Written by: Matthew McGuire

Sundance Institute and Jaunt Studios announced today a collaboration to launch a cinematic virtual reality residency program designed to empower artists on the cutting edge of storytelling.

This program will help producers and filmmakers learn more about the tools and options available for creating material with the aid of virtual reality. Currently the institute has named the first of four candidates to collaborate with the program.

The first artist selected to participate in the six-month Sundance Institute New Frontier/Jaunt VR Residency Program is Lynette Wallworth. Three additional artists will be selected to participate in the coming months.

Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute said, “Virtual reality and other multimedia forms are accelerating the evolution of storytelling, and we are excited to collaborate with Jaunt Studios to provide independent artists the space and resources to experiment with these technologies. We hope their unique voices, diverse perspectives and creativity will help define the potential of this new medium.”

“Virtual reality represents an entirely new medium for entertainment and media, one where creativity is the new currency, artistic vision trumps tradition and immersion intensifies viewer emotions,” said Cliff Plumer, President of Jaunt Studios. “As we drive forward our mission is to empower the next generation of artists and filmmakers. The launch of the Sundance Institute New Frontier | Jaunt VR Residency is further proof that cinematic virtual reality is a major force in the evolution of storytelling, and of our commitment to get this technology into the hands of cutting edge filmmakers and storytellers.”

The Virtual Reality projects at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival are bursting with innovation, creative storytelling and unabashed excitement. Here’s a taste of what’s happening at New Frontier.

Browse ticket packages available for the 2016 Sundance Film Festival

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