FOLKLORE, FICTION, AND TECHNOLOGY: THIS IS HOW THE STORY BEGINS
What happens when an old Scottish legend about selkies and transformations meets the cutting edge tech of virtual production? Don’t Feed Seals is born—an experimental short film that blends tradition and innovation, developed as part of a creative research project on the use of LED volumes in cinema.
This project, funded by UNESCO and produced in collaboration with the University of Galway and Ardan, is more than a tale of mermaids it’s a living proof of the narrative future of independent productions.
This project, funded by UNESCO and produced in collaboration with the University of Galway and Ardan, is more than a tale of mermaids it’s a living proof of the narrative future of independent productions.
FILMING MYTHOLOGY IN REAL VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS
The challenge was clear: explore the cinematic potential of LED stages applied to fiction filmmaking. To achieve this, Acid Drops collaborated on the short film’s production, putting together digital environments created in Unreal Engine and working directly in a hybrid production setup combining LED and green screen—merging fantasy aesthetics with technical precision. The entire shoot took place in Galway in 2024, as a knowledge exchange experience aimed at pushing the boundaries between technology and visual storytelling.
Empty heading.
ENVIRONMENTS BUILT FOR LEGENDS
Our work focused on designing and developing digital sets tailored to mythical storytelling, with misty atmospheres, realistic textures, and total control over lighting and the environment.
We took part in the short film’s production on both LED volume and chroma stages, providing technical supervision, Unreal Engine integration, and creative support throughout the shoot.
We took part in the short film’s production on both LED volume and chroma stages, providing technical supervision, Unreal Engine integration, and creative support throughout the shoot.