Episode 7 of the Metaverse Newscast: Jason Moore and The MetaMovie Project

I’m happy to announce that the newest episode of the Metaverse Newscast show is now available for viewing on YouTube. (You can find all the earlier episodes at the Metaverse Newscast channel.)

In this episode, I interview Jason Moore, who is a writer, producer and director who has worked extensively in the film and television production industry in Los Angeles, New York, and internationally. We talked about his latest project on the social VR platform High Fidelity, called The MetaMovie Project.

Jason describes The MetaMovie Project as follows on his Kickstarter page:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be INSIDE a movie? I’ve been chasing that dream for my entire life.  As a filmmaker, I’ve used every tool and technique I can find to make my own work as immersive as possible, so when Virtual Reality technology became available, I jumped right in. 

The MetaMovie project is an ongoing series of experiments exploring immersive, interactive storytelling inside the virtual reality metaverse. We combine cinema, video games, interactive theater, and role playing activities like D&D to create an entirely new way to experience a story: from the inside.  In a MetaMovie you don’t just watch the story, you’re part of it. 

Using room scale VR, audiences transport themselves into the world of our story and star in a live, interactive, immersive movie utilizing all the magic of the metaverse.

Jason and I talk about many aspects of this fascinating project in this wide-ranging interview. Among many other questions, I ask him for his opinion about Philip Rosedale’s recent announcement about shutting down all the company-hosted public spaces in High Fidelity.

If you want to support Jason’s work, he has set up a Kickstarter page for The MetaMovie Project. As of today, they have already raised US$5,500 of their US$10,000 goal. Jason says:

Our funding goal is $10,000, which will allow us to continue to perform our first MetaMovie, an exciting thriller called The Heist, throughout 2019. Additionally, we will create two other MetaMovies: a supernatural drama called The Bright Side of the Moon, and a sci-fi horror piece, Alien Rescue. Backers of the project have the opportunity to experience these in several ways: as exclusive VIPs who “star” in the performance, as less interactive Fireflies, or, simply, as fans and supporters of the project. 

Promotional Poster for The Heist

Jason Moore and his team are really pushing the envelope when it comes to creating interactive and immersive movie-like experiences for audiences. I hope that you enjoy this episode of the Metaverse Newscast, and choose to support Jason’s crowdfunding campaign. You could even become a VIP or a Firefly at one of his performances!

Lights, camera, action!

The Great Pug in VRChat, the Most Popular Pub in Social VR, Hits the 10 Million Visit Mark

Not all social VR spaces are struggling to attract users. Some have been surprisingly successful, and here is a good example. Bryan Bortz (a.k.a. OwlBoy) has just announced that the virtual pub he created in VRChat, The Great Pug, has now received 10 million visits!

The Great Pug just rolled over to 10 Million visits according to the VRChat API. Thanks to everyone who has visited, made friends, and supported The Pug over the years. Thank you to everyone who has helped me learn and improve during this journey.

The Great Pug

According to Bryan’s Patreon page:

The Great Pug is the most popular hangout spot in the metaverse. It’s a pub where people meet, hang out, chat, perform, show off, and role play. The Great Pug is dynamic with regular updates and improvements. It plays host to large annual parties on St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween. Along with other parties throughout the year. Custom decorations are put up for each event and taken down shortly after. Musical performances happen regularly in select instances. 

My focus with The Great Pug is the social space it provides. I want it to be a place you visit for the other people you find there.

I hope to have OwlBoy as a guest on an upcoming episode of the Metaverse Newscast. I’m sure he has many wonderful stories to tell as the keeper of the most visited pub in the metaverse! Congratulations on reaching this milestone!