ARTIST-CENTRIC
We admire those who push the limits: the risk takers, the self-driven, the wild-eyed auteurs with a far-out vision.
The Kaleidoscope Studio works with independent artists to develop original content for distribution.
Our decentralized production model allows creative teams to work on their own terms, with their preferred tools, when and where they choose.
Every project we undertake has a story behind its creators, and we share that story with our worldwide community to raise the profile of the talented individuals working in this exciting new medium.
MAD GOD
A STOP-MOTION VIGNETTE
PHIL TIPPETT
The Mad God VR experience is a stop-motion animated short based on the Mad God short film series. This dark tale of a mysterious explorer who journeys into the depths of a malicious underworld is straight from the wonderfully twisted mind of Phil Tippett, master stop-motion animator responsible for some of the most memorable moments from the Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Jurassic Park.
THE CONCEPT
By using traditional stop-motion capture techniques with a custom stereo photography rig, the viewer is able to experience a handcrafted miniature world unlike any other. Binaural audio leads the viewer's gaze through the full 360 degree environment, revealing more and more ominous creatures as the story unfolds.
PHIL TIPPETT
Phil is a director, visual effects supervisor, and the founder of Tippett Studio in Berkeley, CA. He is the recipient of two Academy Awards and six nominations, one BAFTA award and four nominations, and two Emmys.
Phil's roots in stop-motion animation and creature modeling, and his ability to use these skills in conjunction with developing technologies, has made him one of a handful of artists whose careers have spanned the transition from practical special effects to digital.
APEX
AN IMMERSIVE MUSIC VIDEO
ARJAN VAN MEERTEN
Apex is a realtime animated music video for virtual reality.
It tells the story of realities colliding, throwing the viewer in the midst of chaos. Within fire and destruction, the viewer experiences something violent yet beautiful.
THE CONCEPT
Being confronted with a power so great, all you can do is watch the world burn. Finding beauty in insignificance, accompanied with ear shattering electronic music. APEX means to overwhelm and inspire.
ARJAN VAN MEERTEN
Arjan is a 3D designer and electronic musician hailing from the Netherlands. His VFX company House of Secrets has produced numerous award winning commercial spots and animated shorts. In his spare time, Arjan creates strange and beautiful music videos. With thousands of downloads, Arjan’s VR film SURGE is one of the highest rated experience on Oculus Share, and an official Sundance New Frontiers selection.
PREVIEW RELEASE
This is a work-in-progress scene from Apex. You can also download this preview for the Oculus Rift.
SYNESTHESIA
A VISUAL CONCEPT ALBUM
MIKE TUCKER
Synesthesia takes the viewer on an abstract journey through all stages of life, from birth to death. Loosely inspired by Fantasia, the project is comprised of six distinct movements, each with its own musical and visual style. It's a collaboration between pioneering visual artists and well-known musicians.
THE CONCEPT
It begins the the flash of conception. A wash of wordless human voices envelops you—elemental, watery, warm. Gradually the voices take on form, line and direction, becoming more and more definite. They intensify and contract, and all of a sudden burst with the screaming harmonies of brith—the glare of the first light, the first air into the lungs, a welcome to our world.
MIKE TUCKER
Mike is a designer, animator, and creative coder. His collaboration with Radiohead resulted in the beautiful and critically-acclaimed Polyfauna app. Originally released in February of 2014, it garnered over a million viewers within the first few months. For Synesthesia, Mike is working with the artists and musicians on the aesthetic and technical aspects of each movement.
