{"id":1259153,"date":"2021-10-25T18:25:47","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T22:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vrscout.com\/?p=25312"},"modified":"2021-10-25T18:25:47","modified_gmt":"2021-10-25T22:25:47","slug":"feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat","status":"publish","type":"station","link":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/plato-data\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat\/","title":{"rendered":"Feature Film \u2018We Met In Virtual Reality\u2019 Shot Entirely In \u2018VRChat\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>The experimental documentary showcases how social VR technology can affect our emotional and social relationships.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>We Met in Virtual Reality<\/em> is a 90-minute feature documentary that tells the story of five different members of the <em>VRChat<\/em> community through their own voices as they navigated romance, friendships, and self-discovery in the virtual as well as the real world.<\/p>\n<p>Filmed entirely in VR during the height of the COVID pandemic, the film\u2019s director, Joe Hunting, spent hours in <em>VRChat <\/em>using <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hirabiki.booth.pm\/items\/2283183\"><strong>Hirabiki\u2019s VRCLens<\/strong><\/a>, a cinematic quality virtual camera, to capture candid moments of people as they coped with global lockdown restrictions using social VR.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <span class=\"embed-youtube\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"810\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A7MnZIMU8so?version=3&amp;rel=1&amp;showsearch=0&amp;showinfo=1&amp;iv_load_policy=1&amp;fs=1&amp;hl=en-US&amp;autohide=2&amp;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\">[embedded content]<\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>For Hunting, who is a filmmaker in the real world, the film was about finding real people who turned to <em>VRChat<\/em> to satisfy their social needs. He ultimately discovered a community of users who genuinely cared for each other and who wanted to give back to the technology that brought them all together.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hunting sat down with VRScout to talk about his film, <em>We Met in Virtual Reality<\/em>, which is filmed entirely in VR, telling me, \u201cThe film presents an immersive journey through the world and different <em>VRChat <\/em>communities. Each individual that you meet shares really unique perspectives on VR and each engages with their community in different ways. For them, VR means very different things,\u201d adding, \u201cThrough their eyes, the film presents a very broad portrait on how social VR can affect our emotional and social relationships with each other, but also within ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Though the film explores different communities in <em>VRChat,<\/em> it primarily follows the lives of five specific people and how they use <em>VRChat<\/em> as a way to connect with others from around the world. Each individual is addressed by their respective avatar names in the film; at no point do we learn their real-world identities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"593\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-25313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat-4.jpg 593w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?resize=174%2C300&amp;ssl=1 174w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1326&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?resize=889%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 889w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?resize=1186%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1186w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?resize=810%2C1399&amp;ssl=1 810w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?resize=1140%2C1969&amp;ssl=1 1140w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021-JHunting-Portrait-scaled.jpg?w=1482&amp;ssl=1 1482w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/a><figcaption><em><strong>\u2018We Met in Virtual Reality\u2019 creator Joe Hunting \/ Image Credit: Joe Hunting<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jenny is an ASL (American Sign Language) teacher who spends time in <em>VRChat\u2019s<\/em> \u2018Helping Hands\u2019 community helping to create a supportive educational environment for all hearing, deaf, and hard-of-hearing VR users.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dragonheart and IsYourBoi met each other in the exotic dance world \u2018Club Zodiac\u2019 where they now serve as official admins. They are also a couple who have never met in the real world.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, you\u2019ll meet DustBunny and Toaster. DustBunny is a<em> VRChat<\/em> fitness instructor specializing in VR dance classes. Toaster is DustBunny\u2019s long-distance partner. The two have met once in the real world. Since the pandemic, however, the two have used social VR technology to continue to grow their relationship.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Jenny.jpeg?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"685\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-25317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat-5.jpg 685w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Jenny.jpeg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/a><figcaption><em><strong>Jenny, an ASL teacher in VRChat \/ Image Credit: Joe Hunting<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Despite taking place in VR, conversations with the aforementioned subjects feel incredibly raw. \u201cI want people to connect with these voices and feel their emotions in the same way that they would as if they were in the real world, but also the film is so much about expression and having fun, and being playful, and embracing a new side of yourself that maybe you\u2019ve never discovered before.\u201d Hunting continues by saying, \u201cI want people to walk away from the film feeling inspired and excited to embrace their own individuality, whatever that might be.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>When asked if there was a specific moment in the film that resonated with Hunting, he hesitated, afraid to spoil a certain part of the film. \u201cIt was a real testament of what VR can mean for someone, and for them, it meant a great deal,\u201d adding, \u201cthat was a really special moment to be a part of. And there are other moments in the film which made me realize how precious social VR is for people.