Foreign Office releases first VR film featuring Phileas Fogg

Phileas Fogg doesn’t have the foggiest idea about travel in the modern world, as the character features in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s first virtual reality film. The fictional explorer from the Jules Verne novel, wants to travel today’s world … Continue reading →

Phileas Fogg doesn’t have the foggiest idea about travel in the modern world, as the character features in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s first virtual reality film.

The fictional explorer from the Jules Verne novel, wants to travel today’s world in 80 days, but comes up against barriers such as insurance, vaccinations and customs in other countries.

He realises that, in the 21st century, he can’t simply set off  in his balloon as he did in the famous story.

The virtual reality film was commissioned by the government department to provide advice and promote safe travel to the millions of British nationals who take trips or live abroad each year.

Michael Vibert, from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, said: “We decided to commission this film in virtual reality as it can completely transform the planning experience for potential travellers. Our job is to help British nationals to prepare for their journey and raise awareness of travel safely so that they can get the most out of their trip. We are always looking at how we can convey our key messages to maximum effect.”

Dean Johnson, head of innovation at Brandwidth is an expert in virtual reality, a tech pundit and regular speaker on shaping the connected future for brands and organisations. He said the travel industry needs to embrace new technology such as virtual reality.

Johnson said: “Most of us have a love/hate relationship with technology. Add travel to the mix and network performance, software and hardware can mean the difference between a good and bad holiday or business trip. The travel industry is starting to embrace virtual reality and the Foreign Office is leading the way in showing how to bring to life key safety messages and provide people with a truly immersive experience before they travel.”

The film is three minutes and forty seconds long and was produced and co-funded by digital innovation agency Brandwidth.

‘Travel Aware’ is the new identity for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign, which has been running for 14 years.

The film will be premiered at the Telegraph Travel show at Excel in London from January 13-15 and at industry events over the next year.