In a new 360 degree video series, Vice Sports are aiming to capture the thrill of extreme sports in the most immersive way possible. The first in the series begins following Parkour / Free-running legend Ronnie Shalvis as he tackles Utah’s Goblin Valley state park.
As someone who was never much interested in more conventional sports as a kid, the extreme urban activity of Parkour or free-running really appealed later in life. Throwing yourself across an urban landscape with as much grace, precision and death-defying skill seemed like the perfect antidote to the humdrum tedium of Football or Cricket.
One of the bigger ambassadors for the sport is Ronnie Shalvis, an exceptionally talented free-runner whose YouTube channel ‘Ronnie Street Stunts’ propelled him to notoriety, is now the subject of a short 360-degree film. Shot for VR, this episode of The Moment follows Shalvis careering around Utah’s Goblin Valley state park, home to some of the most unusual natural geological obstacles a free-runner could possibly wish for.
The video is presented via YouTube and offers a branching option to follow Ronnie’s run in 360 or traditional HD. Be warned however, the 360 footage is primarily from Ronnie’s perspective with some pretty uncomfortable footage for those viewing via Google Cardboard.
