Sir David Attenborough documentary being filmed for Oculus Rift

Upcoming David Attenborough documentary Conquest of the Skies isn't just being filmed in 3D, there's also a virtual-reality version being created for the Oculus Rift.

Sir David Attenborough.
(Credit: Atlantic Productions)

Sir David Attenborough is no stranger to shooting in 3D, with quite a few of his documentaries already filmed in the format for Sky 3D. His latest one, though -- Conquest of the Skies, currently being filmed by Atlantic Productions -- will be possibly the first nature documentary filmed for a full virtual reality experience.

As well as the usual 3D camera rig, the company is using additional equipment for a version for the Oculus Rift.

"We're now filming for the Oculus Rift," Atlantic commercial director John Morris told film website Realscreen. "So when we filmed our recent flight in Borneo, we filmed with an eight-camera rig, so you got the full 360-degree experience."

Sir Attenborough's work has appeared in every broadcast format available, so it's perfect for virtual reality, which Morris believes is the way of the future.

"I think we'll see millions of these things being sold," he said. "In terms of the creative challenge, we look at this as being comparable to the beginning of the film industry."

Conquest of the Skies is due to broadcast in late 2014.