Sol Rogers

Sol Rogers: Architect of Immersive Futures

We've followed Sol Rogers' pioneering work at the intersection of immersive technology and storytelling for nearly a decade. As Founder/CEO of REWIND and Global Director of Innovation at Magnopus, Rogers has redefined how brands leverage XR technologies while maintaining a strong journalistic voice through platforms like Forbes.

Career Evolution: From Academia to Industry Leadership

• Academic Foundations: 15 years as senior lecturer in digital animation/VFX at University of Hertfordshire
• Entrepreneurial Leap: Founded REWIND in 2013, becoming BBC's preferred VR partner by 2016
• Industry Leadership: Chairman roles at BAFTA Immersive Entertainment Group and Immerse UK since 2018
• Global Expansion: Led Magnopus' innovation strategy across LA/London offices from 2022-present

Defining Works: Three Pillars of Immersive Journalism

• "Redefining Product Launches Through VR" Rogers' 2019 Jaguar I-PACE VR launch analysis demonstrates his unique ability to dissect complex technical achievements for mainstream audiences. The piece breaks down how REWIND synchronized 66 participants across continents using proprietary social VR tools, achieving 1.2 million social media impressions. What makes this article essential reading is Rogers' candid discussion of latency challenges and his framework for measuring emotional engagement through biometric data.
• "The Connective Tissue of Creative Industries" As FMX 2024 Program Chair, Rogers outlines his vision for interoperable creative pipelines in this manifesto-like piece. The article introduces seven principles for cross-platform collaboration, using The Lion King's virtual production as a case study. Particularly insightful is his analysis of how Unity/Maya integration reduced asset rework by 40% during Disney's production.
• "When Spacewalks Meet Storytelling" Rogers' dissection of the Emmy-winning "Home: A VR Spacewalk" reveals his talent for making technical achievements emotionally resonant. The piece details how NASA telemetry data informed physics simulations while maintaining dramatic pacing. Of particular note is his disclosure of the 23:1 edit ratio, showing the intense curation required for effective immersive journalism.

Strategic Pitching Guide

1. Lead With Enterprise Impact Metrics

Rogers prioritizes stories demonstrating measurable business outcomes from XR adoption. His analysis of Walmart's VR training program (70% performance improvement) shows appetite for data-driven narratives. Successful pitches should include ROI timelines and workforce transformation metrics.

2. Highlight Cross-Industry Applications

The FMX 2024 preview piece emphasizes Rogers' interest in unexpected XR use cases. A recent pitch success involved using architectural VR tools for dementia care environments. Focus on technology transfer between industries.

3. Emphasize Accessibility Innovations

His Cannes Lions submission criteria specifically rewards projects expanding XR access. Pitches should detail how solutions address physical/cognitive accessibility barriers.

4. Connect to Workforce Development

As Immerse UK chair, Rogers seeks stories about XR education pipelines. The Uni to Unicorns initiative analysis demonstrates his focus on reskilling programs.

5. Avoid Consumer Hardware Specs

While Rogers acknowledges device advancements, his work focuses on applied use cases. Pitches centered on raw technical capabilities without implementation frameworks rarely resonate.

Awards and Industry Recognition

"Rogers' work doesn't just predict the future – it delivers it." - Cannes Lions Jury Statement

• 2024 FMX Visionary Award: Recognized for advancing cross-industry XR standards through Magnopus' OpenAssetLink protocol
• 2023 Cannes Silver Lion (Digital Craft): "Home: A VR Spacewalk" set new benchmarks for scientific storytelling
• 2022 Webby Award (VR Experiences): Jaguar launch case study remains required viewing in marketing curricula