Join us for Studio X’s first-ever 360° film festival, in collaboration with the Strasenburgh Planetarium! Over the course of two weeks, you’ll have access to our Insta360 cameras—or use your own gear—to create short, fun, and creative films. No need for big-budget polish; we love quick, imaginative ideas! Already have a project? You're welcome to submit that as well, as long as it meets our guidelines. 

We’ll also offer workshops to show you how to use the cameras and edit your videos. At the end of the two weeks, we’ll premiere all the films on the planetarium dome, then our panel of judges will pick winners for awesome prizes.

Dates:

3/24 from 2 to 3:30pm: Intro to 360 Recording & Editing Workshop (Option 1)
3/27 from 6 to 7:30pm: Intro to 360 Recording & Editing Workshop (Option 2)
4/4: Film submission deadline
4/11 from 3 to 5pm: Showcase @Strasenburgh Planetarium

Prize Categories:

• Best overall (Insta360 Camera)
• Best group (Speakers)
• Best narrative (Projector)
• Best audio (Headphones)
• Best editing (Star Projector)

Rules:

• Participation is open to UofR or RIT students, faculty, or staff.
• You may participate as part of a group for the group category (limited to 4 members).
• Films must be 3 minutes or shorter in length.
• Films must be submitted as MP4 files by 11:59 PM on April 4, 2025.
• Films must have a minimum resolution of 1440p.
• Two submissions are required. Submit your film in both 360° format (for VR viewing) and one in 180° format (for planetarium viewing).

360 Filming Tips:

• Use Studio X’s Insta360 X3 cameras or your own equipment! (RIT participants can email studiox@library.rochester.edu.).
• Edit your 360 video on Studio X’s computers or your own setup.
• Aim for the highest resolution possible for better quality.
• Avoid excessive camera movement—it can disorient viewers.
• Camera angle matters, even in 360° recording, so position it thoughtfully.
• Distant objects may look distorted, so plan your shots accordingly.
• Darker footage works best! The planetarium dome displays darker scenes more clearly, while bright footage can wash out.
• Double-check your camera settings: ensure it’s in 360° mode, not 150°.

If these tips sound confusing, join one of our workshops for hands-on help.

At the premiere!

• Enjoy free food and drinks.
• VR headsets to show off your 360° videos,
• Winners will be announced near the end of the showcase at 4:30pm.

Registration: To get started, please register using this form.