Meta-Journalism Project
Project Description
The Meta-Journalism project embodies a cutting-edge approach to news delivery, venturing into the realm of avatar-based journalism within the Metaverse. This project is pioneering the use of hyperrealistic metahumans and various avatar forms to present news in a more engaging and dynamic way, utilizing the limitless possibilities of virtual environments to enhance narrative techniques. The project aims to revolutionize how news is consumed by leveraging the flexibility of avatars to perform tasks and demonstrate concepts beyond the physical capabilities of humans. In collaboration with professional journalists, the initiative explores the creation of trustworthy virtual counterparts that can interact with audiences in real-time, potentially expressing viewpoints that a human journalist might not be able to convey openly.
Innovation:
The project ventures into uncharted territories of storytelling by utilizing the vast potential of virtual spaces for enriched narrative experiences, where avatars can perform explanatory tasks, transcend physical limitations, and present news in an immersive manner. It also delves into the concept of virtual alter egos, allowing journalists to explore alternative modes of expression and engage with audiences in novel ways that traditional media formats do not permit.
Integrated Production Pipeline and Tools Explored
• Unreal Engine 5: Provides the graphical fidelity and real-time rendering capabilities required for producing realistic avatars and environments.
• Livelink Face: Facilitates the capturing of nuanced facial expressions, enabling the digital avatar to convey emotions and reactions.
• Realistic Face Scans: Employs scanning techniques to create the metahuman avatar, ensuring an authentic digital reproduction of the collaborating journalist.
• Blender: Supports the creation and modification of additional 3D assets and environments used in news narratives.