Tree

"Tree," a VR project where Sylvan served as VFX/VR Supervisor at Milk, is a unique and multi-sensory experience with considerable acclaim. The project seamlessly blends virtual reality with physical sensations, including sound, smell, tactile feedback, and environmental effects like fans, heat, and a vibrating platform, creating an immersive experience for the user.

The technical centerpiece of "Tree" is the point-of-view transformation from a seed to a full-grown Kapok tree. This continuous morphing sequence, bound to a live full-body rig, allows the user to control and move the tree as it grows, with arms mimicking branches and leaves sprouting dynamically. The immersive experience is further enhanced by a haptic chest device, adding to the realism of the growth process. 

The Kapok tree, a vital resource for local communities in various jungle climates, was chosen for its significance and prevalence.

The project's notable recognition across prestigious awards and festivals underscores its impact and innovation in the VR domain. It garnered a Lumiere award for Best Location Based VR Short at Warner Brothers Studios, Most Innovative Award at Games For Change, two Telly Gold Awards for Use of VR and Social Responsibility in Branded Content, and the Webby People's Voice Award for VR. 

Additionally, 'Tree' was an official selection at significant events including the Sundance Film Festival New Frontier, Tribeca Film Festival Immersive 2017, TED 2017, and the World Economic Forum in 2019 and 2020, highlighting its broad appeal and significance in immersive storytelling. You can visit the website for it here You can also watch the full playthrough here, although this version is the one of three that Vive included in their 'VR for Impact' program, and is optimised down for home viewing.

You can visit the website for it here

You can also watch the full playthrough here, although this version is the one of three that Vive included in their 'VR for Impact' program, and is optimised down for home viewing.