We had a chat with director and VFX artist Ulvar Berg Gansum — six years in, running Major Film with Kasper Antonsen, building worlds that let people escape. We talked about his recent fully animated ISYS commercial where he controlled everything from script to final render, the dream of doing more animation work, and why creating space for imagination is what it is all about.

Who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Ulvar Berg Gansum, and I work as a film director and VFX artist. I run my own company, Major Film, together with Kasper Antonsen.

I’ve been active as a director for nearly six years and often find myself drawn to projects that are a bit extra, both visually and conceptually. I’m a sucker for films that create a sense of escape, and that’s exactly the kind of experience I try to create myself. I love large-scale genre films that allow audiences to drift into another world.

What is the latest project you worked on that you are proud of?

Recently, I created a commercial for ISYS where I had full creative control over a fully animated production. I was responsible for everything from script and character development to worldbuilding, animation, and direction. The entire film was created digitally.

It was the most challenging project I’ve worked on so far, but also extremely rewarding. Being able to fully apply my filmmaking language within a digital environment was a unique experience. I really hope to continue working with animation in the future, it’s a big ambition of mine.

If your work could give the audience one feeling, what would it be?

I want to give audiences the ability to escape and dream.

To create space for imagination and let people disappear into another world, whether it’s for a few minutes or an entire evening.

Who in Oslo should get the spotlight next, and why?

William Holten. He’s an incredibly skilled filmmaker and animator with a very distinct visual voice. He creates well-executed, original projects and is extremely inspiring to follow.

CONTACT:

IG: @ulvar.wav