Immersive Exploration of the Past through Virtual Reality: Innovative 3D Animation Techniques for Historical Content Production

What if cutting-edge technologies could revolutionize traditional methods of producing animation? This thesis embarks on an exploration of this possibility, with a specific focus on the application of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in immersive historical content production. One intriguing question arises: Can we leverage new technologies like Virtual Reality headsets, originally designed for projecting and experiencing visual media, to also produce animations? This thesis explores the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) technology for 3D animation, meticulously examining its challenges, opportunities, and application in immersive historical content production. The production phase of the thesis centers around the captivating "Alexander Mosaic," an ancient painting dating back 2,100 years that vividly depicts the epic battle between the Macedonians and Persians. Inspired by this masterpiece, an immersive VR animation is meticulously crafted to breathe life into this historical event. The Quill VR software takes the lead role, chosen for its comprehensive functionality and its ability to support the entire animation workflow. To further enhance the visual quality, the animation workflow combines the power of Quill VR with complementary software like Blender, which adds advanced rendering, lighting, and shading techniques. Throughout the thesis, a comprehensive exploration is undertaken to address the research question, encompassing theoretical frameworks, practical applications, and the potential implications of the proposed solution. By blending the realms of virtual reality and historical narratives, the thesis seeks to advance our understanding of how VR can be integrated into animation workflows to create captivating and immersive experiences.. This work was carried out as a thesis project at Robin Studio S.R.L., a creative media based in Turin that provided valuable infrastructure support. The partnership with Robin Studio not only ensured the practical implementation of these innovative ideas but also facilitated their integration into real-world industry settings.