Virtual Viking – The Ambush Explained

Virtual Viking – The Ambush
Director:	Erik Gustavson
Producer:	Odd Arild Meling, Rasmus Ramstad
Starring:	Murray McArthur
Music:	Peter Baden
Studio:	Ridley Scott Associates Dimension Studios Hammerhead VR
Runtime:	11 minutes
Country:	Norway
Language:	Old Norse

Virtual Viking – The Ambush is a 2019 short film directed by Erik Gustavson, using volumetric video capture to create one of the first films in virtual reality.^[1] Produced for The Viking Planet centre in Oslo, Norway, the film is part of a wider exhibition of the lives of Norse seafarers and uses a number of VR headsets to enable visitors to experience a Viking longship in the heat of battle.^[2]

Plot

Skald recounts the story of how he was captured, in his youth, during an unsuccessful Viking raid.

Cast

• Murray McArthur as Skald
• Luke White as Ulf
• Wolfie Hughes as Grim
• Christopher Rogers as Trym
• Ross O'Hennessy as Viking

Awards and nominations

At the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2019, Virtual Viking – The Ambush was awarded Best VR Film.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hammerhead Talks Vikings and VR. 21 June 2019. www.vrfocus.com. 26 June 2019.
2. Web site: This virtual Viking battle was the most immersive VR I've ever seen. 4 August 2019. techradar.com. 9 August 2019.
3. Web site: 'Virtual Vikings' Wins Best VR at Aesthetica Short Film Festival. Little Black Book. 13 November 2019.