Sky News takes viewers to the heart of the story with Virtual Reality report

From today, viewers can get closer to the heart of the story thanks to Sky News’ first Virtual Reality (VR) news report, Migrants Crisis – The Whole Picture. The report takes viewers to the front line of Europe’s migration crisis in Greece enabling them to see for themselves what is happening there.

Made in collaboration with Jaunt Inc., the company known for its pioneering cinematic virtual reality, the report was filmed using their new Jaunt ONE, a state of the art professional grade VR camera. 

Sky News is committed to high quality original journalism and this is a powerful way for Sky to add depth and texture to its news coverage.

John McAndrew, Director of News Output, Sky News, said: “This new technology has enhanced our story telling, giving our viewers a deeper and richer visual experience. For the first time we can take viewers to the scene of a news story in a way that is more immersive than ever. The report gives viewers a unique perspective on the migration crisis. By taking them inside the tents where people are living and seeing what it’s like to stand on a crowded beach with possessions scattered along the shoreline, you get a new understanding of what is happening.”

Migrants Crisis – The Whole Picture was shot by Sky News correspondent Alistair Bunkall, alongside Sky News cameraman Adam Murch and Kenny Voelker from Jaunt. 

Alistair Bunkall, Specialist Correspondent, Sky News commented: “The new camera allowed us to record 360 degree views. The technology means we can challenge the conventions of traditional television news reporting by showing viewers the whole picture, enabling them to see and hear it all for themselves. We can now bring the viewer with us, into the heart of the story, to see what we’re seeing, in places where they would not usually be able to go.” 

Sky has been investing in Jaunt since 2013 and the two companies have tested the technology on a number of Sky original productions, including Critical, Penny Dreadful, Trollied, Fortitude and Got to Dance, as well as sports including boxing and motor racing.

Best ways to watch the report

Watch in Virtual Reality using a Cardboard headset:

• Buy or make a Cardboard headset

• Download the Jaunt app for iOS or Android
• When you've opened the video, put your phone in the viewer of the Cardboard headset
• Make sure your headphones are plugged in
• Then you'll be able to watch in Virtual Reality

If you don't have a Cardboard viewer, you can still watch the video in 360 degrees.

On your smartphone:

• Open the video on Sky News’ Facebook page or YouTube channel in the apps, and tilt your phone or touch your screen to move around.

On your desktop or laptop:

• Open the video on Sky News’ Facebook page or YouTube channel and use your mouse to move around the screen to get the 360 degree view. 
  
  

You’ll find more information at skynews.com. 

Sky News 

Jim Cockin

Sky News PR

Jim.Cockin@sky.uk 

Sky News 

Sarah El-Hadidy

Sky News PR

Sarah.El-Hadidy@sky.uk 

About Jaunt

Jaunt is pioneering the future of creative storytelling through cinematic virtual reality. Founded in 2013, Jaunt is the leading developer of the hardware, software, tools, and applications to enable cinematic VR and put the power of virtual reality in the hands of today’s best content creators. In addition, Jaunt works with leading creatives – from brands to artists to filmmakers – to create cutting-edge content through its studio arm, Jaunt Studios. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company also maintains a presence in Los Angeles and produces branded and original VR content for audiences worldwide. Jaunt’s investors include The Walt Disney Company, Evolution Media Partners, China Media Capital, Highland Capital Partners, Google Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, Axel Springer, ProSiebenSat.1 SE, The Madison Square Garden Company, Peter Gotcher, Blake Krikorian, and Sky (corporate.sky.com). Experience more at www.jauntvr.com.