Emagine
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creativity in action...
The longstanding tradition of sailors going off to sea is a cornerstone of island life. The northern coast of Ireland is no exception.
When the British scattered the Spanish Armada, they limped into the waters of Donegal. Few escaped to Spain. Most lost their lives in the chilly waters of the North Atlantic.
Napolean saw Ireland as an invasion point for England. As part of the British Empire, Ireland represented a colony of unrest. It seemed a weaker target than mainland England.
Donegal County Council chose to explore this rich maritime history through Virtual Reality. As European partners, the T.I.D.E. project explores these histories and its effects on the people of Donegal.
Donegal County Council comissioned Emagine to tell these stories in Virtual Reality. We produced two, 7-minute productions that bring the eras to life.
Especially in Donegal, the French believed could gain a toehold in British territory. This was a well-known strategy at the time and one the British prepared for.
Patrolling the waters of Ireland fell to British Navy. Frigates cruised the shoreline alert to all ships passing. One of these ships, the Saldhana, sailed from Cork to Donegal. It was during one of these sailings they a massive storm caught them and the ship was lost.
With no plans of the ship available, our researchers found one drawing of the Saldhana's hull. Our team cross-referenced this drawing with descriptions of the vessel and other ships of the time.
The result is the first view of the Saldhana since it sank below the seas in 1811. For the first time in over 200 years, visitors can view the Saldhana in its pre-storm state. Viewers learn about the daily life of a sailor, and how it reflected Irish society at the time.
This is especially poignant as 253 men lost their lives. The tragedy inspired the building of Fanad lighthouse. This and Fort Dunree is where our virtual experience runs today.
We crafted the complex story of the fall of the Spanish Armada and delivered it in Virtual Reality in 7 minutes. We did this through clever storytelling and stylistic visual techniques.
A series of panoramas bring the story of one ship, La Trinidad de Valencera to life. As one of the flagships of the armada, we work through its history, and how it was destroyed off the Donegal course.
Running in the Inisowen Maritime Museum in Donegal, "The Wrath of the Atlantic" is educational and entertaining. This Virtual Reality experience exceeds expectations.
To learn more about the project check out the Go Visit Donegal Website here: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoVisitDonegal
To read more about TIDE: https://www.tide-atlantic.eu/
We drafted all ship models from original drawings and historic source material. We didn't leave out any detail, down to the cloth used by the ships' captains. Each character was lovingly created and animated to bring this set of stories to life.
