Visual effects company Digital Domain is getting into the VR content business with the launch of its first original VR series, Digital Domain’s Monkey King.
A three-chapter origin story (each chapter is roughly eight minutes), it is now available for $9.99 on Sony PlayStation VR (support for additional platforms will follow).
The animated Monkey King — which reintroduces simian Sun Wukong and is based on Chinese mythology — was directed by Wayne Kennedy, Digital Domain’s director of creative development.
“Our team adapted the fantastical tale with some originality and are excited to introduce the story to Western audiences,” said Kennedy, reporting that the three chapters were created on a production budget of “several million” dollars. He added that there are many more Monkey King stories to tell; future chapter will be determined after this initial release.
“This is something we really believe in. We think this will be a growing market,” said Kennedy of Digital Domain’s push to create original VR content.
Digital Domain has already been working in VR, including providing VFX for Evolution of Verse, directed by Within’s Chris Milk, and advertising content such as The Neymar Jr. Effect for Nike.
