NAIROBI, Kenya--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Nantucket Project and Azimyth Creation Studio were in Kenya on July 26th to film Barack Obama’s speech to his father's homeland with a 360° video camera, making him the first President to be filmed in virtual reality.
"Experiencing the President's speech in a fully immersive environment connects the public to historic moments in a way we've never known before,” said Stephanie Riggs, Founder of Azimyth Creation Studio. “Virtual reality has the potential to expand news coverage in a transformative way.“
Calvin Coolidge was the first President to address the country on the radio in 1923. F.D.R. made the first Presidential television appearance in 1939. These events altered the way leaders communicate with their citizens. The historic 360° footage of President Obama places him in elite company, ushering in a new way to impact change.
"The speech was a deeply personal reflection on the President's relationship to Kenya." said Tom Scott, Chairman of The Nantucket Project. "For the viewer to be immersed in this environment makes the subject matter all the more powerful. It creates an intimacy that simply can't be found in other mediums."
Obama’s speech is part of a series of immersive experiences the companies are working on together. “The project’s overarching goal is to reorient the viewer’s perspective on Africa in a radical way.” says co-director Daniel Honan.
This initiative is part of The Harbers Storytelling Project, a film series that marries the most important ideas of our time with groundbreaking storytelling techniques. The film will premiere September 25th, 2015 at The Nantucket Project’s annual event featuring keynote speaker Steve Wozniak, Founder of Apple.
About The Nantucket Project
The Nantucket Project is a media company best known for our annual gathering on Nantucket in September. The Project does three things. First, we are a convener of thinkers and ideas. Second, we create stories, largely through film. Third, we are a think tank and an academy of learners.
About Azimyth Creation Studio
New York City-based Azimyth Creation Studio, develops, produces, and distributes next-generation content. With over 20-years of experience in virtual reality, user interface and brand expertise, Azimyth sets the standard for immersive storytelling.