Hazel (360/VR)

Hazel was made to be watched in a VR headset. You can download the movie for offline viewing here: https://goo.gl/Bubrxn

When Willem has finally found the love of his life, Hazel, he is forced to deal with an event that pushes him over the edge. The viewer joins Willem in his intimate recollection of the events that have led to his final decision.

This stereoscopic VR experience explores the relation between traditional cinematography and the use of 360-degree filmmaking, and challenges the perception of our traditional role as a viewer.

  • Rufus Baas
    Director
  • Bob de Jong
    Producer
  • Mike Selleger
    Producer
  • Lars Goossens
    Key Cast
  • Bertrie Wierenga
    Key Cast
  • Thijs Jeursen
    Key Cast
  • Dajo Brinkman
    Crew
  • Jurgen Corte
    Crew
  • Sjors Ruijter
    Crew
  • Mathieu Peters
    Crew
  • Quincy Rondaij
    Crew
  • Michelle Westdorp
    Crew
  • Ilias Antopoulos
    Crew
  • Angelo Boltini
    Crew
  • Jasper Wezenberg
    Crew
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Virtual Reality, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Drama
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 1, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Netherlands
  • Country of Filming:
    Netherlands
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Rufus Baas

Rufus Baas is an independent filmmaker, actor and teacher from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

VR filmmaking asks for new ways of storytelling. The passive observer does not exist in VR. As a viewer we keep asking ourselves: who am I? Why am I here? What is my part? With Hazel we wanted to create a pleasant and intimate experience. Instead of forcing the viewer to keep exploring the surroundings, which can be exhausting and for some result in feelings of 'fomo' (fear of missing out), the story unfolds up close and personal.

Easing the viewer in his/her seemingly passive role by using the 360-degree environment mainly to get the viewer IN the story; the viewer might feel only intrusive at first but in the end cannot escape from the reality of who he/she actually is.

Hazel is based on a short story by the Dutch writer Anthonie Holslag. In 2008 Anthonie became a victim of senseless violence and experienced nightmares ever since. Trying to deal with these nightmares he decided to put them on paper. Resulting in several books and short stories with the genre which he prefers to call 'subtle horror'. Anthonie currently holds a position as lecturer at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.