Brenda Medina Carmona
Immersive Music Video
/22
About
I produced The Dark, a groundbreaking music video for Monstercat artist Whipped Cream, featuring Jasiah and Crimson Child. As Canada’s first volumetrically captured music video, it merges photorealistic holograms, immersive sound, and storytelling to create a VR experience that redefines music and technology. By blending real-human performances with virtual worlds, the piece transforms a toxic love story into an emotionally engaging, interactive journey—making you feel inside the narrative rather than just watching it.
The Role
As lead producer, I united a virtual creative studio and a music label to push the boundaries of music and technology. I managed the full workflow—from concept and volumetric capture to Unreal Engine design—overcoming creative and technical challenges. The result was a groundbreaking VR experience, showcased at interactive and film festivals, inspiring new possibilities in immersive storytelling.
The Challenge
Leading a groundbreaking project with a brand-new team at a tech startup was no small feat. Beyond navigating fresh dynamics, we faced a central creative and technical question:
How do you blend linear storytelling with the freedom of exploration in a virtual world—allowing players to roam, interact, and still feel deeply connected to the narrative?
To tackle this, I unified team members and stakeholders around clear goals, bridging creative ambition with technical feasibility. The result? A cohesive vision that honored both emotional depth and player agency.
The Process
Creating a VR music video with volumetric capture requires blending filmmaking, game design, and XR into a seamless workflow. Key considerations included:
Storyboarding: Mapping the narrative, artist performances, 3D design, and sound beat by beat to align all workflows for smooth integration.
Pre-Production: Filming in a 360º set to convert performances into 3D objects for Unreal Engine. This costly, time-intensive process must be precise—there’s no fixing it in post.
Post-Production: Cinematic VFX, editing, and final touches occur within the game engine for full virtual control.
UX/UI Design: Ensuring an intuitive, interactive VR experience that blends seamlessly with the music video narrative for all audiences.
Outcome
The project was delivered in three stages:
Teaser Premiere – Debuted at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).
Official Music Video – Released on YouTube and other media platforms.
VR Experience – Premiered at SXSW 2023 as a fully immersive showcase.
Recognition – Awarded the Canadian Independent Music Association BOLD Award 2023.