Special Cannes Episode: Michael Hampden of Sandbox VR
From First Time Go by Benjamin Duchek
June 1, 2026 · 15 min · Season 4
About this episode
In this episode, Benjamin Duchek interviews Michael Hampden about the future of VR and immersive experience films in the context of indie filmmaking and the Cannes event.
We've seen the future of indie filmmaking the last few weeks with the theatrical runs of OBSESSION (2025) and BACKROOMS (2026). Let me argue that sometime in the future, we'll see a Sandbox VR or immersive experience film have that kind of launch. In this Cannes episode, I talk with senior vice president of content for Sandbox VR about what the future looks like for VR + immersive experience films. Given how many locations they already have, I'm confident Sandbox -- and Michael Hampden -- will be a part of it. In this episode, Michael and I talk about: what is Sandbox VR and his role at the company; how did he know he can not only play these games but write + direct them; what is the Curators Network and his participation in this year's event; his thoughts on the Immersive Experience films at Cannes and how it compares to Sandbox VR; the media landscape's coverage (or lack thereof) of these films; what unexpected things did he learn as part of the Curators Network; directors transitioning to Sandbox VR and what that experience is like; what's next for Sandbox VR. Link: Curators Network at Cannes Follow Sandbox VR On Instagram
People in this episode
Host: Benjamin Duchek
Guest: Michael Hampden
Topics covered
- indie filmmaking
- VR films
- immersive experiences
- Cannes
- Curators Network
- media coverage
Keywords
- indie filmmaking
- VR
- immersive experience
- Cannes
- Curators Network
- Sandbox VR
- media coverage
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Sandbox VR
Books & works: OBSESSION, BACKROOMS
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