White House Delays Movie Tariff Decision Amid VR Cinema Boom
3min read The White House has stated that it has not yet made a final decision on movie tariffs. This announcement comes at a time when the film industry is undergoing significant technological advancements, particularly with the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology into movie production and viewing experiences. The recent developments in VR movies highlight the potential for a new era in cinema, where traditional static viewing is transformed into an immersive, interactive experience.
On April 17, during the opening ceremony of the "Boundaryless ∞ immersion Unit" at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, the General Manager of Henan Radio and Television Station, Wang Renhai, received the first "Dragon Seal" for China's virtual reality film from the Deputy Director of the National Film Bureau, Lu Liang. This seal, numbered "Electronic Review VR [2025] No. 001," officially allows the film "Tang Palace Banquet" to be released in the market. This historic moment marks the transition of VR film technology from the experimental stage to a more mature phase, signaling a new era for the film industry.
On March 18, the National Film Bureau issued a notice titled "Notice on Promoting the Orderly Development of Virtual Reality Films." This notice, for the first time, included films that use VR technology, such as augmented reality and mixed reality, in their production and are viewed using head-mounted displays in fixed screening venues like movie theaters, into the film management system. This move is significant as it recognizes VR films as a legitimate form of cinema, paving the way for their broader acceptance and distribution.
Following this notice, Henan Radio and Television Station's productions "Tang Palace Banquet" and "Secret of Qin Tomb" were among the first to receive the "Dragon Seal" for VR films. This marks a profound shift in how films are produced and consumed, moving from passive viewing to an interactive, immersive experience. The integration of VR technology allows viewers to become active participants in the narrative, enhancing their engagement and enjoyment.
One viewer of "Tang Palace Banquet" described the experience as "feeling like I was actually transported back to the Tang Dynasty, with scenes like crossing the river by boat and flying on a magic carpet being incredibly vivid." This immersive experience is made possible by the seamless integration of LBE large space technology, 3D reconstruction, and VR technology. In "Tang Palace Banquet," LBE technology allows viewers to move freely within a large space, guided by "Tang Xiaomei," and interact with historical figures like li bai and Du Fu. In "Secret of Qin Tomb," 3D reconstruction technology recreates the interior of Qin Shi Huang's tomb, allowing viewers to explore its structure and the historical context of the Qin Dynasty.
The development of VR films is not new; in 2017, the Venice Film Festival introduced a VR competition category, recognizing the growing importance of VR in cinema. Since then, high-quality immersive films have continued to emerge, with projects like "The Disappearing Pharaoh: Immersive Exploration of the Great Pyramid of Giza" by Excurio Company gaining significant attention. This project, which combines VR technology with HTC's LBE large space technology, allows viewers to walk freely within a 1:1 replica of the pyramid, experiencing the pharaoh's funeral rites. The project's success in Shanghai, where it attracted over 110,000 viewers and generated over 30 million yuan in revenue, has spurred the growth of similar VR film projects both domestically and internationally.
Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Wuxi have established VR production studios and experimental screening rooms. The Shanghai International Film Festival last year featured a "Future Cinema" section, showcasing 26 VR films from around the world. This year, the Beijing International Film Festival introduced the "Boundaryless ∞ Immersion Unit," featuring 47 works that integrate various forms of VR, AR, MR, and other immersive technologies. This shift from passive viewing to interactive exploration is evident in the festival's offerings, where viewers can now experience films in a more immersive and engaging manner.
The notice from the National Film Bureau has also played a crucial role in standardizing the management of VR films, ensuring their quality and promoting their commercialization. This has encouraged more creators to explore the potential of VR technology in filmmaking, leading to a surge in high-quality VR film projects. The integration of VR technology with traditional filmmaking techniques has opened up new possibilities for storytelling, allowing for more dynamic and interactive narratives. This synergy between technology and storytelling is expected to drive the growth of the VR film industry, making it a more mainstream and commercially viable form of entertainment.
