A Los Angeles-based virtual reality entertainment startup plans to open a new satellite office in Baton Rouge and is currently scouting the city for potential sites for the venture.
Founded by former Dreamworks alums Pete Blumel and Cathy Twigg, The Rogue Initiative develops projects that incorporate traditional storytelling with interactive virtual reality with film, television and video game productions. The Rogue Initiative plans to open its office in November and employ 20 workers, who will earn average salaries of $55,000 plus benefits.
The office will open in November and is in the final stages of evaluating studio sites for the Baton Rouge operations.
“Businesses like this continue to put the Capital Region on the same map as other cities that tout technology and entertainment as viable, in-demand industries. Also important, it will create opportunities for the talented workforce that we have right here in the area,” Mayor Sharon Weston Broome says in a statement.
The company—which produced the 360-degree virtual film experience Agent Emerson—last year partnered with producer and director Michael Bay, who joined the company as a strategic adviser, to develop original works that give viewers a story-driven, cinematic-style virtual reality experience. It’s also working on other titles.
“This project is an all-around win for the Capital Region,” Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO Adam Knapp says in a statement. “The company is a cutting-edge digital firm that will add diversity to the area economy, and is led by a great team that recognizes Baton Rouge as an ideal place for business and talent.”
Louisiana Economic Development has offered The Rogue Initiative a financial incentive package to open an office here that includes Louisiana’s Digital Interactive Media and Software Development Incentive.
