Ashes to Ashes is a co-production between Emmy®-winning studio Submarine Channel and AVROTROS – the largest Dutch broadcaster, in collaboration with production house WeMakeVR – a pioneer in the Dutch VR scene, Jaunt VR – world leader in cinematic VR, Force Field VR – a company specialized in 3D content for VR and AR, and Big Orange – a sound studio with a track record in spatial audio
The film tells the story of a dysfunctional family dealing with the death of their paterfamilias and his unusual dying wish to have his ashes blown up.
The viewer experiences the film from the perspective of Grandpa Git’s urn, allowing a passive view of the tensions within the family which become increasingly apparent as the story unfolds.
Furthermore, there is a surreal play on the layers of reality which are revealed when the set changes in real-time around the viewer and shamelessly exposes the crew behind the scenes as well as the actors out of character. An additional unique component is the moving camera, which was placed on a remote-controll dolly track. This allowed for seamless set changes, given that the entire 10-minute film was shot in one take. The unusual fellowship of three directors; one film, one theater and one VR specialized, creates a unique interplay between the three niches, which is evident from the set design, use of space and camera work.
Ultimately, the collaboration of these niche directors as well as the expertise of all the partners involved allowed us to push the boundaries of cinematic VR and create an entirely new experience for the medium.
Ashes to Ashes won the gold medal at Dutch VR Awards for best immersive 360 video on March 9 2017.
From left to right; executive producer Benjamin De Wit, DOP and post production supervisor Peter McLaughlin and directors Steye Hallema (VR) and Ingejan Ligthart Schenk (theatre).
Directed by Geert van de Wetering, this extended 'making of' film follows the cast and crew of Ashes to Ashes for ten months, from the casting up to the world premiere of the virtual reality film at the VR Days Europe 2016. Let the inquisitive voice-over guide you on the exciting journey of making this VR film.
Sofia International Film Festival 2017
Ashes to Ashes will be showcased as part of the festival’s VR Film Hub program. Sofia International Film Festivaltakes place from the 9th to the 31st of March 2017.
Glasgow Short Film Festival 2017
Our film is selected in the VR showcase of the festival, the VR Movie House. You can pick a slot and watch it at the Glasgow Short Film Festival in between March 16 and 19 2017.
Berlinale 2017
Ashes to Ashes is selected for the Berlinale, the International Film Festival of Berlin 2017. The film is as part of the European Film Market (EFM). You can see Ashes to Ashes from 10 to 15 February at the Pop-Up VR Cinema in the Gropius Park Pavillion. This special program features the best VR- and 360° films of the past yearAshes to Ashes is the only Dutch project that is selected for this program.
VR Days Europe 2016
Ashes to Ashes premiered at the VR Days Europe in Amsterdam in 2016. This was a closed presentation for a limited audience.