A CASE FOR PLAY

Participatory 360 Filmmaking for Social Action

In times of protest and collective social action, documenting dynamic visual journeys can be difficult both because the bulk of equipment involved makes access a problem, and because traditional 2D film-making fails to capture the surprise and full 3-dimensionality of the situation. Given the portability of 360 cameras and the capabilities of storytelling in VR using spatial audio and immersive experience, 360 filmmaking for investigative work will open a doorway to allow participants in social actions to express themselves in previously inaccessible environments with the capability to immerse the audience.

To model such a situation in Dundee, Scotland, we propose to use a shopping mall and civic square in Dundee as structures emulating social protests against authoritarian regimes. We will put “government silos” at a point in a shopping mall as representing a hub of protest activity. Two groups will be given 360 cameras that they can pass between group members. They’ll be entrusted with making a 360 film that will be viewable in VR and on the projector at the conference about accessing the civic square, which serves as a model for the legislative centres that are the focus of the protest, and which is usually inaccessible to protesters due to police surveillance. Films will need to take advantage of passing the camera between group members, navigating unusual landmarks given the constraints present, and getting to the goal at a specific location in the civic square on time. The action is a model of empowering protester filmmakers who are in a position to subvert government interference while participating in social action.

About the Artists

Ray LC is an artist grounded with knowledge of human thought. His interdisciplinary art and design practice incorporate cutting edge neuroscience research as a foundation for building experiences that create empathic bonds between humans and between humans and machines, to show how a technological future can embody social good and social justice. He studied AI and neuroscience at Cal and UCLA but turned to interactive art in Japan while publishing papers on PTSD and creativity. He works in interdisciplinary teams of experts including psychologists, software engineers, fashion designers, physical therapists, and creative coders. Ray has been an artist in residence at BankArt Yokohama, 1_Wall Tokyo, Brooklyn Fashion BFDA, Process Space LMCC, New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), and Saari Residence. His work has been exhibited at Kiyoshi Saito Museum, BankArt, Tokyo Golden Egg, Columbia Macy Gallery, Java Studios, City University of Hong Kong, Elektra Montreal, NYSCI, and Happieee Place ArtLab Lahore. His award-winning work has been recognised by Japan Society for Promotion of Science, National Science Foundation, Microsoft Imagine Cup, Adobe Design Achievement Award, and A’ Design Award.

Produced with assistance from Russell Pepper, Open/Close Dundee.