Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Making Waves in Experimental, Immersive Entertainment
The entertainment industry has experienced remarkable growth and transformation in recent years. According to a report by Statista, the global entertainment and media market is projected to reach a value of $2.6 trillion by 2023, showcasing the industry’s immense scale and economic significance. Streaming platforms have played a significant role in this growth, with the number of global subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) users expected to surpass 1 billion by 2022. Moreover, immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are rapidly gaining traction, with the global AR and VR market projected to reach $209.2 billion by 2022.
It’s clear that the industry is booming – but what audiences are asking for, now more than ever, is something more. Something different. Something beyond traditional filmmaking. Bonus points if the experience can actually educate participants on something important – say, sustainability.
Enter Ziporen Hazum. This visionary individual has always had a knack for storytelling, but her innovative approach to immersive experiences has set a new benchmark in the realm of interactive content. A striking example of her creative prowess is the SDG Dome Experience, an interactive project aimed at educating individuals and corporations about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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A Revolutionary Concept
As a Creative Producer and Production Manager at The Ark, Ziporen collaborated with Rooftop Immersive Studios and PwC NL on this ambitious project. The goal was to encapsulate the UN’s initiative of achieving sustainability by 2030 within a unique and engaging learning experience. It entailed the construction of a custom-made, sustainable wooden dome housing a virtual reality film and interactive game, all completed within a short span of two months.
The SDG Dome Experience was launched in February 2019, with Princess Laurentien van Oranje among the first participants. The adult version of the experience received an overwhelmingly positive response, and bookings poured in for 14 weeks straight after its launch.
Expanding the Experience
Thanks to its resounding success, The Ark partnered with PwC NL and Rooftop Immersive Studios to develop two more versions: one catered to children and an individual VR experience tailored for classrooms and corporates. In July 2019, the SDG Experience featured in the Media Zone at the UN’s High-level Political Forum.
From Media Production to Self-Employment
In 2020, Ziporen joined Brut Media as the Project Manager of video content, ensuring the efficient production and timely publication of content across multiple digital channels. However, the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended her stint, and like many others, she transitioned to work from home and eventually lost her job. But resilience is second nature to Ziporen. Rather than wait out the pandemic, she chose to become self-employed and continued working on various projects.
During this challenging period, Ziporen managed a range of projects, including a commercial with John Goodman, a documentary with Dr. Ruth, a virtual fundraiser with Jay Leno and Lior Suchard, and a VR animation film sponsored by Meta. This period allowed her to explore different mediums and innovative ideas.
Particle 3 Inc. and Parade Animation
In late 2020, Ziporen collaborated with Lihu Roter, CEO and Executive Producer at Particle 3 Inc. Her work involved ideation, supervision, and management of workflow with creative and production teams. Ziporen oversaw the creation of interactive content for mobile and desktop, using technologies like PDP interactive content, AR apps, Volumetric Capture, digital fashion, and digital experiences. Her dedication and creativity resulted in multiple accolades for Particle3, Inc., including three gold awards, one silver award, and two nominations in the XR space.
Simultaneously, Ziporen served as a Creative Producer and Production Manager at Parade Animation, a creative studio for animated VR experiences. She worked on the VR animation film “Lifetime Achievement”, directed by Yonatan Tal.
Current Endeavors
Now Ziporen is engaged with Wizard Studios, a live event creative and fabrication company. Leveraging her vast experience in interactive content production and her knack for pushing creative boundaries, Ziporen continues to shape immersive experiences that captivate audiences.
The SDG Dome Experience is a testament to Ziporen Hazum’s dedication to innovative storytelling. Her tireless pursuit of creative excellence, coupled with her ability to adapt and evolve, makes her a dynamic force in the realm of immersive content production. From VR experiences to live events, her works continue to inspire, educate, and engage audiences worldwide.
