Halcyon
A first-of-its-kind hybrid experience that merged engine-driven virtual reality with a traditional television series.
Roles
Commissioner & Executive Producer
Mediums
TV & VR
Year
2016
Project
Halcyon is a transmedia science-fiction project that combined a traditional scripted television series with virtual reality to create one cohesive narrative experience. Set in the year 2040, the story centers around a futuristic murder mystery that explores the dark side of virtual reality. The 15-part series includes 10 short-form television episodes inter-spliced with five interactive VR episodes that take the viewer deeper into the story.
The project was commissioned by NBCUniversal International and produced by Secret Location. The linear component aired in over 80 territories around the world and the VR experience shipped on as one of the first titles for Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR. Halcyon was recognized as a winner of the London Design Awards and a Primetime Emmy finalist in the category of Outstanding Innovation In Interactive Media.
I served as Commissioner and Executive Producer, spearheading one of NBCUniversal’s very first endeavors into virtual reality by evangelizing the technology to senior executive team, sourcing production partners, managing development, and leading cross-functional teams in marketing, PR, and programming.
Two Mediums. One Story.
Released in 2016 as one of the first narrative VR experiences for Oculus Rift, Halcyon is a hybrid series that combined traditional TV with then cutting-edge technology to create a new type of viewing experience. It was targeted at Syfy’s audience - science-fiction lovers who tend to be early adopters of new tech - and used the familiar language of television as a “stepping stone” into the world of immersive storytelling.
Real Crime. Virtual Investigation.
The experience starts with a traditional television episode where viewers witness a mysterious murder of a high-powered CEO. However, when the police arrive, rather than watching the actors attempt to solve the case, the viewer is invited to put on their VR headset and be transported to the crime scene where they can search for clues to unravel the mystery for themselves.
Gamified Storytelling
While Halcyon is not a game, it was designed with gameplay elements in order to engage with the narrative in new ways. Though the viewer is not able to change the outcome for the characters, they become an active participant in propelling the plot forward, with the ability to stop and dig deeper into side stories and Easter-eggs along the way.