Blocked Under Ground

An auditory state of exception

Heavy rain causes a subway crash, trapping four people in the tunnel. Desperately, they search for a way out. An immersive 3D sound experience unfolds between rescue workers, radio reporters, and frantic family members.

For several years, HELLA LUX has supported people in developing audio productions, including Regine Elbers with Bayerischer Rundfunk. Together with Rupert Jaud and Gregory Popov, HELLA LUX brings not only sound design but also production management expertise to the team, helping with development, planning, funding, and technical realization.

From 12 years | German | 60 minutes

Instructions

The walk starts in Munich and is available at any time via the Echoes app. How does it work?

1. To listen to the audio walk, download the free Echoes app to your smartphone.
2. The audio walk BLOCKED UNDERGROUND can be downloaded in advance at home via the app (to save mobile data).
3. Before you start: charge your phone and don’t forget your headphones!
4. Off you go! The starting point of the audio walk is Max-Weber-Platz in Munich.

Info

AUDIO BASED: This audio walk is experienced via an app using GPS technology and is staged with Ambisonics 3D and Binaural 3D sound design. BLOCKED UNDERGROUND is a multi-perspective 3D audio drama that combines an audio walk, a radio play, and an audio game. The project is part of Regine Elbers’ research on spatial staging in radio art.

PUBLIC SPACE: The audio walk leads through public spaces in Munich, around the Praterinsel. The voices and sound design expand reality, using the location like a stage set for storytelling.

Get in touch if you need support for your own audio-based projects!

Venues & Awards

BLOCKED UNDERGROUND has been invited to pitch at Munich’s "Festival of the Future" in the category "New Realities – XR Competition 2025."

Credits

Artistic Director, Script: Regine Elbers
Sound Design: Rupert Jaud
Dramaturgy: Lenja Busch
Technical Lead: Milena Wichert
Producer: Gregory Popov

Photos: ©Raphael Kast

Funding & Collaboration

PREMIERE 23.11.2024 | PIXEL

Funded by the FilmFernsehFond Bayern in the Extended Realities category and the Women’s Support Fund of the Bauhaus University Weimar. The Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) is a co-producer.