The 100%

The 100% is a pioneering virtual reality experience and a heartfelt fundraising campaign created for Stand Up To Cancer. It tells the powerful story of a rising star ballerina, diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and her extraordinary journey through courage, resilience, and grace.

One of the earliest large-scale productions in volumetric video, The 100% broke new ground in immersive storytelling. As the first project to be filmed on Microsoft’s volumetric stage, it set a new standard for the medium. By approaching the production with a cinematic philosophy, the team carefully pre-planned and blocked each capture, lighting every scene to enhance how it would ultimately be experienced in virtual reality. This meticulous attention to detail influenced how Microsoft later approached lighting in volumetric productions, moving away from their initial flat, broad-lighting methodology.

The project required groundbreaking innovation in post-production as well. Custom pipelines were developed to retime, relight, and edit the volumetric captures, resulting in a seamless and emotionally resonant final piece.

Beyond the virtual reality experience, The 100% extended its reach through a multi-faceted campaign. A physical playbill was distributed at events, designed to engage audiences and serve as a trigger for a supplemental Augmented Reality (AR) application. This AR experience not only showcased volumetric video in an augmented space but also acted as a portal for donations to Stand Up To Cancer, blending cutting-edge technology with a vital social cause.

Corporate sponsorships played a significant role in bringing this ambitious project to life. Intel and HP provided critical financing and hardware support, with additional contributions from OWC. This backing ensured the production could push the boundaries of emerging media, culminating in a premiere at Tribeca Film Festival and a series of high-profile festival showings.

The 100% garnered widespread acclaim, winning Best Branded VR Experience of 2019 and the Social Impact Award at the VR Awards, among numerous other accolades. It was further recognized by the Television Academy with an Emmy nomination for Innovation in Emerging Media, cementing its status as a benchmark in both immersive storytelling and socially impactful media.

This project remains one of the most meaningful endeavors of my career. Its story, mission, and technical achievements reflect the incredible talent and passion of the team behind it.