The Tent: An AR Story

The Tent began as a technical exploration involving photogrammetry and volumetric capture by XR director Rory Mitchell and DP /immersive capture specialist Sébastien Hameline. What emerged was a new form of immersive storytelling in augmented reality—portable to mixed reality headsets—blending cinematic depth with spatial narrative.
Inspired by a true story from writer Martha Marion, The Tent takes a modern fairy tale approach to the housing crisis in Los Angeles. Built for iPadPro, and merging volumetric video and photogrammetry, it allows the audience to explore a miniature world from any perspective, creating a movie that you can walk around in.
It’s a drama, a satire, a petite bourgeoise fever dream and a fable for society. a story by “walking inside a film”.

The Director

Rory Mitchell is a Los Angeles–based XR director and immersive media technologist specializing in VR, AR, volumetric capture, and photogrammetry. With a foundation in theater and documentary, his work explores the intersection of technology, human experience, and social complexity through immersive storytelling.
His projects have screened at Cannes, SXSW, New Images Festival, Busan, Shanghai, DOC NYC, and PBS..etc, and span cinematic 360° narratives, volumetric installations, and branded XR content. As a founder of different technology companies, and later The Mercantile Agency, Mitchell has led immersive productions, and with The Tent, opened immersive story telling to a new horizon.
Pushing the boundaries of XR as both storyteller and systems thinker, he creates human-centered experiences that challenge perception, deepen empathy, and explore the future of shared digital spaces.
Sébastien Hameline (Producer and Director of photogrammetry of The Tent) is a Paris-born, immersive imaging specialist, recognized for his expertise in live-action capture across XR, VR, AR, and MR. A Sorbonne alumnus, his work blends technical precision with creative innovation, spanning roles such as director of photography, photogrammetry director, panoramic photographer, motion control operator, drone pilot, and producer.
Through his immersive projects—ranging from cinematic narratives to interactive concerts – and with Emmy and Clio nominations, Hameline is known for pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling and shaping the future of virtual experiences.

General Information

Director: Rory Mitchell
The Production Company: The Mercantile Agency
Year of Creation: 2024
Awards: Silver Medal for Best Story / Narrative at XR Must 2024
Minimum Age: 12+
Subtitles: French available upon request

Technical Information

Format: Augmented Reality (AR)
Content: Currently available on the Apple App Store for ipad and iphone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-tent-an-ar-story/id1634659621
Duration: 22 minutes (in two parts)
Number of participants per session: 1
Equipment: n/a
Device: Iphone 6 to 16 (iOS 12.0 and later) / ipad Pro12.9 and later (iPADOS 12.0 or later)
Set-up Time: Experience without end. 10 minutes minimum recommended.
Surface area: On a table 1m x 1m, with 1-2m of surrounding area
Internet Connection: no

Contact

shameline@gmail.com

Trailer