All around the world, major film productions have been halted due to the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This means films like “The Batman,” “Mission: Impossible 7,” “Shang-Chi,” and a variety of other blockbusters are sitting on the sidelines as the world waits to see how long the pandemic will spread. But there’s one film that is continuing work, although not in a traditional style— “V2. Escape From Hell.”
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You may remember our article about ‘V2’ from a while ago, where it was announced that filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov was set to direct a film that would be the first big-budget action film to be made in vertical (portrait) format, ideally for viewing on a smartphone. The idea that a World War II film, with all the action and stunts that Bekmambetov is known for including in his projects, would be made for viewing vertically on a phone was already weird enough. However, with the spread of coronavirus, the filmmaker has to go even further with technology to keep his film on track.
According to Deadline, filming is continuing for ‘V2,’ despite calls for self-isolation and social distancing thanks to the use of computer games and telecommuting technology. Bekmambetov is set to film a scene where the lead actor will be flying a plane, and he’ll be situated in a cockpit that will be surrounded by LED screens showing footage from a video game titled “War Thunder.” The actor, Pavel Priluchny, will pilot the virtual plane in the video game, while he shoots his scenes.
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Since Bekmambetov can’t be there in person, the filmmaker will direct the scene virtually through the use of Microsoft Teams teleconferencing software. And if you’re a film fan that’s interested in watching the project unfold, the production is said to be ready to stream the filming on social media, using the same technology.
“‘V2. Escape From Hell’ will be the first movie about World War II designed for GenZ,” the filmmaker said. “We would like to narrate this story using modern and high-tech visual means. The shooting inside a computer game will add entertainment to the project and fully immerse the viewer in what is happening on the screen – an experience that today’s gamers get from Russian-made computer games with their high realism and attention to detail.”
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He added, “We are making a war film here, and what is broadcast in the news resembles a ‘military communiqué’ related to coronavirus – there is a curfew, food supply interruptions, panicking population, etc. If they were going on making their films during World War II, least of all can we give in to despair now. We are looking for new ways to continue making our films, and we are helped by new technologies and a creative approach. This enables an ongoing shooting without exposing the film crew to health risks.”
Publicity stunt? Maybe. But it’s clear that any chance Bekmambetov can get to use technology to push filmmaking forward, he’s going to use it. This is the guy that is behind the software that was used for films like “Searching” and “Unfriended.” He also produced “Hardcore Henry,” so he’s all about doing something unique, even if people think it’s crazy.
“V2. Escape From Hell” is supposed to arrive in theaters in 2021.