Circle and Onassis ONX Launch New XR Filmmaking Training Program

I have been watching the XR space for years. It's moving fast. Now, a big move just happened in the world of filmmaking.

Circle, the well-known platform for women and gender-expansive creators, is teaming up with Onassis ONX. They want to train the next generation of storytellers. This is a big deal for the industry.

They are building a new space for immersive media. cameras anymore. is about tech and new ways to build worlds.

How we got to this new digital era

Circle started as a way to help filmmakers find their feet. They focused on supporting women and gender-expansive voices. They built a community. It worked well.

Onassis ONX is a hub in Athens. They work on the edge of art and tech. They look at how we live with machines. They explore how we tell stories in new ways.

The two groups have a lot in common. They both want to push boundaries. They want to give creators the right tools. It's a natural fit for both sides.

The industry is tired of old methods. Everyone is looking for fresh ideas. This program aims to bridge that gap. It's about time we saw more focus on this area.

What this new program means

The program is called Circle Expanded Orbit. It's a six-day event. It takes place in Athens from Nov. 21 to Nov. 26. That's a tight window for a lot of work.

They picked Katerina Cizek to lead it. She is an Emmy and Peabody winner. She knows docs. She knows how to push stories to new places. She's the right person for this.

They want people who work in XR, VR, AR, and AI. They want game-based storytellers, too. They are casting a wide net. It's not just for traditional film folks.

Applications are open now. You can apply alone. You can apply in pairs. They aren't being picky about the team size. They care about the idea.

The deadline is July 23. That's coming up quick. If you have an idea, you should get moving. Don't wait until the last minute.

They will pick a group of people. Then, they will interview them in late August. It's a selective process. They want the best of the best.

The technical side of modern storytelling

XR stands for extended reality. It's a mix of all these techs. It includes VR, where you wear a headset. It includes AR, where you see things in the real world.

AI is the new piece of the puzzle. It helps with assets. It helps with logic. It makes things look real fast. This training will cover how to use it.

The program will look at game-based storytelling. This is how we move from watching to playing. It's a new way to engage an audience. It changes everything about the flow of a plot.

Participants will learn how to build these worlds. They will learn the software. They will learn the hardware. It's a full deep dive into the tech stack.

What comes next for these creators

This will change the way people think about film. We aren't just sitting in chairs anymore. We are inside the story. That's the future.

Circle is betting big on this. They think the future is immersive. I think they are right. It's hard to argue against it.

The industry will be watching Athens this fall. If these creators do well, we will see more programs like this. It could set a new standard for training.

Quick questions answered

What is Circle Expanded Orbit? It is a new training program for creators working in XR and immersive tech.

Who can apply? Filmmakers, artists, and storytellers who identify as women or gender-expansive.

Where is it held? The program takes place in Athens, Greece.

When is the deadline? You need to get your application in by July 23.

Who is running the show? Katerina Cizek is the head of studies for the program.