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EntertainmentUniversal denies unpaid damage claim for replica Viking ship used in Nolan's The Odyssey
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The production company behind Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey has responded to claims that its crew damaged a replica Viking boat during filming and failed to pay for repairs. The chair of the Vikingaleden association in western Sweden told The Guardian that the organization invoiced Universal for $6,000 (about £4,500) for material costs after the boat, named Glad av Gillberga, was damaged during the grueling shoot. The association stated that the agreement was for reimbursement and that they feel forgotten. In response, a Universal spokesperson said their records show all invoices related to the boat were paid in full, and that the studio has contacted the association to clear up any misunderstanding. The article also highlights Nolan's well-known preference for practical effects and on-location shooting, which contributed to the demanding production conditions.
Source report
The production company behind Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has addressed allegations that the film's crew damaged a replica Viking boat during shooting and failed to pay for the repairs.
Earlier this week, the chair of the Vikingaleden association in western Sweden told The Guardian that the organisation had granted permission for one of its boats to be used during the making of the film. A year later, the association claims it invoiced Universal for $6,000 (approximately £4,500) to cover repairs after the boat was damaged during the notoriously demanding shoot — but has yet to receive payment.
"We are only charging for the material cost, not the labour. Of course Universal can afford this $6,000. We feel forgotten," the association said, adding: "The agreement was that we would fix it and get financially reimbursed."
In response, a Universal spokesperson stated: "Our records show that all invoices relating to the Glad av Gillberga were paid in full, including repairs. The studio and the production have contacted the association to clear up any misunderstanding."
The Boat's Role in the Film
The vessel was used in several sequences in The Odyssey, an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic.
While promoting the film, director Christopher Nolan has frequently discussed his preference for on-location shooting and practical effects over green-screen technology and CGI. He told Empire magazine last year: "By embracing the physicality of the real world in the making of the film, you do inform the telling of the story in interesting ways. Because you're confronted on a daily basis by the world pushing back at you."
More recently, Nolan has spoken candidly about the "terrifying" challenge of bringing the film's cyclops character to life without relying on computer wizardry. The cast have also expressed disbelief over one particular sequence, which they were shocked to learn features no CGI at all.
The Odyssey is now in cinemas.
Source
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Western
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Studio Behind The Odyssey Denies Unpaid Damage Claim for Replica Viking Ship