Tinker is a fully immersive virtual reality experience that brings to life the gradual loss of a loved one to Alzheimer’s Disease. Tinker combines motion capture technology with live improvisational theater to create an intimate and dynamic experience for every participant. This project was 6 years in devolpment, my role in the project is the creative director and founder of the studio with a team of 20+ people where we debuted at Sundance New Frontier 2021, won a grant from the Oculus Launchpad Program, and was featured in the Realtime Pavilion Siggraph 2021 + Games for Change.
What makes the experience so unique is that every interaction is customized. By integrating an interactive narrative fused with revolutionary technology, there is a genuine connection between the grandfather, performed by actor Randy Dixon, and each participant. The participant plays the role of the grandchild — getting to tinker, explore, and create inside the virtual workshop with the grandfather. The greatest creation yet becomes the memories they make together.
Tinker VR Sundance Articles/Press Interviews
Engadget- Our favorite films and VR experiences at Sundance 2021
XRMust- Interviews Sundance
Oculus Blog - CELEBRATE SUNDANCE WITH SIX STELLAR VR FILMS, PLUS BAOBAB STUDIOS AND TINKER STUDIO TO DEBUT NEW WORK
VRFocus- Namoo, Tinker, Prison X & More Premiere at Sundance Film Festival This Week
Filmmaker Magazine -Virtual and Actual Realities: The Narrative VR and New Media Works in the Sundance 2021 New Frontier Section
LATimes-Why Sundance’s interactive New Frontier works are right for this COVID-19 moment
Cool Hunting-SUNDANCE 2021: NEW FRONTIER HIGHLIGHTS
UploadVR - We Want More VR Previews At Home Like Sundance’s Tinker On Oculus Quest
Voices of VR
https://voicesofvr.com/975-critics-roundtable-for-sundance-new-frontier-2021/
Engadget Podcast: Virtual Sundance, Bezos leaves Amazon and the Apple Car
CNet -Virtual Sundance turned my home into a playground of disconnections and awe
Loud and Clear Reviews -Lou Ward on Tinker: “Memories are What Make ‘You’ You” (Interview)
The Verge IN 2021, THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL FOUND ART IN ZOOM, INSTAGRAM, AND VR THEATER
Park City TV Tweet