Tag: FIVARS festival 2016

VRTO’s celebrated a successful 2nd annual FIVARS (Festival of International Virtual and Augmented Reality Stories) September 16-18, 2016 with what Huffington Post raved was “the most cutting-edge storytelling festival in the world!”

FIVARS featured the work of groundbreaking international artists dedicated to the innovation of VR, telling immersive stories that challenge, defy, and transcend the status quo. During the three-day festival, attendees enjoyed over 30 unique VR experiences, artist panels, Augmented Reality Art by Daniel Leighton and a 3D Audio Chamber by David McKevy.

The Festival of International Virtual & Augmented Reality Stories featured 30 titles from countries as diverse as the UK, Jordan, China, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, Iran and the US. Every audience member rated each experience they viewed from 1 to 5 points and these were then tabulated and averaged per selection to find the People’s Choice Award for the categories of Best Immersive Spherical Video and Best Interactive Experience.

The new Grand Jury Prize was selected by having every member of the judiciary committee anonymously select their top three favorite selections and assign then a point value from 1-10. These scores again, were averaged to find the winner. Criteria used included conceptual originality, technological implementation, innovation, effective use of the medium for narrative purposes and overall excellence.

The awards were announced at The Cadillac Lounge in Toronto, Canada – Tuesday September 20th, 2016.

FIVARS Alpha Team Members Sarah Bradley and Meg White announced the Interactive Experience Award, Gareth Seltzer of RYOT announced the Spherical Video award and Joseph Ellsworth – technical director of VRTO/FIVARS announced the Grand Jury Prize. The proceedings were hosted by FIVARS executive director Keram Malicki-Sanchez.