Shaking Earth Digital Powers Two Emmy Nominations

September 19, 2019 | News & Press Releases

Shaking Earth Digital (SED), a virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mobile app company has built the platforms behind two upcoming News and Documentary Emmy nominations, to be awarded September 24th, 2019 by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. An estimated 1,000 television and news media industry executives, producers, and journalists will attend the 40th such event, hosted this year in New York.

In the “Outstanding New Approaches: Documentary” category, SED client National Geographic submitted Polar Obsession VR, a 360 degree experience which premiered to audiences at National Geographic headquarters via VR technology developed by Shaking Earth Digital for simultaneous large group demonstrations. National Geographic is a world leader in geography, cartography and exploration. Polar Obsession previously won a Webby Award in May of 2019, which honors the year’s biggest Internet visionaries and activists.

In the “Outstanding New Approaches: Current News” category, SED client Al Jazeera Digital submitted Yemen’s Skies of Terror via the SED-created Contrast VR app and Content Management System (CMS). About Contrast, Al Jazeera notes, “(It) produces unique and immersive content that pushes the boundaries of narrative storytelling while transporting viewers to the people and cultures hit hardest by inequality and conflict.” Al Jazeera’s mission is to highlight underreported stories and utilise emerging technologies to create work that is both authentic and conscious.

“Shaking Earth Digital’s clients are internationally acclaimed and well deserving of their Emmy nominations,” said SED Market Development Director Troy Miller. “We’re proud to partner with these organizations to help them further their missions with excellence and integrity.”

Last year’s winner of the Current News category was 10 Minutes. 12 Gunfire Bursts. 30 Videos. The New York Times Mapping the Las Vegas Massacre. Last year’s winner of the Documentary category was Zero Days VR, Scatter. SED CEO and co-founder Jens Zalzala attributes the company’s success to its employees, and focus on working with innovative clients. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for my talented team, who consistently step up to the challenge of creating amazing experiences using brand new technology” said Zalzala. “Whether we’re working with the Anti-Defamation League to create an immersive experience about bullying, creating AR for exercise company Peloton, or creating a local experience for Hancher Auditorium, we’re showing the world that industry-best technology is developed in Iowa as we impact cultures everywhere.”

SED will host an Emmy Open House celebration Tuesday, August 24th, 2019 at their headquarters in West Liberty at 116 E 3rd St, West Liberty, IA 52776. Festivities run from 5pm until 6:30pm with drinks, light appetizers, as well as an opportunity to experience Emmy nominated VR content. If hoping to attend, please RSVP on EventBrite.