DevTalks: Jason Parks of ‘Rhythm of the Universe: Ionia’ on Breathtaking New VR Experience

September 12, 2021September 13, 2021 Jamal Michel

Jason Parks, CEO at ROTU Entertainment, wants his new game Rhythm of the Universe: Ionia to resonate on a level that most VR experiences have not. The game, coming September 23 to PS4, PS5, and PC, is an adventure series about preserving the environment that incorporates music from ROTU Entertainment. Parks is a musician first and a multitalented game designer second, but his passion for this project to reach a new audience is palpable.

Streaming, Television

Producer Shonda Rhimes Inks New Multiyear Deal With Netflix

July 9, 2021July 12, 2021 Jamal Michel

The visionary and Shondaland Media founder has officially signed a multiyear deal with the mega streaming platform that will expand the partnership’s content beyond television and include films, gaming, live events, and more.

Art, Movies, Streaming

‘Myth: A Frozen Tale’ Expands The Frozen Universe with Fairytale Story

February 23, 2021May 15, 2021 Laura Sirikul

Disney’s Frozen has released multiple stories surrounding the world of Arendelle and its people since the release of the original animation in 2010. Now, Disney+ is about to release the VR Short, Myth: A Frozen Tale, which transports viewers to a vibrant and mystical world where the elemental spirits (inspired by Frozen 2) come to life and the myth of their past and future is revealed. It serves as a prequel to the second film.

Animation, Interview, Movies1 Comment

Of Cyberspace and The Sea: A Magical Afternoon at Walt Disney Animation Studios

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019 Mike Manalo

When I was 10, I wanted to be a Disney Animator. It happened around the time my single-parent mother, who was always working to make end’s meet for us, managed to scrounge up enough money to take us kids to Walt Disney World in the mid-90s. One of the parks we ended up visiting, the old MGM Studios Park, had this attraction called “The Magic of Disney Animation.” Sure that park also featured attractions for Star Wars and Indiana Jones, and not to mention the first-of-its-kind “Tower of Terror.” But for me, The Magic of Disney Animation was everything that made the park so special.

For 15-20 minutes, I got to see how true art was made. I learned about how the hundreds of talented artists came together and brought to life the iconic “Be Our Guest” sequence from Beauty and the Beast, and how those same people were working hard at that second to bring together future classics, Mulan and Lilo and Stitch. I went into that building a complacent boy who only watched movies, and exited a person inspired by a dream and a drive to make it come true.

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Animation, Gaming, Movies

‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Has Fans Entering the Internet at The Void

November 20, 2018November 20, 2018 Laura Sirikul

With Ralph Breaks the Internet opening in theaters this week, Disney wanted to celebrate the lovable Disney characters by having the fans be part of the Internet experience. Located at the VR experience hub The Void, Disney teamed up with ILMxLAB, … Continue reading ‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Has Fans Entering the Internet at The Void

Interview, Movies

Philip Zhao is Ready for Hollywood in ‘Ready Player One’

March 28, 2018 Laura Sirikul

Fourteen-year-old Philip Zhao is a freshman in high school and a gamer who enjoys NBA 2K18 in his hometown in Maryland. His whole world was turned upside down when his father sent in an audition tape for a little film called Ready Player One, directed by one of the most famous directors in the world — Steven Spielberg. Zhao was picked through a nationwide search, beating out hundreds of young actors who auditioned. In the film, Zhao plays Sho, a gamer in the OASIS and part of the High Five, who are hurled into a fantastical universe of discovery and danger to save the OASIS and their world.

The Nerds of Color sat down with the actor to chat about his first major role, his favorite Easter eggs from the film, and what this film means to him and his generation.

Continue reading “Philip Zhao is Ready for Hollywood in ‘Ready Player One’”