The Story
In the rugged landscapes of the Viking age, "Shield of the North" tells the story of a divided clan struggling to protect their people. At its heart is Eira, a defiant shield-maiden torn between tradition and forging her own path. As betrayal threatens their survival, Eira must embrace her destiny as the clan’s protector, stepping into the mantle of The Shield of the North.
This gripping drama combines the character-driven storytelling of The Last Kingdom with the raw intensity of The Northman, exploring themes of loyalty, leadership, and personal freedom.
Why This Film Matters
Shield of the North isn’t just another Viking story—it’s a passion project rooted in history and mythology, brought to life by a dedicated team of filmmakers, actors, and crew.
Your support helps us:
Bring Authenticity to Life: From historically accurate costumes and weapons to stunning natural locations, every detail matters.
Support Local Talent: This is a unique opportunity for Kentucky-based actors, artisans, and crew to showcase their skills in a one-of-a-kind project.
Tell a Powerful Story: At its core, this is a story about resilience, unity, and the strength to defy expectations—universal themes that resonate across cultures.
How You Can Help
We’re raising $20,000 to create a high-quality proof-of-concept short film. With your contributions, we can fund:
Costumes & Props: Historically accurate Viking-era costumes, shields, swords, and axes.
Locations & Set Design: Natural settings that double as Viking landscapes, creating an immersive experience.
Cast & Crew: Hiring talented local actors and crew members to bring this story to life.
Post-Production: Professional editing, sound design, and color grading to ensure cinematic quality.
The Impact
Shield of the North is a unique opportunity to create something bold, authentic, and rooted in storytelling. Productions like this are rare in Kentucky, and we’re proud to highlight the talent and creativity of our local community.
With your help, we can turn this ambitious vision into a reality.
Risks & Challenges
We are committed to bringing Shield of the North to life with the highest quality and authenticity possible. However, as with any production, challenges can arise. Here are some potential risks and how we’re prepared to address them:
1. Budget Constraints
Creating a Viking-era story with historical accuracy—authentic costumes, props, and stunning natural locations—can be costly. We are allocating funds responsibly and working with local talent and resources to stretch every dollar. If we exceed our goal, additional contributions will go directly toward enhancing the production, such as improving battle choreography and visual effects.
2. Logistical Challenges
Filming on location in natural, rugged settings is essential to creating the immersive atmosphere of Shield of the North. However, this comes with risks like weather delays or permitting issues. To minimize disruptions, we’ve scouted multiple filming sites and are partnering with experienced local crew who are familiar with the area.
3. Timeline Adjustments
Unforeseen circumstances, such as weather, actor availability, or post-production delays, can sometimes shift the timeline. We’ve built flexibility into our schedule and will keep backers informed every step of the way with regular updates and behind-the-scenes content.
We’re prepared to meet these challenges head-on with a dedicated team and careful planning. Your support not only helps us tackle these hurdles but also ensures we can deliver a Viking-era drama that exceeds expectations.
Forge Your Legacy: Choose Your Reward
$10 – Shield-Bearer
Digital Thank-You Card: A personalized thank-you message featuring exclusive concept art or a behind-the-scenes image.
Social Media Shout-Out: Your name included in a group thank-you post on our social media pages.
$25 – Defender of the Clan
All Shield-Bearer perks.
Behind-the-Scenes Access: Gain access to production updates, including exclusive photos, videos, and concept art during filming.
$50 – Warrior of the North
All Defender of the Clan perks.
Special Thanks Credit: Your name listed in the “Special Thanks” section of the film credits.
Early Digital Access: Receive a private link to stream the finished short film before its public release.
$100 – Clan Elder
All Warrior of the North perks.
Virtual Screening: Invitation to an exclusive online premiere of the film, followed by a Q&A session with the cast and crew.
Limited Edition Merch: Receive a high-quality Shield of the North enamel pin or embroidered patch as a keepsake.
$250 – Guardian of the North
All Clan Elder perks.
Thank-You Video: A personalized thank-you video from a cast member in full costume, expressing gratitude for your support.
Exclusive Film Poster: A limited-edition Shield of the North digital poster sent to backers.
$500 – Chieftain of the North
All Guardian of the North perks.
Executive Producer Credit: Your name prominently displayed in the credits as an Executive Producer.
Collector’s Edition Poster: A physical version of the Shield of the North poster, signed by the cast.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, but your support is still incredibly valuable to us! Here are some meaningful ways you can help bring Shield of the North to life:
1. Spread the Word: Help us reach as many people as possible by sharing our campaign with your friends, family, and community. Use social media, email, or word of mouth to tell others about this exciting project. Every share makes a difference!
2. Engage with Us Online: Follow our journey on social media to stay updated on the project’s progress. Every like, comment, and share helps amplify our message and build excitement for the film.
3. Join the Conversation: Do you love Viking history, mythic storytelling, or indie filmmaking? Join the conversation! Share your thoughts about the project, your favorite Viking stories, or why this film resonates with you. Engaging with others builds our community and inspires more people to join.
Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us, no matter how you choose to contribute. Together, we can forge this saga and bring Shield of the North to life!
