safariLIVE 360: A Day In Djuma

The 360 virtual reality film brings you closer to Africa’s wildlife than ever before, where you are invited to join a real game drive with the safariLIVE guides. On the hunt for lions, you will discover some of Africa’s most iconic and thrilling wildlife first-hand in their natural environment.

The Brief

WildEarth produce safariLIVE, a gripping broadcast taking viewers on a sunrise and sunset game drive everyday. In partnership with WildEarth, Biome were invited to take this well established brand into the exciting medium of VR. We were tasked to create a 360° film following a traditional game drive. Critically, the film had to capture the essence of the regular safariLIVE production. Biome had to ensure that it was familiar and comfortable for safariLIVE’s dedicated fans whilst also being inclusive for first time viewers.

Project date
Spring 2017
Location
The Kruger National Park, South Africa
Shoot Length
3 weeks
Partner
WildEarth
Hours in the bush
174
Mammal species filmed
12
Kilos of biltong consumed
1.7kg
Available on
JauntVR

The Challenge

Contrary to most VR shoots, the team quickly realised their pre-planned storyboard and script was almost redundant. As with the unpredictability of any safari, they didn’t know what the next encounter would be and had to constantly think on their feet. Due to the nature of working alongside a live production we were restricted to one crew member on each drive, and it was certainly no easy task for them to direct the presenters, wildlife, camera and sound recording all at once. This wasn’t helped by the harsh environment of the Kruger National Park; from torrential rain, to clouds of dust and the odd rampaging elephant getting a little too close to the camera rigs!

“When we have taken SafariLIVE to audiences, it has been a real hit. Coming face to face with a lion or an elephant in the wild is something many yearn to do, but would rarely get the opportunity to. Our audience has loved the way the experience not only shows what the animals look like, but also the way it feels like to be around them. You feel the animals presence, and learn about them too.” Catherine Allen (BAFTA award-winning VR producer and curator

Pioneers

Biome was asked to ensure that our film was pioneering, and responded with a unique first-person, friendly, presenter-led style, adding another dimension of intrigue for the viewer. Every good safari trip takes guests to see the activity of wildlife at night, this film was no different. The Biome team developed the world’s first 360° infrared camera, allowing them to capture a lion’s night-time patrol. The film has even been described as an ‘enhanced’ wildlife-watching experience, merging stunning graphics with real life encounters.