Cognition and Emotion in Cinematic Virtual Reality : What are the challenges in production to creating an emotional response?

Sammanfattning: This thesis focuses on the challenges in production to create a live-action cinematic virtual reality film that aims to trigger a certain emotional response in the viewer. Cinematic virtual reality (CVR) is the term referred to throughout this thesis that has been used by Mateer (2017) in his paper. However, the definition of CVR will differ to some extent from Mateers ́ (2017) and reasons for it will be provided. Firstly, the techniques employed in the production of the cinematic virtual reality film that may elicit an emotional response and character engagement are taken from the theory of cognition and emotion in film by Smith, M. (1995) Engaging Characters: Fiction, Emotion and Cinema and David Bordwell ́s Narration and the Fiction Film (1985). The theoretical framework has been applied to an analysis of a Pixar-style animated CVR film called Invasion! (2016) in order to extract guiding principles that have informed the making of my own CVR film. The importance of creating presence through immersion is highlighted as necessary in sustaining engagement and evoking emotions (Ding et al., 2018). An emotional response of entrapment, fear, insecurity and wonder is desired to be elicited by watching my CVR film. As well, emotional engagement with the character in the CVR film is aimed for to enhance the emotional response. Sound and visual cues are used that may serve to facilitate directing the viewer through the story as mentioned by Mateer (2017). Techniques identified that may create an emotional response are direct address, spatial proximity and orientation. The production of my CVR film has been informed by these techniques, however, challenges in production may have weakened the outcome such as the difficulties in monitoring the shoot resulting in problems adjusting lighting, directing the actress and avoiding object distortion on stitching lines. Furthermore, on set sound recording has been a major challenge. My CVR film is evaluated according to these challenges and possible solutions for improvement are offered. Cinematic Virtual Reality is a medium that offers new ways for storytelling and experiences. My CVR film places the viewer in the imaginary position of a fairy thus offering a perspective of the world and connected emotions that go beyond the possible experiences in everyday life. The aim is to contribute to a deepened understanding of cinematic virtual reality filmmaking by presenting some of the techniques and production challenges of creating an emotionally compelling CVR film experience.