A classic search game gets adapted for a live action format

This generation might never have to find the elusive character ‘Waldo’ on paper or in a book. A project from production house Corridor Digital gives us a 360-degree live action version of Where’s Waldo?

While a whimsical and well-produced throwback, the concept and its execution actually makes perfect sense. In 360-degree video, Where’s Waldo 360 encourages seekers to look all the way around to take in the view.

For the video, the production team needed to add some action, or a way to guide the user through the viewing experience, so they can find Waldo. Throughout the four-minute video, each scene brings on new vignette where agents are in hot pursuit of Waldo.

To remain true to the classic illustrations of the book, the settings needed to be full of commotion, loaded with people and objects for viewers to sort through while hunting for the striped target. Filmed at the Santa Monica Pier on a busy Sunday afternoon, the video contains an appropriate amount of chaos and nonsensical distractions to honor the book. Even passersby on camera were pointing and helping the camera men pointing out Waldo. Although, seeing a whole group of Waldo lookalikes in one place may be a giveaway.

The crew 3D printed their own rig. They used GoPros to capture the video. Then they used stitching software to bring it all together. Watch the “Making Of” video, below:

Corridor Digital

Originally published at www.psfk.com on March 3, 2016.