RSA Films has launched RSA VR, a division dedicated exclusively to the creative development and production of VR, AR and mixed media. RSA has long been a champion of creative technology, led by co-founder Ridley Scott whose prolific body of work consistently uses the latest tools of filmmaking in innovative and creative ways. Head of RSA VR will be Jen Dennis, who has collaborated with Scott to lead RSA’s VR practice to date, most notably co-executive producing The Martian VR Experience, the multi award-winning companion piece to the critically acclaimed hit film, The Martian, which was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. The first project out of RSA VR is for Scott’s Alien: Covenant, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox’s FoxNext and Technicolor’s MPC.
“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.”
“RSA has been a great partner with Fox and a pioneer in virtual reality,” said Salil Mehta, president, FoxNext. “We are excited to continue our successful collaboration with Ridley, Jules and Jen that started with The Martian VR Experience and continues with our upcoming VR experience for Alien: Covenant.”
RSA’s latest work in VR includes Juriaan Booij’s 360 immersive film campaign for Siemens, and the David Karlak-directed VR experience for Alien: Covenant, executive produced by Scott and Dennis. Other projects in development include Blackbox, a VR episodic series in partnership with Endless VR and Nurulize directed by Karlak, and a soon-to-be-announced VR documentary episodic series directed by famed photographer and director Michael Muller.
Dennis noted, “I think VR is one of the most exciting areas in the industry today, with potential to influence how we consume content for generations to come. I enjoy everything from assembling teams and forging partnerships to create, distribute and market VR content, to having an ongoing informative–and often inspirational dialogue–with colleagues in the space. I consider us in a unique position to undertake this with RSA’s talented roster of directors.”
Among RSA’s directors working in and pursuing projects in VR are Booij, Karlak, Muller, Robert Stromberg, Aya Tanimura, Henrik Hansen, Jordan Scott, Luke Scott, Jake Scott, Daniel Kragh-Jacobsen, Ben Mor, Andrew Hines and Shynola.
Jennifer Kent On Why Her Feature Directing Debut, “The Babadook,” Continues To Haunt Us
"The Babadook," when it was released 10 years ago, didn't seem to portend a cultural sensation.
It was the first film by a little-known Australian filmmaker, Jennifer Kent. It had that strange name. On opening weekend, it played in two theaters.
But with time, the long shadows of "The Babadook" continued to envelop moviegoers. Its rerelease this weekend in theaters, a decade later, is less of a reminder of a sleeper 2014 indie hit than it is a chance to revisit a horror milestone that continues to cast a dark spell.
Not many small-budget, first-feature films can be fairly said to have shifted cinema but Kent's directorial debut may be one of them. It was at the nexus of that much-debated term "elevated horror." But regardless of that label, it helped kicked off a wave of challenging, filmmaker-driven genre movies like "It Follows," "Get Out" and "Hereditary."
Kent, 55, has watched all of this — and those many "Babadook" memes — unfold over the years with a mix of elation and confusion. Her film was inspired in part by the death of her father, and its horror elements likewise arise out of the suppression of emotions. A single mother (Essie Davis) is struggling with raising her young son (Noah Wiseman) years after the tragic death of her husband. A figure from a pop-up children's book begins to appear. As things grow more intense, his name is drawn out in three chilling syllables — "Bah-Bah-Doooook" — an incantation of unprocessed grief.
Kent recently spoke from her native Australia to reflect on the origins and continuing life of "The Babadook."
Q: Given that you didn't set out to in any way "change" horror, how have you regarded the unique afterlife of "The... Read More