Virtual and augmented reality production company VR Playhouse announced last week they will merge with 3D special effects studio Identity FX, who contributed to movies like Prometheus and The Amazing Spider-Man. Until this point, VR Playhouse’s work has mostly focused on 360-degree video. However, in a statement announcing the deal, the studio stated that the merger is an opportunity to re-focus the company’s business on “original technical IP and high-end interactive services.”
VR Playhouse CCO and co-founder Ian Forester will now take on the role of CEO at the joint company, while Leo Vezzali of Identity FX will assume the role of executive producer. Vezzali was an in-house 3D VFX Supervisor for Green Lantern, Conan The Barbarian, and Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Former VRP CEO and co-founder Christina Heller will continue in the role of Chief Development Officer, focusing on the VR industry training program, VR Playhouse School, alongside an unspecified new venture.
The merger follows VR Playhouse’s move into larger CGI and interactive VR projects. The company contributed to Skydance Interactive’s giant robot-themed shooter, Archangel, earlier this year. They also received Special Jury Recognition for room-scale VR at SXSW.
