The depiction of reality in a 360-degree video documentary versus a conventional 16by9 video documentary : a focus group comparative study of two independently made video documentaries of the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Abstract

The popularity of virtual reality technologies [VR] has prompted numerous news organisations and filmmakers to embrace the 360-degree video format for immersive journalism. Consequently, there have been many studies on audience reception in VR and its use in immersive journalism. Nevertheless, research investigating the comparative “reality” depicted in immersive journalism content remains scarce. This study compares the depiction of reality in two ten minutes independently produced documentaries of the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Kwa-Zulu Natal. One shot in the traditional video format and the other in the 360-degree video format. Both videos were screened to two expert focus groups, one a group of academic experts and the other a group of professional television journalists, to discuss the perceived reality depicted in the videos. The result of this case study suggests that the 360-degree video version is a more accurate depiction of the reality in the settlement. The Exploratory nature of the format, the Extra Information on offer, the Sense of Presence, and the Sense of Place the 360-degree format created enhanced its Depiction of Reality. The intrinsic nature of the 360-degree video format by virtue of the long, deep focus shots it creates, and the way 360-degree videos are put together profoundly reflect the work of the seminal theorists of cinematic realism, namely, Andre Bazin (2004), Siegfried Kracauer (1997) and John Grierson (1998). According to the findings of this study, when considering 360-degree video within the framework of traditional film theories, it becomes evident that there is no unique concept of realism exclusive to 360-degree video. Rather, the principles that render 360-degree video realistic are the same as those that contribute to realism in traditional film. While this study is limited to its specific case and employs a relatively small sample size, the results are significant. It provides a direct comparison of the two formats by experts and suggests that the 360-degree format has the potential to depict the reality of a situation more accurately, positioning the technology as a powerful tool for immersive journalism.