Lucasfilm’s New “Mindful Practice Room” Lets Employees Cry Into A CG Void
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—In a special ceremony marking the close of Mental Health Awareness Month, Kathleen Kennedy unveiled new technology that may revolutionize the workplace.
The Lucasfilm Force-tress of Solitude is an interactive kiosk where ILM employees can seek momentary solace from the strain of 12-hour work days. What sets it apart from other “mental health boxes” like Amazon’s AmaZen is the bleeding-edge technology powering the experience.
When an employee enters the Force-tress of Solitude, a VR headset and haptic feedback suit is immediately placed on them, with sensors sizing the gear to their physical specifications. Once jacked in, employees are greeted by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, who leads them in meditation before warning them of what is to come.
At this point, employees must face a trial in order to achieve greater mental wellness. Incredibly, they’re placed in the role of Luke Skywalker as he battles Darth Vader on Bespin in the most iconic scene of the entire Star Wars saga; one that holds the key to mindfulness, according to Tre Figueroa, Lucasfilm’s Chief Diversity, Equity, Mindfulness, And Inclusion Officer.
“By empowering them to face genuine trauma during their 15-minute break, we aim to put their complaints about pixel pushing in greater perspective,” said Figueroa.
Not only will an employee have their virtual hand cut off, they’ll also get to experience the literal and emotional low that Luke Skywalker feels when he plummets thousands of feet in a freefall after Vader’s devastating revelation.
Once mental wellness readings drop below a certain level, the healing begins. Employees step into Anakin Skywalker’s shoes as Palpatine tells him the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise, which focus groups have said is very relaxing. At this point in the experience, employees are free to navigate a library of mental health and mindful data within the aquatic orbs pulsating onstage at the opera.
Ironically, the entire Force-tress of Solitude experience was crafted by ILM employees, who were faced with development “crunch” in order to make the deadline, during which 75-hour work weeks were the norm. Nevertheless, Lucasfilm brass is very proud of what they’ve managed to achieve.
“We’ve created a space that’s quiet, where ILM artists can focus on their mental well-being. The technology it uses is ahead of its time, because no expense should be spared when it comes to employee mindfulness. Now let’s recharge those internal batteries…we’ve got a long weekend ahead,” said Kennedy.
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