Step into the next phase of immersive production at Groove Jones in Episode 7 of Groove Talk, where Doug Hogan sits down with Henry Casillas and Dale Carman to explore what happens when immersive video finally gets a professional grade camera. The conversation follows the full production journey, from capture to editorial, centered on Groove Jones’ early experiments with the Blackmagic URSA Immersive and why it represents a true turning point for presence driven storytelling.
Henry shares how working with the URSA Immersive feels like a night and day leap from earlier 360 systems, especially with stitching and cleanup no longer dominating the workflow. Dale explains why immersive experiences used to live in a constant state of compromise, particularly around stereo registration, and how perfectly synchronized sensors, lens metadata, and high frame rates finally allow the brain to relax and accept the image. A simple tripod shoot of a band in Deep Ellum becomes a powerful case study, proving that presence can turn even the most straightforward setup into something unforgettable.
Who’s On the Mic:
- Doug Hogan – Creative Technologist at Groove Jones
- Henry Casillas – Associate Creative Director at Groove Jones
- Dale Carman – Co-Founder of Groove Jones
What They Cover:
From 360 to Immersive Video
- Why the URSA Immersive feels like a massive leap from earlier rigs.
- How eliminating stitching speeds up production and frees creative focus.
Why Stereo Registration Matters
- Why “good enough” stereo was never truly good enough.
- How perfect synchronization dramatically improves comfort and presence.
Simple Shoots, Strong Reactions
- The Deep Ellum band shoot that made first time Vision Pro users physically react.
- Why presence matters more than spectacle.
Experimenting With a Medium Still Being Defined
- Race cars, pickleball, drones, and ballet as learning tools.
- Why immersive storytelling still has no fixed rules.
Key Highlights:
- Removing stitching changes the entire immersive workflow.
- Perfect stereo registration finally makes immersive video comfortable.
- Presence can transform even a static tripod shot.
- The team is learning the medium by actively pushing it.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
If you’re curious about –
- How immersive video is actually made today
- What separates presence from gimmicks
- Why professional tools matter for immersive storytelling
Episode 7 offers a focused look at immersive media in transition, told by the people actively figuring it out.
Available on:
