It seems that the ever popular ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic is making his virtual reality (VR) debut in a new comedic short film called Shady Friend. The film is being produced exclusively for the Positron Voyager VR motion chair and that could lead to a rather interesting result, given the kind of work Yankovic is known for you.
The news comes from Variety who note that Shady Friend is all about a heartbroken hero who accidentally takes some psychedelic drugs, his less-than reputable buddy has brought over to his apartment. Apparently the experience will also feature scents and haptic elements, along with the motion of the Positron Voyager VR motion chairs.
Principal photography for Shady Friend has concluded, though there is no word on a release date at this point. Alongside Yankovic the title will also stars former SNL writer Nick Kocher, Nick Rutherford (Brigsby Bear) and Minka Kelly (The Roommate, Friday Night Lights). It is being written by Andrew Disney and Bradley Jackson and is being directed by the former. The whole project is being jointly produced by Positron and Ralph Smyth Entertainment.
“What I love most about the Voyager platform is that it allows filmmakers to curate VR experiences in a cinematic way,” Said director Andrew Disney, to Variety. “Positron has created quite an amazing tool for immersive storytelling.”
This will be the first time that a VR film has been created exclusively for the Positron Voyager VR motion chairs, which till now are only available as select theaters and VR centers. Originally debuted back at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival as part of its New Frontier programme, the chairs offer a more immersive way for users to enjoy content. They offer motorized rotation, pitch, and haptics that will enable directors and content creators sync the motion of the chair with the visuals and audio of the media.
As mentioned, there is no word on a release date just yet or what viewers can expect from the experience but given Yankovic’s history and the subject matter, it is sure to be a trippy and thrilling comedy experience. For all the latest on Shady Friend in the future keep reading VRFocus.