Experience the Haka like never before with Sky VR!
Friday 23 June 2017 11:48, UK
Sky VR, in partnership with Sky Sports, has created an immersive 360° virtual reality documentary ahead of the Lions' first Test in New Zealand.
Sky VR is bringing rugby union to life like never before with 'Finding Haka', allowing viewers to experience the Haka in a whole new light.
The production is a cinematic journey into the heart of New Zealand to discover the passion, dedication and understanding it takes to perform the famous ritual. This unique virtual reality experience will take viewers on the intimate journey of a young Maori man exploring the ancient cultural traditions that drive the roots of rugby in New Zealand.
Live British and Irish Lions Tour
The film is officially released at 5pm on Friday, the day before Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions take on New Zealand in the first Test of the series, which will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports 1 from 7:30am.
'Finding Haka' is available via the Sky VR app, which is free of charge to download. The film continues Sky Sports' commitment to innovation and is Sky's first full-length VR production.
The new VR experience was produced by immersive content studio Surround Vision, in partnership with Sky VR, using cutting edge techniques to build an exhilarating experience for the viewer. It is available to view on iOS, Android and select other devices with a compatible VR headset.
The film's award-winning VR director, James Hedley, commented: "I wanted to create a powerful and important film that highlights the significance of preserving cultural identity and heritage.
"The power, the rawness and the eruption of emotion of the Haka is overwhelming; it begged to be explored in VR. I hope the film will resonate with not only sports fans but also detached youths and history fantastic around the world."
The British and Irish Lions tour is part of the biggest ever Summer of Sport on Sky, which also includes live action from England cricket Test matches against South Africa and the West Indies, golf majors such as The Open, US Open and the Women's British Open for the first time and F1 from Silverstone.
Gus Williamson, Sky Sports Head of Rugby, commented: "We are going all out this summer with our Lions coverage, bringing the excitement in New Zealand to screens back in the UK.
"From Scott Quinnell in the #FANVAN, to player holograms, bespoke documentaries and this virtual reality film, we are bringing all aspects of the Lions tour to life."
