UP
In 2021, I turned Bridget Carpenter's play "Up" into an RPG game for PC/Oculus 2. Inspired by Larry Walters' real-life balloon adventure, the goal was to bring virtual experiences closer to the audience.
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My passion lies in creating original immersive performances through mixed reality. Based on the original stage design done by me in 2020, this project aimed to involve the audience as storytellers.
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​My role
Concept Designer
3D Asset Creator
Lighting Designer
Video Editor
My tools
Autodesk Maya
Autodesk 3ds Max
Arnold
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Miro
Figma
My duties
Project management
Concept design
3D modeling
Lighting
Rendering
Video editing
Compositing
Project oversight
Timeline management
Quality assurance for VR experience
View Trailer
Inspiration for this project
This project stems from a deep connection with the play "UP" and its themes of the conflict between dreams, ambition, and financial responsibilities. By recreating the scenic design in Maya, I aim to explore the universal struggle between pursuing aspirations and balancing practicalities.​
Ideation and my intention
​My intention for this project was to utilize Oculus 2 as a tool to recreate my scenic design. However, I also aimed to go beyond traditional boundaries and break “the fourth wall”, a concept often explored in conventional theatre.​ I wanted to create an immersive experience that transports the audience into the virtual space and connects them to the story's narrator.
Architectural Reference
Features
01. Expropriation:
Explore the immersive room
02. Find Clues:
Search for hidden clues throughout the environment.
03. Make Decisions:
Shape the story with impactful choices.
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How I Created a Compelling Story Using Filmmaking Techniques
​- Design an environment based on the script
- Two storylines for faster-rising actions
- Cinematics climax
​- Different endings based on player choices
User Journey
As players immerse themselves in the virtual world, they will encounter diverse challenges, engage in their surroundings to uncover hidden clues, and navigate through a series of impactful choices that significantly influence the storyline.
start with bootflow video
two different endings
​Concept to Modeling
My handmade model for the original stage production of "UP"
My early stage storyboards
Early sketches
Black and white renderings for setting the visual tone
Texturing in Photoshop
Modeling process
Concept 1 (Photoshop)
Concept 2
Concept 3 (Final)
VR Interface Design
​My design for the game in VR space
Select different timeline
Discover the clue (game feature)
Polished Art
Behind the stage
As much as I love working in Maya, we both know the harsh reality of it crashing all too often. But that's okay because I know that every project I take on is an opportunity to improve my skills and create something amazing.
Behind the stage
​Technical and logistical issues:
​How can I build a VR environment without having a programmer?
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Strategy to Overcome Challenges: ​
I implemented tools such as Maya, AutoCAD, and Arnold. These tools allowed me to create 3D prototypes for testing and iteration. However, due to the time limitations of working with two-dimensional screens like laptops or phones, I used 2D assets to represent the virtual space. This enabled me to explore and visualize the design early on.
Summary
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Throughout the process of developing the "UP" VR project, I have gained valuable insights and experiences. The development of the "UP" VR project has deepened my understanding of the technical and creative aspects of working with VR technology. Moreover, unlike traditional theater, VR's unique capability to break the fourth wall has allowed me to establish a deeper connection between the player/audience and the virtual set/space. This immersive experience has added a layer of engagement and interactivity, creating a more dynamic and memorable encounter.