BBC News invests in virtual reality-first documentary series
Virtual Reality (VR), one of the top digital trends for 2018, will become an increasingly integral part of BBC News’ offerings in the future. The BBC is launching its first VR-first documentary series to bring its journalism to an audience seeking new visual experiences.
Produced by BBC News and the BBC VR Hub, Damming the Nile consists of a two-part VR documentary, a 30-minute series on the BBC World News TV channel and a radio documentary on BBC World Service, as well as video and text content on BBC.com. BBC VR Hub is the BBC's VR production studio dedicated to exploring the impact of VR on audiences.
Using VR, the documentary follows the BBC's Africa correspondent, Alastair Leithead, on a fascinating journey down the Nile. The documentary explores the political implications and potential impact of the hydroelectric dam currently being built in Ethiopia at a cost of 4.7 billion US dollars. Viewers are placed in the perspective of the journalist and travel through Ethiopia, Sudan and finally reach the mouth of the Nile in Egypt in an emotional finale.
The BBC supports the VR documentary with an app in the Oculus Store. There, Samsung Gear VR users can find a variety of BBC VR content from the factual and entertainment segments.
VR headsets are not yet so widespread, so a shorter form of the film is also available in 360-degree format. Smartphone users can watch Damming the Nile on Bbc.com, or on the BBC News Facebook and BBC News YouTube pages.
James Montgomery, Digital Development Director BBC News comments: "We are constantly looking for ways to engage users in news, for the right subject VR can be an engaging and impactful format for our journalism. As an international news broadcaster, it's important for us to constantly develop our storytelling and editorial expertise to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies."
The VR series allows viewers to fly high above the Nile and its waterfalls, explore the ancient Sudanese pyramids and enjoy the spectacular view of the Egyptian temples from a hot air balloon before returning to the chaotic streets of Cairo. Damming the Nile gives a completely new perspective on the conflict over the world's longest river.
More about VR on BBC: Bbc.co.uk/virtualreality
