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Don’t Panic has teamed up with Rotary International, the global network of leaders dedicated to humanitarian issues, to create a new immersive VR experience, named One Small Act.

As one of the first examples of narrative storytelling in VR, the experience highlights the impact rotary International is making around the world, focusing on its work to eradicate polio.

Shot in using both mono and stereoscopic techniques, the viewer sees a young girl growing up in Bosnia, with the entire scene in a forward looking 360° arc and, at poignant moments switches to the view of the teddy bear in 180°, offering an intimate look at the difference small acts of kindness make on the little girl, and an up-close insight into her personal journey and her up-close experiences of Polio.

Joe Wade, Managing Director at Don’t Panic said: “VR is a powerful empathy machine but at its heart it is a storytelling tool. It was important as a start point to forget the tech and focus on the narrative. We conceived a story that would work if you were reading it in a book or watching it on a black and white TV and then looked at ways we can use the tech to really bring it to the next level”.

“The story is emotionally charged. To ensure viewers really feel the power of their contributions, we focus in on poignant moments of juxtaposing compassion and commotion. Our story arc – from chaos to peace – shows the progress that Rotarians are making, and that donations will continue to make possible.”
The film was first previewed in Atlanta to a record breaking 3000 people simultaneously watching