Doug Liman & Google's Spatial Film

Google Ventures into Filmmaking with Doug Liman’s Spatial Film

Google is making a bold move into film production with an innovative project led by renowned director Doug Liman. The collaboration, part of Google’s 100 Zeroes initiative in partnership with Range, focuses on creating an immersive spatial film that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and technology.

The film, described as an “immersive spatial film,” will be available on Asteroid, Google’s upcoming XR app. According to Neil Parris, Head of Filmmaker Partnerships at Google, the project is an “original 180° immersive short film” that combines action and thriller elements with cutting-edge XR technology.

The Story: Asteroid Mining and AI Interaction

The film’s plot revolves around a group of strangers who embark on a daring mission to mine an asteroid for wealth. After the film’s conclusion, viewers will have the unique opportunity to interact with the story through a call from an AI-powered character left on the asteroid. This interactive element aims to blur the lines between film and reality, offering a new dimension to storytelling.

“This project is not just about telling a story,” Parris said during a discussion in Cannes. “It’s about creating an experience that goes beyond the screen.” The film is set to release later this year, following the launch of Project Moohan, a new XR headset developed in collaboration with Samsung and Google.

Google’s Growing Relationship with Filmmakers

Google has been actively building relationships with filmmakers, and 100 Zeroes is a key part of this strategy. The initiative aims to support creators across various mediums, including film, scripted and unscripted TV, and audio. According to Parris, the goal is to enable filmmakers to integrate advanced technologies like XR and AI into their work.

“We want to empower creators to tell stories in ways that were never possible before,” Parris said. “By providing them with the tools and platforms they need, we can help shape the future of storytelling.”

The AI On Screen Initiative

Google’s partnership with Range also includes the AI On Screen initiative, which commissions short films exploring the relationship between humanity and AI. Filmmaker Sean Douglas, who has written a short project for the initiative, emphasized the importance of this dialogue. “AI is already shaping our world in profound ways,” Douglas said. “It’s crucial for artists to engage with these technologies and explore their implications.”

Peter Micelli, CEO of Range, echoed this sentiment. “Our goal is to foster a conversation about what artists think will happen next with AI,” Micelli said. “By bringing together creators and technologists, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The Future of Immersive Storytelling

Google’s collaboration with Doug Liman and Range marks a significant step forward in the evolution of immersive storytelling. By combining the creative vision of filmmakers with the technological prowess of Google, the project aims to redefine how audiences experience and interact with stories.

As XR and AI continue to advance, projects like this one will play a critical role in shaping the future of entertainment. Whether it’s mining asteroids in virtual reality or interacting with AI characters, the possibilities are endless.

For Google, this is just the beginning. With 100 Zeroes and initiatives like the AI On Screen program, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of storytelling innovation.