With more than 40 million having now viewed its finale (more than 8 million streamers to HBO on the night) and an average of 30 million viewers across the series, The Last of Us was a breakthrough moment in video games adaptations for TV.
Does its success herald the start of a new era of cross-over IP as these two big sub-sectors of entertainment share stories, technology and talent?
The RTS has brought together a uniquely qualified panel to discuss the increasing creative collaboration between games and TV over the last 30 years. While franchises such as Tomb Raider and Super Mario Bros made it to the big screen, it took the The Last of Us, first co-created by Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog in 2013, to prove that a game could become a critically acclaimed and popular TV series.
As well as the diversified value chain of IP, the panel will explore the increasing crossover of VFX and post-production technology, which has, for example, seen Epic Games, makers of the hugely successful Fortnite game, become integrally involved in the production of hit Disney+ series, The Mandalorian. Will this trend continue as technology improves further and VR goes mainstream?
And, at the foot of the pyramid, what are the opportunities for creative talent entering both sectors? Will students have to choose or will they be able to enjoy the best of both worlds?
Chaired by Journalist and Media Industry Commentator Kate Bulkley.
Produced by Ashling O'Connor and Daniel Korn.
Panel:
- Chris Salveterra, Executive Producer, The Last of Us (HBO)
- Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder Hiro Capital and Lara Croft/Tomb Raider creator
- Jonny Slow, CEO, Pixomondo (part of Sony Pictures Entertainment)
- Jon Wardle, Director, National Film & Television School
- Bronagh Monahan, co-founder of MonRae Management & Productions
This is a free RTS virtual event taking place on Zoom.
