‘Alien’, ‘Blade Runner’ Director Ridley Scott Launches VR Film Division

Ridley Scott Associates (RSA), the film production company of famed director Ridley Scott, is launching RSA VR, a new division dedicated to the production of high-end immersive films using VR, AR, and mixed reality. Scott and co. is known for work on acclaimed films such as Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), Gladiator (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001), and more throughout his career as a director now going on 40 years.

RSA today announced the launch of RSA VR, a formalization and expansion of RSA’s recent work in VR space which has included the production of The Martian VR Experience (2016) and a forthcoming Alien: Covenant experience.

In a prepared release, the studio calls RSA VR, “a new division dedicated exclusively to the creative development and production of VR, AR and mixed media.”

“We have been heavily involved in VR for the past few years, and having a dedicated stand-alone division underscores our commitment to immersive media in both the brand and entertainment space,” said Jules Daly, President, RSA Films.

Jen Dennis to head RSA VR | Photo courtesy Jen Dennis

RSA VR will be headed by Jen Dennis who has collaborated on the studio’s VR work to date, including co-executive production of The Martian VR Experience.

As RSA VR sees a formal announcement, the division is in the midst of numerous VR projects, including a 360 immersive film campaign for Siemens, the forthcoming Alien: Covenant VR experience (to be co-executive produced by Ridley Scott himself), an episodic VR series called Blackbox in partnership with Endless VR, and a yet unannounced episodic VR documentary series directed by photographer Michael Muller.

Ridley Scott

“We have been heavily involved in VR for the past few years, and having a dedicated stand-alone division underscores our commitment to immersive media in both the brand and entertainment space,” said Jules Daly, President, RSA Films. “In addition to being one of the most well regarded producers in commercials and content, Jen Dennis brings hands-on experience developing and producing VR and is among the foremost influencers in the space. Ridley has a long lineage as a pioneer in creative technology, and RSA’s roster includes incredibly talented directors who understand the unique language of VR. We are pleased to offer this formidable resource to our clients.”

Among RSA’s roster of directors, the studio says 13 of them are “working in and pursuing projects in VR.”

The post ‘Alien’, ‘Blade Runner’ Director Ridley Scott Launches VR Film Division appeared first on Road to VR.

Jaunt, RSA, Radiant Images and More Heading to TR-X This Month

Later this month the annual Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) Tech Retreat will be taking place in California, bringing together top industry engineering, technical, and creative talent from all aspects of digital cinema, post production, film and television. One day prior to that the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) industry will come together for TR-X (Tech Retreat eXtra) to look at the latest developments.

TR-X is set to feature some of the most prominent industry leaders, including Jaunt, RSA, Radiant Images, M ss ng P eces and Digital Domain. The event will be co-chaired by Lucas Wilson founder/executive producer, SuperSphereVR and Marcie Jastrow, senior vice president, Immersive Media; Head, Technicolor Experience Center. They’ll be leading a discussion focused on the changing VR/AR landscape in the context of rapidly growing integration into entertainment and applications.

LucasWilson - Marcie Jastrow

The HPA TR-X conference will be held on 20th February, with the HPA Tech Retreat continuing for the rest of the week. The full session guide for TR-X can be found below, and to register head to the official website.

For any further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

VR/AR Speakers and Panel Overview for TR-X VR/AR Sessions:
Opening and Introductions
Seth Hallen, HPA President

Technical Introduction: 360/VR/AR/MR
Lucas Wilson, Founder/Executive Producer, SuperSphereVR

Panel Discussion: The VR/AR Market
Marcie Jastrow, SVP Immersive Media; Head, Technicolor Experience Center
David Moretti, Director of Corporate Development, Jaunt
Catherine Day, Head of VR/AR, M ss ng P eces
Phil Lelyveld, VR/AR Initiative Program Lead, Entertainment Technology Center at USC

Acquisition Technology
Koji Gardiner, VP, Hardware, Jaunt

Live 360 Production Case Study
Andrew McGovern, VP of VR/AR Productions, Digital Domain

Live 360 Production Case Study
Michael Mansouri, Founder, Radiant Images

Interactive VR Production Case Study
Tim Dillon, Head of VR & Immersive Content, MPC Advertising USA

Immersive Audio Production Case Study
Kyle Schember, CEO, Subtractive

Panel Discussion: The Future
Alan Lasky, Director of Studio Product Development, 8i
Ben Grossmann, CEO, Magnopus
Scott Squires, CTO, Creative Director, Pixvana
Jen Dennis, EP of Branded Content, RSA
Moderator: Lucas Wilson, Founder-Executive Producer, SuperSphereVR

Panel Discussion: New Voices: Young Professionals in VR
Anne Jimkes, Sound Designer and Composer, Ecco VR
Jyotsna Kadimi, USC Graduate
Sho Schrock, Chapman University Student
Brian Handy, USC Student