The World's First Virtual Reality Musical

With a background in award-winning photojournalism and cinematography, Joshua Howard joined the "Say It With Music" team as the screenwriter, and eventually transitioned into the role of producer. In that position, Howard managed the 116 cast and crew members.

Marshall Young oversaw all of the audible elements of "Say It With Music." He worked closely with Chadwick Harman, screenwriter, music arranger and studio pianist, to develop the music arrangement. Young also appointed a team of SCAD students to perform, record and mix the music, background sounds and sound effects, and he assisted with the technical research used to implement the sounds in a highly immersive experience.

Mãrien De Moya Pou created and developed the design aesthetic behind "Say It With Music" She also led the production design team in creating an atmosphere that allowed the story to emerge from the already stylized location, and worked closely with the lighting department and the cinematographer to overcome the visual obstacles present in the virtual reality film.

Chadwick Harman's enthusiasm for fiction writing — both prose and dramatic scripts — is evident in his screenwriting for "Say it with Music." Harman also played the piano and arranged Irving Berlin's classic song, "Say It With Music," for the film's soundtrack. The iconic 1921 ballad was the inspiration for the title of the musical.

Lubomir Kocka co-directed "Say It With Music" with Oliver Chen and drew inspiration from his personal passion for history. He worked with the cast to portray the narrative in a 360-degree space, and his knowledge of visual effects coupled with his decision-making skills on set incomparably assisted the postproduction crew.

Emily Tomlinson is an accomplished actress and improviser who played the lead role of Simone in "Say It With Music." Drawing from her background in theater, Tomlinson partnered with her co-star, Joe Binzer, to create a spirited character for the film.

The dynamic costume color palette was designed by Marjorie Ward and inspired by local song birds. She created these garments using computer programs that produced 3-D digital renderings of the principal characters and their proposed wardrobe. While on set, Ward ensured that the clothing of all cast members supported the film's story elements and complemented the set design.

Michael Chaney, SCAD film and television professor, has produced internationally exhibited films and time-based media projects. As a filmmaker, educator, artist and specialist in short-form film, Chaney challenges his students with the task of developing new methods of storytelling through emerging cinematic practices. He also mentors young filmmakers searching for focused creative direction.

Working with Lubomir Kocka as a co-director, Oliver Chen focused his directorial role on the cast. By fine tuning each actor and actress' blocking and story arcs, his direction produced a vibrancy and nostalgia that came alive on screen.

An experienced actor and playwright, Joe Binzer played the lead role of Nathan. He collaborated with his co-star, Emily Tomlinson, to fully develop his character and bring his part to life in the musical.

Always searching for new means of expression, Moira Burke's work includes multiple formats such as film, visual effects and motion graphics. While serving as the supervisor for postproduction and visual effects, she pioneered an innovative workflow for virtual reality filmmaking that made "Say It With Music" possible to produce.

Joerg Schodl is an exceedingly skilled cinematographer and documentary filmmaker. Drawing from his background, Schodl provided critical guidance for the "Say It With Music" cast and crew while the team built the camera rig and designed the musical's aesthetic.