Immersive paleoart: reconstructing dreadnoughtus schrani and remediating the science documentary for cinematic virtual reality

Abstract

This project is a synthesis of digital paleoart reconstruction, prototype VR pipeline design, and the remediation of structural narrative principles for immersive media. We approach common issues associated with the accurate portrayal of dinosaurs in media, Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR) production, and the direction of viewer attention in immersive digital environments. After developing and testing a stable CVR workflow, we designed and produced a piece of scientific VR Paleoart content intended for educational outreach. Our production methods include a state-of-the-art CGI dinosaur reconstruction informed by comparative anatomy and biomechanical simulation, stereoscopic spherical rendering, and photographic CVR film production. Our approach is validated through the completion of a CVR documentary about the titanosaur Dreadnoughtus schrani, one of the largest dinosaurs yet discovered. This documentary, starring paleontologist Dr. Ken Lacovara, will be made publicly available for all common VR distribution platforms. Our goal is to make scientific CVR content accessible to an audience of mobile device owners, taking advantage of the VR media disruption to establish new design guidelines for educational media.