2024 marked a significant milestone in astronomical education and entertainment as Softmachine Immersive Productions unveiled a pioneering film to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the planetarium.
Synopsis of Kira
In a distant future where Earth’s most precious resource—water—is monopolized by a powerful corporation, two courageous rebels, Eve and Max, embark on a perilous journey to uncover hidden truths and restore hope to humanity. As they navigate a world where the boundaries of reality and technology blur, their fate takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of Kira—a mysterious and ethereal entity guiding them toward the ultimate revelation.
Kira is a groundbreaking fulldome sci-fi adventure that merges stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals with fluid motion-captured performances. Designed specifically for immersive 360° planetarium experiences, the film combines thrilling storytelling, scientific curiosity, and breathtaking cinematic artistry to redefine the possibilities of fulldome storytelling.
Honoring a Legacy
Producing Kira in partnership with the Gesellschaft Deutschsprachiger Planetarien e.V. (GDP) is both a privilege and a responsibility for Softmachine. The GDP has played a crucial role in advancing planetarium culture, promoting astronomical education, and igniting curiosity about the cosmos. Being entrusted with creating the official centennial film underscores the company’s expertise and commitment to the evolution of immersive storytelling.
Softmachine sees this production not just as a celebration of history but as a stepping stone for the future of planetariums. By embracing cutting-edge digital tools and immersive cinematic techniques, Kira exemplifies how planetariums can continue to serve as spaces of wonder, education, and technological innovation for generations to come.
A Century of Stellar Education: From Planetarium to Fulldome Digital Cinema
The concept of the planetarium was first realized in Munich, Germany, in 1923. Oskar von Miller, founder of the Deutsches Museum, collaborated with the Carl Zeiss company to develop the world’s first projection planetarium. This innovative device projected images of celestial bodies onto a dome, allowing audiences to experience the night sky regardless of weather conditions. The inaugural public presentation took place on October 21, 1923, at the Deutsches Museum, marking the beginning of a new era in astronomical education.
Evolution into Immersive 360° Cinema
Over the past century, planetariums have evolved from simple star projectors to sophisticated immersive theaters. Advancements in technology have transformed these spaces into 360° cinemas, offering audiences fully immersive experiences that combine education with entertainment. Modern planetariums now utilize state-of-the-art digital projection systems, enabling them to display not only the night sky but also intricate simulations of cosmic phenomena, transporting viewers to the farthest reaches of the universe.
Innovations in Immersive Entertainment
The Sphere in Las Vegas stands as a testament to the advancements in immersive entertainment. This cutting-edge venue features a massive dome equipped with advanced projection technology, providing audiences with unparalleled visual experiences. Similarly, Pawel Achtel’s 9×7 system has set new standards in cinematic projection, delivering ultra-high-resolution imagery that enhances the realism and immersion of visual content.
A Pioneering Production
In honor of the planetarium’s centennial, Softmachine Immersive Productions embarked on an ambitious project to create a film that pushes the boundaries of immersive cinema. The production, titled Kira, is notable for being one of the first films in the planetarium market to be created entirely using motion capture technology and Unreal Engine 5. This innovative approach allowed for the creation of highly realistic animations and environments, providing audiences with a truly immersive experience.
Collaborative Efforts
The production of Kira was a collaborative endeavor that brought together experts from various fields. Softmachine partnered with Bones Studio in Prague to conduct extensive motion capture sessions, ensuring the authenticity and fluidity of character movements. For the Unreal Engine visuals, Softmachine collaborated with Pixelable, leveraging their expertise to create stunning, lifelike environments. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as Kira is among the first films for the planetarium market made entirely using motion capture and Unreal Engine technology.
About Peter Popp – Fulldome Film Director and Entrepreneur
The script for Kira was crafted by Peter Popp, a renowned author and scriptwriter with a distinguished career in the planetarium market. With his passion for immersive storytelling, Popp has been instrumental in creating engaging and educational content for planetariums worldwide. His work seamlessly blends scientific accuracy with compelling narratives, captivating audiences and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the cosmos, nature and humanity.