Dive into the heart of the oceans
BIG WIDE. Dive and meet the giants of the High Seas thanks to augmented reality.
In 2022, SAOLA Studio is joining forces with the Nausicaá National Sea Center to create its new AR experience: an immersive, contemplative and educational show unique in the world, off the oceans in the company of marine species rarely observed by the eye human.
Thanks to augmented reality, this astonishing experience now takes place in the largest aquarium in Europe. The scientific experts from the Nausicaá National Sea Center worked hand in hand with our teams on the choice of species, the realism of the animals as well as the messages that we wanted to convey through this new exhibition by Saola Studio.
IMMERSION ON THE HIGH SEAS THANKS TO AR
Visitors, comfortably seated on the last stands of the amphitheater facing the Great Bay, watch in amazement the ballet of the animals of the high seas, sometimes frightened or playful, prey or predators, but always more real than life thanks to the work carried out by all the Saola Studio team.
Immediate boarding for a fabulous journey in augmented reality within the ecosystem of Malpelo Island, off the coast of the Pacific, cradle of extraordinarily diverse and abundant wildlife and a major source of inspiration for the great Nausicaá basin.
A WORLD FIRST IN AQUARIUM
The whole challenge of our approach to augmented reality for GRAND LARGE is to be able to immerse the viewer in the natural history of the oceans, while making them forget the technology that assists them.
This innovative and immersive experience aims to enrich and complement the living elements of the aquarium, in order to create a new reality, in which the virtual and the natural evolve in harmony within a unique ecosystem.
Through the use of AR and a specific soundtrack restoring the sensations of deep water, the spectator experiences, through his augmented reality headset, a fabulous and captivating story, usually accessible to only a privileged few.
THE CHALLENGES OF THE AQUARIUM OF TOMORROW
Since its opening, the Nausicaá National Sea Center has pursued a mission of education and awareness of the major issues surrounding the ocean. In 30 years, more than 18 million people have already been able to discover the beauties and riches that abound in the world's seas and oceans.
SAOLA Studio, through its creation of augmented reality experiences, supports this institution by also being part of this educational, fun and activist approach. This is why we are very proud of this new project, which strengthens our know-how in innovative exhibitions in major cultural venues.
Thus, Grand Large intends to respond to one of the major problems facing aquariums: the impossible captivity of certain fragile species, and in particular that of majestic marine colossi. AR technology here makes possible the encounter between the visitor and these giants with feet of clay, highlighting the interest of innovation when it is put at the service of a strong and relevant message.
CREDITS
GRAND LARGE
Producer: Florent Gilard · Artistic Direction & Screenplay: Jérémy Frey · Author: Rémi Dupouy · Operations Manager: Yann Kerbart · Exhibitions Director (Nausicaá): Florence Huron · Scientific Advisor (Nausicaá): Christine Causse · Production Assistant: Clémentine Tissier · Unity Integrator Technician: Paul Gaston · AR integration studio: Wide&Wide · 3D manager: Benjy · Modeling: Olivier Thill · Riggers: Louis Doudard, Marija Radovanovic · Animators: Jordi Velasco, Xavier Bernardelli · Music: Rone · Additional music & recording voice-over: Olivier Rabat · Voice-over: Damien Witecka, Paul Bandey · Sound editing: Lucas Bellomo · Graphics: Elise Taponier, Maud Drouin · Seamstress: Aurélie Gaillard
Teaser GRAND LARGE
Director: Jérémy Frey · Producer: Léa Butez · Cinematographer: Jérémy Frey · First Assistant Camera: Chloé Borgella · Second Assistant Camera: Mickaël Lainé · Stage Manager: Morgane Alzieu · Underwater View Supervisor: Gauthier Flauder · 3D Manager: Benjy · Assistant production: Clémentine Tissier · Editor & Graphic Designer: Léa Mesplède · Mixer: Olivier Rabat · Music: Rone · Actress: Chloé Nassif