The LA Times has a short interview with Michael Pole, the co-founder of Trilogy Studios, a maker of “casual” VWs and multi-player online games including the onlince version of MTV’s popular “Pimp My Ride” TV show and titles including Daybreakers and the site There.com.

Pole reveals that he is relatlvely new at being an entrepreneur, having been a company man at Electronic Arts, Fox Interactive, and Vivendi Universal Games, where he executive-produced titles based on the “Incredible Hulk” comic book and the “Scarface” film.

Pole notes that items in the works include a ‘project with Dreamworks and a virtual world with celebrity musicians.’ And he offers some advice for those interested in starting their own companies:

“Stay focused and stay true to your vision,” Pole says. “Hire great talent and even better people.”

As Hollywood jumps on the virtual world bandwagon, cross-over efforts with established brands might soon become a cost of entry to stand out in a crowded universe of 3D chat rooms and virtual world dance halls. Groups like Dreamworks, Spielberg’s involvement with games, virtual celebrity-endorsed clothing from Millions of Us are bringing name recognition where right now it’s all about the technology – and perhaps the promise of better stories.