Renowned digital special effects company Digital Domain is partnering with Chinese streaming service provider Youku Tudou to bring virtual reality (VR) content to the country.
Under the three-year deal the two companies have signed, Digital Domain will provide VR content for Youku's online broadcast channels, including its mobile platform, China Daily reported. Aside from that, the two companies will also jointly venture in the development of other immersive media products, including 360-degree live streaming and new intellectual property.
According to Digital Domain's CEO Daniel Seah, their partnership with Youku reflects their commitment to bringing quality VR content to Chinese audiences.
However, Seah also noted said that the original content that they will bed producing will not be limited to just Youku, as they want to reach out to other potential income sources.
Aside from Youku, Digital Domain signed similar agreements with two other online video sharing sites, including LeEco. The company has also signed a partnership with Chinese theater chain Shanghai Film Co. Ltd, for developing and promoting more VR movies.
The company also announced its partnership with American studio Dreamworks Animation for the production of VR content based on the latter's movies. The two companies said that "Kung Fu Panda" and "Shrek" are the first two titles to receive new VR productions.
During the announcement, Digital Domain also unveiled the Zeus 360-degr4ee camera intended to be used for VR and other related productions. While the company did not give more details about the new camera. It is said to have up to 8K resolution and can shoot at 75 frames per minute, Hollywood Reporter reported. The Zeus can also do live streaming in 4K resolution.
Digital Domain was founded in 1995 by acclaimed director James Cameron and has made visual effects for over 300 films and has been awarded nine Oscars for their work.