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DustBunnyToaster.jpeg?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"695\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat-2.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-25316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat-6.jpg 695w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DustBunnyToaster.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DustBunnyToaster.jpeg?resize=600%2C400&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/a><figcaption><em><strong>VR fitness instructor DustBunny and Toaster \/ Image Credit: Joe Hunting<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hunting and his team were all in during the production of the film. So much so the creator was treated to his own virtual birthday party conducted inside<em> VRChat<\/em>. \u201cDuring production in June, it was my birthday and I had a birthday party with the cast, everyone involved in the film, and friends from the real world. And I had this birthday party in <em>VRChat<\/em>. With this outdoor world with picnic benches. We had a DJ. I was in that world for about 10 hours speaking with people and just enjoying my time. It was such a special experience, and I\u2019m so grateful for everything that happened on that day. That moment really floored me. That\u2019s when I realized that I had found my people and tribe.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><em>We Met in Virtual Reality<\/em> <\/em>doesn\u2019t focus on the technology behind VR. Instead, it highlights the human side of immersive technology. As for if Hunting has met anyone in the film in real life or in their physical form through a video call? He has not. At least not yet. \u201cIf the film is selected for festivals, the cast and I will definitely take the opportunity to meet physically to attend screenings together, which I sincerely hope happens. That\u2019d be a lovely bow tie on the whole project.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DragonHeartandIsYourBoi.jpeg?ssl=1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"685\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat-3.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-25315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat-7.jpg 685w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/l3apq3bncl82o596k2d1ydn1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DragonHeartandIsYourBoi.jpeg?resize=300%2C201&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/a><figcaption><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><em><strong>Dragonheart and IsYourBoi, admins of Club Zodiac in \u2018VRChat\u2019 \/ Image Credit: Joe Hunting<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hunting has submitted his film to several film festivals, including Sundance, SXSW Film, Glasgow International, Hot Docs Film Festival, Dublin International Film Festival, and SF International with plans for the Tribeca Film Festival.<\/p>\n<p>Hunting has launched an <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/we-met-in-virtual-reality-feature-documentary#\/\"><strong>IndieGogo campaign<\/strong><\/a> to help him pay for music licensing, which is still required in order to release the film. Funds will also help with submission fees to other film festivals. If you\u2019d like to donate to Hunting\u2019s campaign or would like to know more about his movie, click <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/we-met-in-virtual-reality-feature-documentary#\/\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You can also follow Hunting on his <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/joeahunting.com\/\"><strong>website<\/strong><\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Joeahunting\"><strong>Twitter<\/strong><\/a>, and on <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/joe_ahunting\/\"><strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><em>We Met in Virtual Reality<\/em><\/em> and Hunting have no affiliation with <em><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hello.vrchat.com\/\"><strong>VRChat<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em> This is an independently crafted film produced in collaboration with communities on the platform.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><strong>Feature Image Credit: Joe Hunting<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/vrscout.com\/news\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat\/\">Source: https:\/\/vrscout.com\/news\/feature-film-we-met-in-virtual-reality-shot-entirely-in-vrchat\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1259154,"template":"","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","type":"","auto_type":false,"post":"","stream":"","stream_url":"","waveform_data":[],"duration":0,"bpm":0,"downloadable":false,"download_url":"","purchase_title":"","purchase_url":"","post-count-all":0,"like_count":0,"download_count":0,"editor_note":"","copyright":"","captions":[]},"genre":[10309],"artist":[10458],"mood":[],"activity":[],"station_tag":[3761,5086,3718,5738,3886,4883,4813,5089,4862,3690,6978,4000,3791,5340,4559,4871,3891,3892,3792,4155,4816,4636,5142,7170,4002,7246,4250,8066,3729,4346,14149,32360,5143,7461,4068,4069,4177,4005,3799,4074,4311,4347,3694,3650,4186,5431,44565,3953,43668,4275,3954,4595,3653,4572,4318,5576,5145,4452,7125,4405,4884,460,3661,3662,3663,19503,43838,4749,4541,3965,3966,6272,8041,3861,4430,4579,4020,4622,5492,8300,3972,4460,3872,3779,4357,17172,5546,43787,43649,4127,5048,8266,5396,3671,3755,3874,3933,5897,4551,17174,3941,3816,3878,468],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/station\/1259153"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/station"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/station"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1259153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"genre","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/genre?post=1259153"},{"taxonomy":"artist","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/artist?post=1259153"},{"taxonomy":"mood","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mood?post=1259153"},{"taxonomy":"activity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/activity?post=1259153"},{"taxonomy":"station_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platoaistream.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/station_tag?post=1259153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}