This week we talk to one of the masterminds behind one of the most ambitious Zombie Escape Rooms in Australia. Running from now until the end of the month in Brisbane Directors of the Extraordinary have taken over the Brisbane Powerhouse to make the largest Zombie Adventure of it’s kind.
So kick back and take 5 with one of the minds behind Containment, Simon Shakhovskoy!
What are you watching right now? I recently started watching HELIX on Netflix and am totally hooked! I feel like it is a great mash up of some of the cult classics when it comes to Zombies, and has some brilliant ties with the direction we are taking Containment.
What is the containment? Why is it important? This month we are taking over all four levels of the Brisbane Powerhouse to create Australia’s most ambitious zombie adventure game. It is a blend of gaming, immersive theatre and technology where the players have the power to make decisions to influence the narrative and ultimately decide if they will save the world or not.
Think of the zombies from The Walking Dead, crossed with the adventure of World War Z and the story of Resident Evil.
Players will form part of the Scientific Response Team tasked with rescuing the research facility’s lead scientist, helping her extract the antivirus before the walking dead take over. They will be ‘infected’ with a sample of the zombie contagion so they will be safe from ‘the Turned’ during infiltration of the facility. Success means saving the world. Failure means a descent into global chaos.
Containment provides the opportunity for people to step into the role of their favourite Zombie movie protagonist. To experience entertainment that breaks down the fourth wall and thrusts people into the heart of the action.
Apart from your event what should everyone be looking out for in local Australian Pop Culture? Zero Latency is about to open in Brisbane and we were lucky enough to be invited to go and help conduct the final round of testing. It was a blast and it is so good to see this experience expanding throughout Australia!
I am unashamed to say that we walked out giggling like kids… As this technology is refined, the world of multiplayer VR is only going to get better and better.
Major prediction for Pop Culture 12 months from now? I believe we are at a key intersection of traditional entertainment and a demand for immersive experiences. Audiences no longer are satisfied with being passive observers and are actively seeking opportunity to play an active role. VR, AR and Immersive theatre are on the rise and are here to stay.
Best last thing you ate? I woke up this morning and made the effort to cook bacon and eggs with fresh orange juice. Best start to the day. Ever.
Containment runs from now until Sunday with tickets available but time running out. If you are in Brisbane (or looking for an excuse to visit) make sure you find some time to save the world from the Zombie Apocalypse.
