As a selected participant of Tufts’ undergraduate summer research program in 2018, I was able to realize an independent research project about the emerging grammar of cinematic virtual reality. Over 10 weeks, I analyzed a range of contemporary works in cinematic VR, trying to understand how, if any, formal convergences were emerging in this new medium.

What techniques are VR creators using in order to evoke a sense of ‘presence’ in the fictional environment? Are there any differences in kind in the forms of diegetic presence these media works attempt to afford? How does the priority of preserving naturalistic space-time continuity affect editing norms, and how are CVR producers trying to work around restrictions in editing to tell stories that jump forward in time?

To see Tufts publicity for the research of my cohort, click here. For more information about my project or for a PDF of my paper, shoot me an email.