With virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree video growing in popularity, even famous names in Hollywood filmmaking are getting in on the act. CEEK VR is working with several recognisable names to develop a VR series called Hollywood Rooftop.
Hollywood Rooftop will comprise several 10-minute VR short films along with a 2D feature film which will tell the story of a group of up-and-coming actors, set entirely on a rooftop in Hollywood.
CEEK VR founder Mary Spio will serve as executive producer, along with Brett Leonard, who will also be the director. Edward Button will act as cinematographer for both the 2D and 360-degree parts of the project.
The two sides of the project will be shot simultaneously in a theatrical set within a fully immersive projection dome in Los Angeles. The cast is mostly comprised of young, European actors, including Börje Lundberg from the Academy Award nominated A Man Called Ove.
Digital Cinema pioneer and CEEK VR CEO/Founder, Mary Spio states, “Working with the iconic Mr. Brett Leonard is an opportunity to once again disrupt the movie industry. My work on Star Wars Episode II via Digital Cinema set a new standard that has now become the de facto for film distribution; now with Hollywood Rooftop, we are defining for the first time what a scripted VR episodic can look like. I am honored and excited to work alongside Brett on this groundbreaking and pioneering series.”
Brett Leonard adds, “It is tremendously exciting to be working with CEEK VR and the amazing Mary Spio on this ground-breaking project. Both Mary and I are on a mission to evolve and define this new medium for the mass audience, and our collaboration on ‘Hollywood Rooftop’ is a strong step in that direction”
Filming is set to begin in Summer, with a planned release date some time in 2019. For future coverage of this and other upcoming VR projects, keep checking back with VRFocus.
