Nick Frost Ventures into a Virtual Reality World in Short Film Vert

HunkyDory’s Kate Cox blends sci-fi with human sensibilities for beautiful film capturing the power of bravery, acceptance, and unconditional love to release a lifetime of internalised shame.

Emelia (BAFTA Nominee Nikki Amuka-Bird) and Jeff (Nick Frost) are an open minded couple celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary by venturing into the virtual reality world of 'Vert' together. Vert presents them with a character that is their ‘ideal self’ and what is supposed to be re-awakening for them as a couple becomes the unearthing of Jeff’s secret.

Kate Cox shares some thoughts on the film: “I was thinking how identities can change over time and toying with the idea of a script around this. At the same time I met with Nick Frost, and that evening the story just poured out of me. I was fascinated by what lies behind a very masculine exterior.”

“I wrote the script with Nick Frost in mind and so I was delighted when he accepted, replying to my email with just ‘I’m in’! I was blown away when I heard Nikki Amuka Bird loved the script and she really helped me develop her character, Emelia. Casting Director Clare Harlow came onboard to find ‘Jem’. She suggested rising star Olivia Vinall, and I knew immediately she was right. Olivia embraced the improvised scene with such creativity and trust. My actors made it such a dreamy shoot for me.”