BAFTA names VR advisory group

BAFTA has named the members of its brand new VR advisory council, which it hopes will "explore and help articulate the impact that VR will have on the current landscape of the film, television and games industries."

The group will be administered by the BAFTA Los Angeles office and will "assess the impact of VR within BAFTA's global mission, and the best ways for BAFTA to facilitate debate and learning experiences. It will also engage with the broader community during its research, including hosting events, demonstrations, and inviting information and feedback. The group is expected to complete its work and deliver its recommendations within the next twelve months, which will be used to inform BAFTA's global activities."

Chair Roy Taylor was keen to emphasise that the scope of the group extends beyond games. "Recognising that VR is evoking a great deal of debate throughout not only the games industry but the film and television industries too, BAFTA is keen to create a forum which can bring a focus to this important debate," Taylor explained. "We are honoured that such a prestigious group of colleagues have agreed to join us in this important conversation."

Members of the board are: Dan Ayoub (Microsoft), Frank Azor (Dell), Joel Breton (HTC), Bradley Crooks (BBC), Nonny de la Penna (Emblematic), Clive Downie (Unity), Chris Edwards (THE THIRD FLOOR), Garry Edwards (Warner Bros. Interactive), Dan Gregoire (Matter VR), Matt Jeffrey (Rebellion), Simon Jones (Epic), James Knight (AMD), Deborah Kolar (Kolar), Shawn Layden (Sony), Peter Levin (Lionsgate), Patrick O'Luanaigh (Ndreams), Kim Pallister (Intel), Robin Prybil (Weta), Yelena Rachitsky (Oculus), Sol Rogers (Rewind), Ted Schilowitz (Fox), David Sproxton (Aardman), Roy Taylor (AMD), Kathy Vrabeck (Gamestop), Jon Wadelton (The Foundry). A short bio of each member can be found here.