Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) might be drawing the most interest through its virtual reality (VR) plans with PlayStation VR for PlayStation 4, but another division of the global company also takes VR seriously. Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group has announced the hiring of a senior Vice President for a newly created role focused on VR.
Tom Rothman, Chairman, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, has recently appointed Jake Zim as Senior VP, Virtual Reality. With VR as a growing entertainment medium, not just for videogames but movies as well, the group looks to be giving the technology a far more serious focus with this new hire. Zim will be tasked with building a slate of narrative VR content for the motion picture group, working with a team of professionals dedicated to the production and distribution of VR from across Sony Pictures, and Kuni Suzuki, EVP for Strategic Corporate Initiatives at Sony Entertainment.
Commenting on the announcement, Rothman said, “Sony is in a unique position to shape the VR landscape with its assets in entertainment, gaming and technology. Jake has the background and expertise to help us develop innovative narrative content in this exciting new medium.”
Zim was previously Senior VP, Digital Marketing overseeing promotional VR initiatives for the studio. This included May’s announcement on the collaboration between THE VOID, Sony Pictures, Madame Tussauds New York and Ghost Corps on the creation of Ghostbusters: Dimension. The experience allows attendees to jump into the shoes of a Ghostbuster, tracking and trapping a supernatural foe through a New York apartment complex. Ghostbusters: Dimension runs until 1st July at Madame Tussauds New York prior to the official launch of the latest movie installment taking place later in the month.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Sony Pictures, reporting back with any further announcements as they happen.
