Investigating the emotional impact of camera movement in cinematic virtual reality

This study investigates the emotional impact of camera movement in Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR), focusing on how traditional cinematic techniques adapt to immersive environments. Utilizing computer-generated scenes and virtual camera manipulations, we explore viewer emotional responses and motion sickness in three experimental conditions: synchronous (head movements control camera actions), asynchronous (predefined camera movements causing visual-motor mismatch), and asynchronous with visual fixation (viewers focus on a stable element). Emotional responses were assessed using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) and motion sickness via the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ). Our findings show that synchronous movements enhance emotional engagement and immersion, while asynchronous movements heighten motion sickness and elicit distinct emotional states. Visual fixation mitigates some negative effects of asynchronous movement, offering a strategy to manage viewer discomfort. This research contributes to understanding camera dynamics in CVR, providing insights to optimize emotional impact while minimizing adverse effects.