MTV has partnered with VR studio IM360 to give music fans an opportunity to watch the Video Music Awards (VMAs) red carpet in virtual reality this weekend.
For years, MTV has been covering the celebrity studded and fashion critiqued pre-show lead-in to the VMAs. Now with the addition of 360-degree cameras into the mix, viewers will be able to transport themselves to the carpet with a unique live experience.
Through MTV’s All Access Live platform, viewers will be able to stream the event live in 360-degrees on their desktop. Fans on their mobile phone can download the IM360 mobile app to also get the full virtual reality experience when paired with a Google Cardboard headset.
MTV isn’t the first to try VR for a broadcast show. Earlier this year, Spike TV’s “Lip Sync Battle” was the first television series to be filmed in virtual reality. The show hosted by LL Cool J and Chrissy Teigen, was filmed in 360-degrees and debuted exclusively on Samsung’s Milk VR app.
This weekend’s VMA VR experience will be streamed live, which is a completely different challenge from what was shot for Spike TV’s “Lip Sync Battle”. Responsible for the Conan360 and Syfy Expanse VR experience, IM360 is up for the challenge and coming in with years of experience to perfect its own live stream and real-time stitching capability.
IM360 360-degree camera
MTV isn’t just adding 360-degree cameras to sit on the red carpet sideline either. The network is designing the red carpet specifically for optimal 360 shots. Instead of the standard straight red carpet line, the carpet will be curved and angled to make it more dynamic of a video shot as well as place the camera in the center of the action so celebrities can walk around it. The camera will also be suspended upside down above the action.
You can tune into the VMAs on Sunday, August 30 at 3:00 PM ET. On your mobile device you can head over and download the IM360 app on iOS or Android.