International Film Festival Rotterdam | 4DR Studios Award 2022: Confident
Getting a confident start with volumetric video thanks to IFFR Pro
On Wednesday 2 February 2022, we participated in our IFFR Pro Days in Rotterdam. As a proud partner, we were able to present our first 4DR Studios Award during these days; an award to kickstart the most beautiful immersive project.
With two men strong, Natasja Paulssen and Steye Hallema, interviews were held with the finalists for the 4DR Studios Award. One by one interesting projects which envisaged a fully immersive imagery. But only one could be the winner. For us, this was the project Confident, by Jérôme Blanquet and Bertrand Jeandel, produced by Maneki Films and Wise Bird.
What stands out for us in this project is the desire to use humour combined with a team that we believe has the capacity to do something at a very high technical level. We are very curious to see what comes out of this.
– Natasja Paulssen en Steye Hallema
The 4DR Studios Award also gave the team the opportunity to spend a day filming in the volumetric capture stage for their project. As a result, together we kickstarted the use of volumetric video in the Confident project. Something we can now look back on with pleasure – AND share the next steps!
The project Confident
The story of Confident is about a happiness assistant. Since 2044, these early models of artificial intelligence that can regulate emotions have appeared on the market. In real time, they make all people happy, perfectly docile and eager to please everyone.
The Confident knows everything about its owner: his or her affinities, weaknesses, fears… Shadow advisor and hormone regulator, Confident is aware of its host’s every decision and emotion. Their effectiveness has silenced the most sceptical and directive C84A19, which makes Confident mandatory for all meta-citizens, was passed almost unanimously. Today, 2044, belief in Confidents seems unshakeable.
In 2051, everyone is equipped with a happiness assistant. But minutes ago, user Rudy was found in a lethargic state after a connection error between his Confident and the central server.
In this comic interactive virtual reality investigation, you are the investigator and must find out what happened…
New nomination
We are now a year on, having worked with Maneki Films and Wise Bird on the volumetric filming. This brings the launch of the interactive virtual reality experience another step closer. And this has not gone unnoticed by other parties. Indeed, Confident’s first footage will be on display at the XR Development Market, during the NewImages Festival event, in Paris!
The XR Development Market is the annual meeting place where future immersive art masterpieces come to life and find their funding model. For the fifth consecutive year, it brings together independent artists and producers, seeking funding and partners, with industry leaders and cultural players committed to these unique works.
We would like to wish Maneki Films and Wise Bird the best of luck at this Paris event. We are very curious to see the audience’s reactions to the first footage of this fun project!
Award
