Pixar, ILM and Disney Veterans Launch Virtual Reality Entertainment Company CryWorks

LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran VFX/CGI leaders Euan Macdonald, Hans Uhlig and Kymber Lim have co-founded CryWorks, a new immersive entertainment company aimed at creating and delivering breathtaking virtual and augmented reality experiences across existing and future platforms. Today the company announced a seed round investment led by Michael Bay's 451 Media Group, 500 Mobile Collective, and leading cross-border venture fund WI Harper Group.

Taking the same drive in innovative visual media at the forefront of visual effects and AAA computer games and applying it to new, immersive formats is part of the founding team's key philosophy. The team also recognizes the exploding VR market will act as a catalyst for creating truly new forms of entertainment and media, helping to launch new franchises and brands that transcend VR.

CryWorks founder and CEO Macdonald has over 25 years' VFX/CGI leadership experience at Lucasfilm/ILM, Pixar, Disney ImageMovers Digital and Electronic Arts. His extensive list of blockbuster credits includes Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter films. Working with established technology partners like Qualcomm and Ubisoft, Macdonald has also run startups developing cross-platform mobile and social apps.

Co-founder Uhlig will serve as CTO and brings decades of expertise in technical filmmaking gained at Lucasfilm/ILM, Electronic Arts and Polygon, with credits on films grossing more than $1.5 billion in box office revenue. A respected technical director and trained mechanical engineer, Uhlig will oversee technology development of proprietary capture and production technology as well as its direct application on specific VR productions.

Co-founder Lim, an award-winning VFX producer with experience overseeing development at visual effects houses Psyop, Digital Domain and Method Studios, will serve as CryWorks' chief content officer. Having worked with top players in Hollywood, including talent agencies, A-list directors, production companies and studios, she will contribute expertise in business development, Hollywood/Asia relations and VR production.

CryWorks has an emphasis on strategic partnerships across the VR content, hardware and software ecosystems, having already gained momentum in the former. In a few short months, it has worked on VR projects for leading IP owners and brands including Samsung, The Wall Street Journal and eSports ESL One.

"Although there are a few high-quality VR content pieces to date, most of them have little incentive for the viewer to keep tuning back in," Macdonald explained. "We see an opportunity to build the first VR broadcast network, partnering with other production companies and creating addictive, episodic experiences."

About CryWorks

CryWorks is an immersive entertainment company founded in 2015 aimed at creating and delivering breathtaking virtual and mixed reality experiences. Drawing upon years of experience in pivotal roles advancing technical innovation at Lucasfilm/ILM, Disney, Pixar and Electronic Arts, the team at CryWorks is establishing strategic partnerships, scalable offerings and agile product development. The company is based in Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.cryworks.com.

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SOURCE CryWorks, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cryworks.com