John Legend Joins Baobab’s VR Film Rainbow Crow as Executive Producer and Voice Actor
Grammy-winning artist John Legend is stepping into the world of virtual reality as the executive producer and voice actor for Rainbow Crow, an episodic animated VR film by Baobab Studios. The project, set to debut at the Tribeca Film Festival, blends Legend’s musical prowess with cutting-edge VR storytelling.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
Legend teams up with Eric Darnell, Baobab’s Chief Creative Officer and director of the Madagascar films, to bring this Native American-inspired tale to life. Unlike traditional animation, Rainbow Crow is designed as an immersive VR experience, exploring themes of selflessness, identity, and resilience.
“Rainbow Crow brings storytelling and music together in a way no one else has yet in virtual reality,” Legend said in a statement. “It’s a message of deep meaning that people from all walks of life can embrace.”
The Story Behind Rainbow Crow
Based on a Lenape tribe myth, Rainbow Crow is an origin story about sacrifice and inner beauty. Set in a pre-human world, the animals face a freezing Earth and elect the vain but talented Rainbow Crow to seek help. His journey becomes one of self-discovery and redemption.
- Key Themes: Light in darkness, self-acceptance, and embracing differences.
- Diverse Cast: Features women, minorities, and a Native American elder.
- Innovative Medium: VR allows deeper emotional engagement with the narrative.
Why This Project Stands Out
Baobab Studios, known for VR hits like Invasion! and Asteroids!, is pushing boundaries with Rainbow Crow. CEO Maureen Fan emphasized its dramatic tone and technological ambition, calling it a “larger project with deeper emotional themes.”
Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal praised the collaboration: “What better talents and story to highlight this year’s theme of blurred screens?”
A Modern Take on Ancient Wisdom
Tribal elder Randy Edmonds, who consulted on the project, highlighted the significance of adapting Native American oral traditions for VR: “Taking these legends to a modern medium is extremely exciting.”
What’s Next?
The prologue debuts at Tribeca, with subsequent chapters released later. Fans of Legend, animation, and VR can expect a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
Image Credits: Baobab Studios, Flickr Creative Commons (Julio Enriquez)
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