ABC Releases Immersive 360 Virtual Reality Experiences for CMA FEST

For the first time, ABC and the Country Music Association (CMA) are taking "CMA Fest" - the ultimate fan experience showcasing performances from Country Music's hottest stars - to the next level with the release of full performances from Dierks Bentley with Cole Swindell and Brett Eldredge in virtual reality on ABC Facebook and Youtube channels, and via Littlstar's app for headsets and mobile devices. Dierks Bentley and Cole Swindell's perform "Flatliner" and Brett Eldredge performs of "Somethin' I'm Good At." A state-of-the-art 360 trailer is live here. Now in its 13th year on ABC, "CMA Fest" airs Wednesday, August 16 (8:00 - 11:00 p.m. EDT).

Produced by ABC Entertainment Marketing Studios, CMA and Nokia's cameras, including the award-winning OZO+, were embedded into the show production at Nissan Stadium during CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL in Nashville, Tennessee, where the concert special was filmed, giving viewers at home the chance to experience the massive music event from the stadium floor, back of the stage, front row and center stage.

The post process was completed in-house at ABC Entertainment Marketing, where Nokia's OZO+ Creator software played an integral role in creating a seamless 360-degree image. A computer-generated stage display was built, allowing for the incorporation of traditional aspect-ratio footage into the 360 environments. This ground-breaking graphics work was also done in-house by ABC Entertainment Marketing's design team.

"This was a great partnership all around and part of ABC's continuing emphasis on providing new and engaging ways for our viewers to enjoy our content," said Bob Schefferine, vice president of ABC Entertainment Marketing Production. "Together we are creating an experience that transcends even the best seats in the house, putting fans right on stage in front of tens of thousands of fans."

"CMA Music Festival is unique in the sense of the access that fans get to artists, so to partner with ABC and Nokia to offer an even more personal experience via the TV special, as though viewers were there live, is exciting," said CMA CMO Damon Whiteside. "CMA continues to set the industry standard for innovation while also creating memorable experiences for the fans."

Image courtesy of ABC.