Hassan Berry
Research Mentor(s): Vincent Longo
Mentor Department: Film, Television, and Media
Authors: Hassan Berry
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Presentation Type: Creative Project
Abstract
Many film students lack access to resources that allow them to practice the techniques they learn in class. To address this, the University of Michigan developed VR Citizen Kane, a virtual reality application designed to help aspiring directors refine their filmmaking skills. The app includes a single movie set, two virtual actors, and a fully functional virtual camera, enabling students to reshoot scenes from the classic film, Citizen Kane. However, its current limitations restrict students to only one set and scene. To expand the app’s capabilities, I created a 1:1 scale digital model of the Great Hall, the largest set in Citizen Kane. This process involved extensive research, including in-depth film analysis, reviewing continuity photos, and consulting film historians and experts. Once I gathered sufficient data on the set’s dimensions, I used architectural drawings and modeling software to meticulously reconstruct the Great Hall. Throughout the process, I ensured accuracy by seeking periodic reviews from experts across the nation. The addition of the Great Hall aims to integrate four new scenes into VR Citizen Kane, significantly enhancing the app’s potential as a hands-on learning tool for film students. By expanding the available content, this project provides students with greater opportunities to practice virtual filmmaking, deepening their understanding of cinematography, scene composition, and directing techniques.
