Dr. VR

In this episode of the Dr. VR podcast, I sit down with the legendary Mike Monello, co-producer of The Blair Witch Project and co-founder of Campfire NYC. We discuss his groundbreaking work in immersive storytelling, from redefining horror cinema to crafting award-winning experiences across media platforms. Mike also shares insights into the making of Broken Spectre, the acclaimed VR survival game developed by Games by Stitch that he produced, and reflects on the power of VR to transform storytelling. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with one of the pioneers of transmedia innovation!

In this episode of Dr. VR, I sat down with Richard Eastes, co-founder and creative director of Toast Interactive, to discuss his groundbreaking work in VR. Richard shares his journey into the VR industry by leading the innovative gaming studio based in Queensland, Australia.

The conversation dives into the creation of the iconic 'Richie’s Plank Experience,' exploring its inception, the role of stereoscopy in its development, and how it became a quintessential introduction to VR for many. Richard also discusses the immersive sound and visual design that heighten the sense of presence and evoke strong emotional and cognitive reactions in players.

The episode also highlights Richard’s latest project, 'Max Mustard,' a made-for-VR platformer blending first- and third-person perspectives. Richard explains how his team overcame challenges like motion sickness and adapted the classic platforming genre for VR, creating a comfortable yet thrilling experience.

In this episode of Dr. VR, I sat down with Richard Eastes, co-founder and creative director of Toast Interactive, to discuss his groundbreaking work in VR. Richard shares his journey into the VR industry by leading the innovative gaming studio based in Queensland, Australia.

The conversation dives into the creation of the iconic ‘Richie’s Plank Experience,’ exploring its inception, the role of stereoscopy in its development, and how it became a quintessential introduction to VR for many. Richard also discusses the immersive sound and visual design that heighten the sense of presence and evoke strong emotional and cognitive reactions in players.

The episode also highlights Richard’s latest project, ‘Max Mustard,’ a made-for-VR platformer blending first- and third-person perspectives. Richard explains how his team overcame challenges like motion sickness and adapted the classic platforming genre for VR, creating a comfortable yet thrilling experience.

Dans cet épisode de Dr. VR, je reçois Gwenaël François, auteur, réalisateur et producteur innovant dans le domaine de la réalité virtuelle. Avec son approche audacieuse dans Oto’s Planet, sa plus récente œuvre récompensée du Prix spécial du jury de la section Venice Immersive à la 81e Mostra de Venise, Gwenaël brise le mur de la première personne en offrant aux spectateurs une position omnisciente, où l’on devient à la fois observateur et acteur de l’histoire. Nous explorons ensemble ses œuvres marquantes comme Errances et Oto's Planet, ainsi que les thèmes puissants qu'il aborde – de la colonisation à la protection des territoires autochtones. À travers cette conversation, découvrez comment Gwenaël révolutionne la narration en VR en repoussant les limites de l’immersion et de l’implication émotionnelle du spectateur. Préparez-vous à une plongée fascinante dans l’univers de la VR, au-delà des conventions.

Dans cet épisode de Dr. VR, je reçois Gwenaël François, auteur, réalisateur et producteur innovant dans le domaine de la réalité virtuelle. Avec son approche audacieuse dans Oto’s Planet, sa plus récente œuvre récompensée du Prix spécial du jury de la section Venice Immersive à la 81e Mostra de Venise, Gwenaël brise le mur de la première personne en offrant aux spectateurs une position omnisciente, où l’on devient à la fois observateur et acteur de l’histoire. Nous explorons ensemble ses œuvres marquantes comme Errances et Oto's Planet, ainsi que les thèmes puissants qu'il aborde – de la colonisation à la protection des territoires autochtones. À travers cette conversation, découvrez comment Gwenaël révolutionne la narration en VR en repoussant les limites de l’immersion et de l’implication émotionnelle du spectateur. Préparez-vous à une plongée fascinante dans l’univers de la VR, au-delà des conventions.

In this 26th episode of Dr. VR, I sit down with Caitlin Krause, XR designer, educator, and author of ‘Digital Wellbeing - Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI.’ We dive into key topics like XR development, the importance of user co-creation in immersive experiences, and how technology can enhance our lives without making us overly dependent on it. Caitlin also shares how VR is evolving from an isolated experience to a tool for connection and communication.

A major focus of our conversation is on digital wellbeing in the age of AI, a central theme of Caitlin's book. We explore how technology allows us to engage, create, and evolve, while maintaining balance in a fast-paced, tech-driven world.

In this 26th episode of Dr. VR, I sit down with Caitlin Krause, XR designer, educator, and author of ‘Digital Wellbeing - Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI.’ We dive into key topics like XR development, the importance of user co-creation in immersive experiences, and how technology can enhance our lives without making us overly dependent on it. Caitlin also shares how VR is evolving from an isolated experience to a tool for connection and communication.

A major focus of our conversation is on digital wellbeing in the age of AI, a central theme of Caitlin's book. We explore how technology allows us to engage, create, and evolve, while maintaining balance in a fast-paced, tech-driven world.

In this milestone 25th episode, Dr. VR takes listeners on a deep dive into his PhD research, which explores the transformative potential of VR. After 6 years of research, interviews, and academic exploration, Dr. Justin Baillargeon presents key insights from his dissertation, "Embodying the Image: Spect-actorship and Virtual Reality."

In this episode, he examines the concept of spect-actorship, a theory that explores how VR changes users from passive spectators into active participants. Through detailed analysis, uncover how VR reshapes storytelling, education, and entertainment, and how this shift in engagement has far-reaching implications for immersive technology.

Available in both English and French.

Dans cet épisode marquant de Dr. VR, le 25e, l'animateur Dr. Justin Baillargeon plonge les auditeurs dans sa recherche de doctorat, qui explore le potentiel transformateur de la réalité virtuelle. Après six ans de recherches, d'entretiens et d'explorations académiques, Dr. Baillargeon présente les principaux enseignements de sa thèse, “Embodying the Image: Spect-actorship and Virtual Reality.”

Dans cet épisode, il examine le concept de « spect-acteur », une théorie qui explore comment la réalité virtuelle transforme les utilisateurs, de spectateurs passifs à participants actifs. À travers une analyse détaillée, Dr. Baillargeon révèle comment la VR redéfinit la narration, l'éducation et le divertissement, et comment ce changement d'engagement a des implications profondes pour les technologies immersives.

Disponible en français et en anglais.