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On July 2, Longmont Public Media released a video walking tour of Longmont, which was filmed using the organization’s new 360-degree camera. The organization also released a 360-degree video of Hazel Miller and the Collective performing at the first summer concert series, which was hosted at the museum last week. The videos, which have been uploaded to YouTube, may look ordinary at first, but viewers can use the grab hand cursor to turn the camera view in all directions. Using a VR headset will allow viewers to have an immersive experience.
Sergio R. Angeles, the executive director and co-founder of Longmont Public Media (LPM), said that LPM will be producing more 360-degree content in the future to provide the community with more immersive content that can give tourists and potential new community members an opportunity to get a feel for the city before visiting.
“We recently purchased an Insta360 X5 [camera] and wanted to experiment producing 360-degree videos,” Angeles said. “We thought that a downtown tour of Longmont could be a way to experiment with longer form 360 content shot in 8k. As a use case, it serves as a different view point of downtown. It can also serve as a way to showcase Longmont's vibrant downtown to tourists or those considering moving here. 360 content is more immersive and helps bring a different perspective when consuming content, especially when using VR headsets.”
LPM currently has two 360-degree cameras: an Insta360 X4 and X5. The X5 starts at $550 and is considered a “prosumer” camera, which falls somewhere between consumer-level and professional-grade. Community members can currently rent the X4 at a rate of $75 per day. Angeles said LPM is also working on creating classes for community members to learn how to use 360 degree cameras and create content with this equipment.
LPM is a nonprofit makerspace that offers opportunities to community members to learn about content creation and to have access to equipment for the production of audio and video podcasts, as well as other forms of media. Community members can enroll in classes, which are typically $30 each. There are also monthly and yearly memberships that offer full access to the studio and free or discounted rentals depending on the membership level.
“The primary goal of LPM is to create media that captures the heart and soul of Longmont, Colorado,” the website states. “In addition to recording our day to day local governments in action (eg, City Council meetings, Planning and Zoning meetings, School Board meetings, and about 17 other boards and commissions), LPM is an actual public space for creating media. We see people creating all kinds of new and interesting “shows” that can be broadcast on cable TV, social media, YouTube channels or even privately for family, friends, business functions or events.”
