SXSW 2017 marks the three year anniversary of the Oculus acquisition by Facebook. But is content and subject matter maturing at an even clip? For how long Cinematic VR can sustain itself on a culture of “demos” remains to be seen. Independent artists, innovative animation studios, and content marketers are some of the key influencers shaping the landscape of non-gaming entertainment. Panelists will discuss what makes for a story well-told in VR including the subtle nuances that direct user gaze; effective use of spatialized sound; POV, embodiment, and defining user existence; creative templates for spherical formats; and other techniques for developing and producing successful VR stories.