Home Entertainment Doug Liman to direct first scripted virtual reality TV series

Doug Liman to direct first scripted virtual reality TV series

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Director Doug Liman on the set of JUMPER.

Virtual Reality is expected to be the platform of the future, with many companies rushing to get their technologies into the VR space. So far, most of the entertainment value to be derived from these devices has been focused around the gaming market, but now we are expected to get our first official foray into the TV market, with an upcoming series in production by Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow, Bourne Identity).

Typically virtual reality has not been seen to have much value in the TV and film space as the scripted nature of these shows takes away from the immersive exploration that VR offers, so it would be interesting to see how this series takes off and if there is any potential for the technology in the TV and film space.

Deadline reports that the acclaimed director is looking to experiment with the technology for the upcoming Invisible, which sounds like it could be an ambitious production. Liman will direct, but we’re unsure whether he’ll direct the pilot or helm the entire season himself. The thriller is scripted by Julina Tatlock and Melisa Wallack (Dallas Buyers Club).

For generations, the dynastic Ashland family has passed on a gene that gives them an extraordinary ability, which has enabled them to accumulate vast amounts of power and wealth. As the modern generation faces diminished abilities and more scrutiny than ever before, the birth of an exceptional new child draws public interest and their family secret teeters on the brink of becoming exposed.

British television presenter Rachel Riley shows a virtual-reality headset called Gear VR during an unpacked event of Samsung ahead of the consumer electronic fair IFA in Berlin, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

That tagline alone sounds like an interesting premise – with my guess being that this extraordinary gene being passed around is that of invisibility. Seeing how that unfolds will be really interesting and this could be a TV show to certainly look out for. How the narrative will make use of VR and how the viewer may gain from VR in the way things are filmed remains to be seen, but I’m guessing they will be filming multiple viewpoints or camera angles that you will be able to manipulate using VR. If they can get it right, action films in particular could become great proponents of this technology.

Liman has an eye for great action set pieces and so I am personally really looking forward to seeing the results of this experiment. In the meantime, he has recently wrapped up filming of the Tom Cruise led Mena and is then set to start filming Gambit, a film based on the popular X-men comic book character, so he has his work cut out for him trying to fit this into his packed schedule.

No stars or release dates have been set for this production as of yet, but we will keep you informed when we do here any further news on this exciting new TV series.

Last Updated: February 22, 2016

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