Reel FX is embarking on a new business venture for virtual reality and emerging platforms with creative leadership from Moonbot Studios.
The Dallas-based digital content studio, whose work includes award-winning animated films, commercials, and other interactive content, has launched the company, Flight School.
The new endeavor will be managed by Reel FX’s current co-CEO Kyle Clark and former Moonbot CEO Lampton Enochs, according to a release.
A team of 30 producers, animators, engineers, creative directors, developers, and game designers will work here in Dallas under the direction of Moonbot alums Brandon Oldenburg, who will serve as chief creative officer, and Limbert Fabian, who will be executive creative director.
“Innovation is part of our DNA and we are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to expand the narratives and worlds we create.”
Lampton Enochs
“As the idea behind Flight School took shape, we realized the need to build a strong creative brain trust to guide this new initiative,” Clark told The Hollywood Reporter. “Bringing this already-established team on board accomplished that goal beyond our greatest expectations.”
Flight School will operate separately from Reel FX, but will utilize resources and talent from the studio. The company’s work will be content for VR and other emerging platforms.
“We want to awaken the childlike wonder that still exists in all of us. Innovation is part of our DNA and we are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to expand the narratives and worlds we create,” Enochs said.
Reel FX created its virtual reality division in 2014. It has worked on VR experiences for films such as the Hunger Games series and Reel FX’s The Book of Life as well as for brands such as Frito-Lay, American Express, Porsche, and GMC. It’s most recent interactive work was an augmented reality experience for Lionsgate’s Power Rangers.
Moonbot has been known in the industry for its narrative-focused work such as the Chipotle Mexican Grill short film and app, The Scarecrow. While at Moonbot, Oldenburg won an Academy Award for his contributions to the animated short film, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Oldenburg and Fabian also won an Emmy for their work on Scarecrow and animated short film, Silent.
Flight School’s first project, Manifest 99, will be released this summer.
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