LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Award-winning studio Digital Domain today announced it is teaming up with World Surf League (WSL) to deliver state-of-the-art virtual reality content to the world from some of the most exotic and remote locations in Tahiti. Stop number seven of 11 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti is home to the infamous Teahupo’o, a reef pass where some the heaviest waves on Earth break in two feet of water over razor-sharp coral. The immersive 360° experience will showcase the world’s best surfers as they tackle these massive waves in an elite level competition. Surfing fans from around the globe will have a virtual beachfront view of the action during one of the year’s most anticipated surf events, featuring first-person footage, 360° close-ups and exclusive Q&As with the pros.
The videos will be available for on-demand on the official World Surf League Facebook page.
“Digital Domain is proud to team up with the World Surf League to bring these athletic feats to life through stunning 360° footage,” said Rich Flier, Managing Director of Business Development for Digital Domain. “Together we are enabling surfing fans and VR enthusiasts alike to experience the thrills of a Tahitian beach, watching the best surfers in the world go head-to-head, while also showcasing the possibilities for virtual reality in extreme sports.”
“We’re excited to leverage the power of virtual reality to bring to life unique experiences, like surfing in Tahiti,” said Tim Greenberg, SVP of Digital for the World Surf League. “We can now transport viewers into the center of the action, and with innovative cameras and advanced 360° filming techniques, Digital Domain was able to perfectly capture the beauty and drama of the sport.”
This tournament is the second in a series of experiences Digital Domain has created with the World Surf League. Taking place August 19-30, the Billabong Pro Tahiti Men's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour #7 is a marquee event, one of the largest competitions these athletes will face this year.
Virtual reality is an increasingly common medium for broadcasting extreme sporting events to viewers around the globe. With immersive coverage of both traditional and alternative sports, Digital Domain strives to be the industry leader in producing and distributing both broadcast and streaming VR content.
To learn more about the World Surf League and the Billabong Pro Tahiti Men's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour #7, visit the official website.
About Digital Domain
Founded in 1993, Digital Domain (“original Digital Domain”) delivered innovative visuals for more than 100 movies including “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Maleficent,” “Iron Man 3,” the “Transformers” trilogy, “TRON: Legacy” and “Titanic.” Its artists have earned multiple Academy Awards®. A creative driving force in media applications, original Digital Domain brought its artistry to thousands of commercial, video game and music video productions. The original Digital Domain also created digital humans for concert performances and co-produced the feature film “Ender’s Game.” From facilities in California and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, including its own state-of-the-art virtual production studio, the Digital Domain 3.0 Group (consisting of Digital Domain 3.0, Inc., Digital Domain Productions 3.0 (BC), Ltd. and Mothership Media, Inc.) enables the creation of extraordinary visual images in traditional entertainment and advertising. www.digitaldomain.com
About World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of bestinclass audience platforms. The WSL, the exclusive provider of global professional surfing, is headquartered in Santa Monica, and has regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.
The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men's and Women's Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.
Showcasing the world's best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.