As The Floor Shifts
As The Floor Shifts is a short 10 minute film that has been created over the past four years with a number of Lived Experience Consultants who have influenced what they want to say to audiences about their experience of living with a neurological disability. The LECs collaborated in this research, fed into concept development, shared testimonials, tested episode experiences, and supported us to make artistic choices on which was most impactful and accessible.
The film is episodic, reflecting the way that many people experience symptoms and side effects of their illness. Often people living with multiple Sclerosis (MS) are said to be ‘experiencing an episode’ at times when their symptoms are exacerbated. This is most commonly referred to in those with Relapse and Remitting MS, but is also present in other neuro-disabilities.
The episodes have been created using various virtual reality techniques, including Motion Capture, Volumetric Capture, with software such as Unity, Touch Designer and Notch. The film combines contemporary dance with creative technologies to create emotive and thought provoking visual experiences.
During this project, we worked with industry leaders in digital creations and performance to develop and refine As the Floor Shifts, including Marius Mattesan (PlayLabz), Bertie Sampson (Immersive Me), Marian Sauders (Collusion), Matt Bartram (Cave & Sky).
Performers in the work included Jodie Honeybourne, Claire Lambert, Maiya Leeke & Nikki Watson.
The soundscore was designed by Jeph Vanger.
The project was filmed at DanceEast, with support from their in-house technical team.
“Seeing my symptoms brought to life through light and dance was fascinating. I’ve never been able to fully explain it, but I really felt the dancers showed what it feels like for me each day. Everyone should see this to understand what it’s like to have MS.”
