THESE INDEPENDENT EXPERTS EVALUATE the submissions for the VR NOW Awards 2021
ABOUT THE JURY
The jury works independently and on their own behalf. They are internationally acknowledged experts in their field and will select the nominations per category as well as the final winners. The nominated projects are selected based on the materials provided in the submission form. Only nominated creators get the chance to present their project in the live online event with the jury members on June 15, 2021. The jury members each are connected with a category of choice and have special vetor rights in that category. They will present the winners of “their” category in the live show on June 22, 2021. Let’s celebrate excellence together!
JURY MEMBERS OF THE VR NOW AWARDS 2021
ALYSHA NAPLES
An Amsterdam-based designer who choreographs and creates experiences that are authentically supportive of the bodies, minds, and spirits of the people who participate in them. Currently, Alysha is the Chief Experience Officer at Tin Drum, a creative studio utilizing bleeding-edge technology to push the boundaries of performance, storytelling, and connection. Most recently, Tin Drum exhibited Marina Abramović : THE LIFE at the Serpentine Gallery, London.
THOMAS BEDENK
The VP Extended Reality at Endava with over 20 years of experience in digital productions. His focus areas are Strategy, XR and UX for digital transformation across industries. Past projects span from learning, product design to marketing and sales for clients like Siemens, Audi and Volkswagen. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences. Thomas is founding member of Virtual Reality BB and the German Game Association and judge at several industry awards.
JOANNA POPPER
An award-winning Hollywood and Silicon Valley media executive with a track record of launching cutting edge content and technology to drive revenue, audience engagement and brand love. Joanna currently leads HP’s initiatives for Go-To-Market and Location Based Entertainment for Virtual Reality. Recently she was executive producer on Double Eye Studios’ “Finding Pandora X“. Joanna was selected as “50 Women Can Change the World in Media and Entertainment,” “Top Women in Media: Game Changers,” “Top Women in Media: Industry Leaders,” “Digital It List,” “101 Women Leading the VR Industry” and is on the Coalition for the Women in XR Fund.
JUDITH OKONKWO
A technology evangelist, business psychologist and organisation development consultant with experience working in Africa, Asia and Europe. She sits on the Board of the European Organisation Design Forum, advises Startups, not-for-profits and SMEs on emerging technologies and is a guest lecturer at several HEIs. She is the creator of the Oriki Coaching Model™ and a co-founder of We Will Lead Africa. In 2016 Judith set up Imisi 3D in Lagos and the event platform AR/VR Africa in 2018. Judith is a current member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council for AR and VR.
TUPAC MARTIR
The Creative Director and Founder of Satore Studio. He’s a multimedia artist whose work spans the fields of technology, lighting, projection and video, sound design, music, and composition, as well as choreography and costumes. He has provided production design, visuals and lighting direction for the likes of Elton John, Beyoncé, Danny Boyle, the Coachella Music & Arts Festival and Serpentine Gallery. Tupac is renowned within the fashion industry and has worked on shows for Alexander McQueen, Moschino, Alexander Wang, and Thomas Tait, and more. More recently, Tupac has Directed and produced “Cosmos Within Us”.
LUCAS RIZZOTTO
A full-time mad scientist, creator of award-winning experiences and VR time machines, Lucas is the mind behind the viral webseries “Lucas Builds The Future“, a show where he builds insane projects using futuristic technology. He also is the artist responsible for the critically acclaimed VR experience ‘Where Thoughts Go‘, available on the Oculus Quest.
The jury nominates and selects the project for the VR NOW Awards 2021. The event is organized by VRBB – Virtual Reality e.V. Berlin Brandenburg. The selection process is supported by FACTORY-C and Booster Space.
