Norwich graduates’ work to premiere in new Channel 5 series Ice Age: Apocalypse

A special two-part documentary series featuring the work of Norwich staff and graduates is set to premiere on Channel 5 on Sunday 9 February at 7:30pm. Ice Age: Apocalypse sees Steve Backshall and Michaela Strachan explore the mysteries of this glacial period, examining its inhabitants in new ways using cutting-edge virtual production techniques.

Produced by October Film Studios, with involvement from Norwich University of the Arts staff and students from BA (Hons) Film & Moving Image Production, BA (Hons) Games Art & Design, and BA (Hons) Animation & Visual Effects, the series breaks new ground through extensive use of Virtual Production and visual effects technology to recreate environments from the Ice Age.

Virtual production (VP) is a filmmaking technique that blends real-world footage and traditional filmmaking techniques with digitally created environments. This innovative technology was essential in recreating the vast, icy landscapes in which woolly mammoths and sabre-tooth cats once roamed. The project also explored the creation and animation of these ice age giants, bringing these creatures to life using game engines like Unreal Engine.

The production team at October Films collaborated with students and staff from BA (Hons) Film and Moving Image Production and BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects to design and build virtual settings, accurately replicating the frozen terrain. The ability to bring these environments to life virtually allowed the production to create realistic, dynamic worlds.

For many of the students involved in the production, this was a unique opportunity to work directly with a production team, gaining invaluable experience assisting with and implementing state-of-the-art Virtual Production technology.

The project also presented a valuable opportunity to investigate the ways in which traditional filmmaking processes can intersect with virtual technologies. Since working on the project, the Film and Performing Arts team at Norwich have worked on their own short film which utilises Virtual Production techniques.

Tune in to Channel 5 on Sunday 9 February and Sunday 16 February at 7:30pm, to watch both episodes of Ice Age: Apocalypse, or catch up on My5.

Images: Roter Su