Monkeystack

3D Animation
Interactive & Experience Design
XR & 360

A Monkeystack and Shackleton Epic Expedition production, Thin Ice VR is a 20-minute historical re-creation documentary VR experience presented by Tim Jarvis AM. In 1914, polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton led one of history’s greatest stories of leadership and survival; the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Over 100 years later we follow in the footsteps of Shackleton with Tim Jarvis AM, experiencing the adventure first-hand to see the effect climate change has had on the Antarctic region through immersive VR.

This film offers an unrivalled immersive experience that will leave viewers in no doubt about the devastating effect of climate change. This project fits right in the middle of our lens to produce positive social consciousness projects that entertain, engage and educate audiences. It also ties together our skills in storytelling, interactive, experiential, animation, live-action production and simulation. Visit the Thin Ice VR website Major Partner: Torrens University Australia Financed and developed with the assistance of: South Australian Film Corporation, Screen Australia and Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund Supported by: Kathmandu and Documentary Australia

Working with Tim Jarvis AM since the project’s conception back in 2018, Monkeystack has produced Thin Ice VR – from sending the expedition team to Antarctica right through to creating the virtual environments ready to be discovered upon putting on a headset.

Thin Ice VR celebrated its world-premiere presented by the South Australian Museum and Adelaide Film Festival in November 2021, followed by its inaugural season at the Museum from November 2021 to February 2022.

The film has since celebrated its International Premiere and a three-month season at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, and seasons including Australian Museum in Sydney, New South Wales, HOTA Home of the Arts in Gold Coast, Queensland, Bob Brown Foundation in Hobart, Tasmania, and at the 2022 Adelaide Film Festival.

Awards and Achievements

Australian Museum – Highest visitor satisfaction rating on an exhibition ever.

Best VR/360° Film at Barcelona Planet Film Festival 2022
Honourable Mention at SA Climate Leaders Awards 2022
Best Screen Production Research Moving Image Work at The ATOM Awards 2022
For Good – Environmental Issues at AADC 2022
Official Selection at Adelaide Film Festival 2022
Best Virtual Reality at Los Angeles Film Awards 2022
Best Virtual Reality Short at Cannes World Film Festival April edition 2022
Special Award for Best in Australia (all categories) at Qld XR Festival 2022
Best in Virtual Reality (VR) Passive Immersive Experience at Qld XR Festival 2022
Best Sound for Interactive Media at Australian Screen Sound Guild 2021

"An extremely powerful message on climate change"

~The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, Sir Ernest Shackleton's Granddaughter

"Thin Ice VR brings that odyssey to life in a way that can be experienced by visitors to the Australian Museum"

~Australian Museum Director & CEO, Kim McKay AO