Former Sky Exec Sets Up VR Studio, Lands Sky Commission

LONDON: John Cassy, who spent ten years at Sky, and BAFTA-winning director Daniel Smith have formed a new immersive content production studio, Factory 42, the first commission for which will be a bespoke virtual-reality experience for Sky.

Based in London, Factory 42 is one of the first firms commissioned by Sky to create virtual-reality content. The immersive VR experience is inspired by the English National Ballet’s Giselle. Giselle VR will become one of the first pieces available on Sky’s new VR app, set to launch in October.

Previously, Cassy served in a range of roles at Sky, including launching and growing the Sky Arts channels. He was also director of 3D at Sky. Smith, meanwhile, directed the BAFTA-winning David Attenborough’s Natural History Museum Alive 3D, commissioned by Cassy, for Sky.

“We’re hugely excited about opportunities that bleeding edge immersive technologies are offering to tell stories in new ways and create extraordinary experiences for viewers,” said Cassy, the chief executive of Factory 42. “We’re thrilled to be working with Sky who have an incredible track record in marrying technological innovation and entertainment.”

Dan Smith, creative director of Factory 42, said, “It blows my mind that with VR we can place viewers not only inside a film or world as a passive being but also give them interactivity. Technology is moving so quickly at the moment and we are in an ideal position to exploit it so I can’t wait to see what happens in the next few years.”

Neil Graham, executive producer for Sky VR Studio, commented: “The Factory 42 team have a pedigree in creating some of the most innovative and quality content—we’re delighted to partnering with them to create a thrilling addition to our new app.”