Discovering Virtual Beaches: A Creative Escape from Reality
Written on
Chapter 1: The Need for an Escape
In these challenging times of global uncertainty, the idea of traveling to distant paradises such as Bali, Bermuda, or Brazil feels almost like a distant dream. With travel restrictions in place, crafting a virtual beach could serve as a delightful alternative, especially one that harkens back to a history long forgotten.
Beach Road, once a part of Singapore's coastline established by the British East India Company in 1819, has now become a memory buried beneath modern developments. My short film, Looking for Mr Gelam, seeks to resurrect the essence of this lost shore, once facing the South China Sea but now hidden under layers of urbanization.
Feeling a profound sense of loss, I decided to construct my own private beach.
Engaged in virtual communities for over a decade, where I have participated in digital modeling, poetry recitals, live music, and filmmaking, I realized that creating an online beach could also function as a film set. Lacking the skills to build digitally myself, I collaborated with Dr. Scott Grant from Monash University’s Virtually Enhanced Learning project (VEL). He enlisted talented 3D modelers — Modee Parlez from Belgium and Ada Radius from the USA. Together, using our avatars, we came together in a virtual environment to piece together our beach set, pixel by pixel.
Chapter 2: Authenticity in Digital Recreation
A common question arises: how accurate can this digital realm be?
To answer this, I delved into historical documents, scholarly writings, and visual art. For instance, the film features the Sultan Mosque, but its design differs significantly from the modern Indo-Saracenic structure we see today. Early Malay mosques were constructed from wood and topped with tiered thatched roofs, reflecting centuries of Buddhist and Indian influence.
History resembles a layered structure, revealing more commonality among diverse religions and philosophies than the fragmented world we inhabit today. By recreating historical vignettes, we can evoke the past and inspire new narratives:
Sailing ships anchored just offshore,
Drifting in from distant lands, they soar.
With Hussein Shah, our royal guide,
Six hundred souls, since birth, abide.
(from Singapore, 1825, the poem)
Explore Bali's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through this travel vlog.
Chapter 3: Immersive Experiences in Virtual Learning
In fact, the digital region of Singapore, 1825, offers opportunities for virtual learning adventures. Whether young or young at heart, users can embark on a boat ride across azure waters reflecting the sky. One can wander through village homes and beneath the boughs of banyan trees, encountering vibrant hibiscus, fluttering butterflies, and lovebirds splashing in palace fountains. Occasionally, a coiled serpent may be spotted in this paradise.
If avatars tire, they can relax in the palace grounds, listening to the soothing sounds of gamelan music, reminiscent of court life circa 1825. This 3D environment fosters a profound sense of immersion, providing a calming escape. As the architect of this world, you have the power to curate your own narrative and find your own joy.
For writers, this setting serves as a boundless canvas for creativity. The virtual landscape of Singapore, 1825, has already inspired several short films, reimagined folktales, and an illustrated eBook poem:
I observe a heron’s shadow on the way,
A pink hibiscus amidst the pandan sway.
The fisherman readies to unload his catch,
This port is destined to thrive, no time to latch.
(from Singapore, 1825, the poem)
Chapter 4: Advantages of Virtual Filmmaking
What are some other benefits of virtual realms for writing and filmmaking? Digital sets tend to be far more economical than traditional ones. In Hollywood, productions often utilize green or blue screens. Consider films like Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Life of Pi, where digital effects create stunning visuals.
In my project, I chose to merge two styles of cinematography to depict both the past and present of Beach Road, effectively layering the rich multicultural tapestry of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Middle-Eastern, and European influences. Singapore, a small island just off the Malay Peninsula measuring only 30 km, has risen to become the world’s largest container port until Shanghai took that title a decade ago. A digital environment like this can serve as a powerful educational tool.
A modestly funded blended reality film can vividly bring history to life, creating a more memorable experience than simply viewing images in a book or online. This imaginative approach was essential for creating Looking for Mr Gelam, as I lacked the resources for extensive location shoots and period-costume scenes.
Virtual filmmaking is at the forefront of contemporary cinema; take, for instance, The Mandalorian, which employs micro-LEDs instead of traditional green screens. Innovations in technology, such as game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity paired with VR sensors, are opening doors for indie filmmakers who may not have Hollywood budgets.
Ultimately, my blended reality film merely skims the surface of the vast possibilities within this cinematic realm, reminding us of what we have lost — in this case, the original Beach Road, once lined with swaying coconut palms facing the age of tall ships and trade, now replaced by luxury hotels and concrete buildings.
Many may argue that our fast-paced lifestyle is steering us into turbulent seas of stress, distancing us from tranquility. The struggle between urbanization and heritage preservation is a narrative echoed worldwide.
I hope that Looking for Mr Gelam inspires other indie writers, set designers, and filmmakers to explore the creative potential of virtual worlds. They can remind us of our roots and the stories that shape our identity.
Discover the best activities to experience in Bali with this guide.
Chris Mooney-Singh’s latest short film, Looking for Mr Gelam, premiered in January 2021. Access the free eBook here: