The Economist looks at virtual reality, mobile video

The Economist is looking to bolster its online content with virtual reality and mobile video, reports Marty Swant of Adweek.

Swant writes, “In an interview after the presentation, Economist Films president Nicholas Minter-Green said NewFronts give The Economist a chance to expand its own brand by illustrating how its coverage goes beyond politics and economics into cultural offerings, sports and social issues.

“‘We were NewFronts virgins up until today, so we’re pleased to have got one under our belt and to share the exciting stuff that’s coming up,’ Minter-Green said. ‘I think what we’ve shown is that we’re producing high-quality work that is challenging the preconception of what The Economist is.’

“The Economist has already won a number of awards for its editorial and branded content. Last year, it won an award during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and last week it won two British Media Awards: one for its Economist Espresso app and another for Economist Films.

“One of the most notable Economist Films additions for its second year is the virtual reality documentaries it will produce at the unit’s media lab in New York. Producers already have begun experimenting with the emerging platform that has been a key component of many NewFronts presentations.”

Read more here.