CALIFORNIA (CelebrityAccess) – Google has announced that it is shutting down Google Spotlight Stories, the company’s immersive VR film unit.
In an email sent out Wednesday (March 13), the studio’s executive producer, Karen Dufilho explained: “As many of you know, Google Spotlight Stories is shutting its doors after over six years of making stories and putting them on phones, on screens, in VR, and anywhere else we could get away with it. The opportunity to contribute to story, animation, and tech has been like winning the lottery. You’ve all played a part and I’m so so proud of the work we’ve done together. Congratulations! My deepest gratitude to all of you.”
Projects from Google Spotlight Stories have included Duet from veteran animator and Disney Legend Glen Keane, Age of Sail from John Kahrs (Paperman), Windy Day from Google Spotlight Stories creative director Jan Pinkava (Geri’s Game), tie ins with The Simpsons and the Wes Anderson film Isle of Dogs, as well as original films such as Help from Fast and the Furious director Justin Lin, Aardman Animation’s Special Delivery, and the Oscar-nominated Pearl from director Patrick Osborne (Feast).
The studio’s permanent employees are expected to be offered other roles within Google, according to Variety.
