Jesús Pérez Irigoyen: A Journey from Mexico City to the Frontiers of Immersive Media
Origins and Education
Jesús Pérez Irigoyen began his journey in the vibrant heart of Mexico City as part of a family of self-taught entrepreneurs. From an early age, he found solace in visual arts and graphic design, passions nurtured in a household that didn’t necessarily steer children toward conventional career paths. “In my family,” he recalls, “art and design weren’t things that your family would push you to pursue.” Growing up in an era when animation schools were sparse in Mexico, he opted to become a graphic designer, which eventually led him to one of the country’s leading broadcast channels, Televisa.
Founding Dessignare Studio
His trajectory took an exciting turn when he joined Fundación Televisa, the educational arm of the broadcast giant. During his time there, he collaborated on animated short films, showcasing his work on his Dessignare blog. This platform morphed into a full-fledged production entity, expanding his artistic outlet. Today, Dessignare Studio operates out of Tlalnepantla de Baz, focusing on directing animation, branded content, and engaging immersive video-mapping projections.
Exploration of New Mediums
Dessignare Studio’s focus on animation found fertile ground in the educational and social sectors. The studio has partnered with various institutions, such as the Cultural Center of Spain, the National Water Commission of Mexico, and even the European Southern Observatory in Munich. A notable highlight includes programs crafted for science centers that prompt explorations into unconventional animation formats suited for planetarium and virtual reality settings.
Capitalizing on Technological Trends
Pérez Irigoyen has always harbored a keen interest in technology, leading him to split his company into two branches—Dessignare Studio and Dessignare Media, the latter focusing on industry journalism. His visit to SIGGRAPH, a renowned conference on computer graphics, ignited his passion for virtual reality. Inspired by Google Spotlight Stories at Annecy, he committed to adding immersive media into his repertoire, crafting satisfying content that resonates with today’s audiences.
Feedback from the Next Generation
The influence of his two children, representatives of Generation Alpha, has significantly impacted Pérez Irigoyen’s creative direction. Observing their experiences with immersive technology in educational settings, he realized that traditional planetarium shows often fell short in retaining children’s attention. “Planetarium shows are typically formatted from 20 to 25 minutes,” he notes, “but they often lost kids’ interest.” This inspired him to create programming that is both entertaining and informative.
Innovative Projects in Immersive Media
One of Dessignare Studio’s standout projects, Cosmonaute 360, screened at ESO’s Supernova Planetarium. This experience featured a charming astronaut navigating whimsical outer-space environments projected on a half-dome screen. The studio also developed an engaging VR exhibit that allows participants to explore alien underwater realms, showcasing their adaptability to emerging media formats.
Creative Process and Challenges
Creating immersive experiences is not without its hurdles. Pérez Irigoyen emphasizes the necessity of storytelling in immersive media, urging creators to consider the rationale behind choosing a specific format. “It makes sense to use this for planetarium venues, looking to the sky and the stars,” he explains. He tackles the unique challenges posed by VR and hemispherical formats, like directing audience attention using composition, color, and sound.
Audience Interaction and Engagement
Dessignare has innovatively introduced a soft-toy gadget, resembling a NASA-style camera, to help viewers interact in 3D spaces during VR experiences. With their cell phones secured to this plush device, participants can engage in real-time within immersive animated universes, making the experience both playful and educational.
Future Trajectories in Animation
Pérez Irigoyen is consistently envisioning the future of audience interaction with 3D animation. His latest films seek to empower viewers by allowing them to take on active roles as filmmakers, capturing snapshots and video footage within the animated experience. This shift towards playful interactions adds a layer of performance to traditional animation.
Emerging Trends in Immersive Cinema
The landscape of immersive cinema is rapidly evolving, as demonstrated at the recent 2024 Dome Fest West in Boulder, Colorado. The event highlighted the versatility and rising popularity of spherical cinema, showcasing everything from educational content to interactive experiences integrating video games. “People want to bring more stories to these places,” Pérez Irigoyen shares. He envisions a future where real-time interactions in dome formats become more commonplace, blending entertainment with educational content in unique ways.
By continually pushing the envelope of what animation and immersive media can be, Jesús Pérez Irigoyen stands as a pioneering force, blending technology and creativity in ways that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.