiction experiences
  • Begin to explore what makes a good VR Journalism project

Module 2A

Diving Into VR Journalism

Module 2B

Let’s Experience VR

Reading list

  • Tip Sheet
  • CNN launches dedicated virtual reality journalism unit
  • Story on Nonny de la Peña
  • 360 degree news video tips
  • Podcast on the immersive experience and how to consider empathy and ethics
  • Install these Apps on your smartphone Page:

Module three

VR HARDWARE/SOFTWARE

In this module you’ll learn:

  • The different head-mounted displays (HMDs) available
  • The different cameras available to produce live-action, 360 video
  • The different software available to produce experiences

Module 3

Equipment

Reading list

  • 10 things I wish I knew before shooting 360 video
  • The New York Times is launching a daily 360-degree video series
  • NYT: The Daily 360
  • How The Associated Press Trains its Journalists To Shoot in 360 Degrees

Module four

THE CHALLENGES IN VR PRODUCTION

In this module you’ll learn:

  • What VR content creators face when working on productions
  • Techniques and tips for 360 productions
  • New production workflow when working in VR
  • 3D/CG experiences produced via gaming engines, like Unity

Module 4A

360 Production Step by Step

Module 4B

Roundtable with immersive journalism pioneers Part 1

Module 4C

Roundtable with immersive journalism pioneers Part 2

Extra Video

How NOT to shoot in 360, by YouTube Creator Academy

Reading list

  • Virtual Reality: Production Tips
  • HARVEST OF CHANGE: Virtual reality project is a journalism first (2014)
  • Wired: How to Shoot a 360 Video
  • Nieman Lab: The Battle for High Quality VR
  • Raconteur: Immersive video journalism will transform the news

Module five

ETHICS OF VR JOURNALISM

In this module you’ll learn:

  • New ethical questions VR Journalists face with this medium
  • Keeping or removing the tripod: A debate in editing/altering reality
  • Is a pixel-by-pixel recreation enough for journalism?

Module 5

The ethical concerns: Roundtable with immersive journalism pioneers

Reading list

  • An ethical reality check for virtual reality journalism
  • Has VR Gone Too Far?
  • Virtual reality: A new frontier in journalism ethics
  • Virtual Journalism: Immersive Approaches Pose New Questions

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About Immersive Shooter

Immersive Shooter is the go-to resource for immersive journalists and documentary professionals producing 360 video and VR content.

We share industry news, gear reviews, interviews with top VR journalists and filmmakers, tutorials and more.

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