The Immersive Experience of Namoo: A New Era in Animation Distribution
Cosm Studios has made waves by entering into an exclusive distribution agreement with Baobab Studios for the celebrated animated short, Namoo. This collaboration marks a significant stride in the realm of animated storytelling, as it aims to bring Namoo, crafted by the talented Erick Oh, to planetariums and fulldome theaters across the globe. With Baobab’s expertise in creating immersive experiences, audiences can expect an enchanting 360-degree adaptation that rivals its virtual reality (VR) counterpart.
The Vision Behind the Collaboration
Kane Lee, Baobab Studios’ Head of Content, expressed the excitement surrounding this partnership, stating, “The vision Baobab shares with Cosm to uniquely transform Namoo for planetariums and domes… marries our love of both theatrical and immersive collective viewing experiences.” The collaboration is rooted in a mutual passion for creativity and innovation, aiming to elevate animated storytelling to new heights. The filmmakers aim to present not just a film, but an emotional journey that resonates with the universal human experience.
A Heartfelt Tale of Life and Loss
At the core of Namoo lies a deeply personal narrative. Inspired by the memory of director Erick Oh’s grandfather, the short film, which translates to “tree” in Korean, explores the poignant moments of a man’s life, from his beginnings to his final farewell. This narrative poem is brought to life through Baobab Studios’ signature hand-crafted animation, illustrating a blend of artistry and personal reflection. Oh, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for his earlier work Opera, brings a unique and intimate touch, making this his most ambitious project to date.
Celebrated Recognition and Accolades
Namoo has garnered significant acclaim within the animated film community. It was shortlisted among the top 15 films for the Oscars, highlighting its artistic achievement and emotional depth. The film has also received nominations for prestigious awards, including two Annie Awards, and has been celebrated as the Best Animated Short at the 2022 Gold List Awards. Moreover, it was nominated for a Producers Guild of America (PGA) Innovation Award, reinforcing its groundbreaking approach to storytelling.
For those who wish to experience Namoo, the theatrical version is currently available on HBO Max, while the immersive VR experience can be accessed via Oculus Quest, demonstrating the film’s versatility across platforms.
The Role of Cosm in Pioneering Immersive Entertainment
Cosm Studios, a division of the experiential technology company Cosm, is dedicated to transforming the landscape of immersive entertainment. Founded in 2020 through the merger of Evans & Sutherland, Spitz Inc., and Cosm Immersive, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of cinematic innovation. The recent launch of Cosm Studios aims to create, produce, and distribute immersive films that leverage the talents of both emerging creators and established industry veterans.
Cosm’s innovations extend beyond mere film production; their Experience Center in Salt Lake City showcases a remarkable 20-meter LED dome capable of presenting stunning visuals in 8K resolution. This technology enables audiences to gather in shared physical spaces and enjoy virtual experiences without headsets, pioneering what they call “Shared Reality.” This forward-thinking approach sets a new standard for collective viewing experiences.
Baobab Studios: A Beacon of Interactive Animation
Founded by Maureen Fan, Eric Darnell, and Larry Cutler in 2015, Baobab Studios has become a titan in the world of independent interactive animation. With nine Emmy Awards under its belt, the studio has consistently released critically acclaimed projects, including Invasion!, Asteroids!, Jack, Crow: The Legend, Bonfire, Baba Yaga, and Paper Birds, alongside Namoo. This impressive portfolio showcases their ability to create not just animated shorts, but interactive narratives that resonate with audiences.
The studio’s intellectual properties are currently being adapted into various formats, including books and films. In a significant development, Baobab is also collaborating with Disney+ to produce an animated anthology series based on the Emmy-winning VR short Baba Yaga, expanding their reach in the animation landscape.
A Bright Future Ahead
With the collaboration between Cosm Studios and Baobab Studios, viewers can expect a transformative experience as Namoo makes its way into immersive theaters. This partnership not only exemplifies an evolution in the distribution of animated content but also highlights the growing significance of shared, collective viewing experiences in storytelling. The future of animation looks bright, and this collaboration sets the stage for further innovations in how we consume and interact with animated art.
For more details on Baobab Studios, visit their official site and for insights into Cosm’s groundbreaking work, check out cosm.com.