Emmy-nominated director Eloise Singer’s latest project began in a rather ordinary way—by delving into a Wikipedia rabbit hole. She stumbled upon the intriguing story of Bertha Benz, a 19th-century German woman who embarked on the world’s first long-distance car journey with her husband’s invention, the first automobile. This discovery captivated Eloise, an innovative director known for immersive storytelling.
Bertha’s audacious journey took place in a time when it was illegal for women to travel alone, adding to the remarkable nature of her feat. Despite facing legal restrictions and societal norms, Bertha’s contributions to the early development of the motor car were significant yet often overlooked in history.
To celebrate Bertha’s story, Eloise and her team are launching the VR experience „Trailblazer: The Untold Story of Mrs. Benz“ on 7 March, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The project, executive produced by Eloise, Lesley Paterson, and Daisy Ridley, aims to shed light on Bertha’s achievements through various mediums, including a graphic novel and a feature film.
Eloise’s distinctive path in the entertainment industry, marked by a commitment to cultural authenticity and forgotten historical narratives, aligns perfectly with the Trailblazer project. With previous works like „The Pirate Queen“ and films such as „Rare Beasts“ and „The Last Rifleman“ under her belt, Eloise’s passion for storytelling shines through in her diverse projects.
The emotional depth and complexity of Bertha’s story, particularly her role in saving her husband’s invention and shaping automotive history, resonated with Eloise. She values portraying imperfect characters like Bertha, who challenge simplistic narratives of heroes and villains, adding layers of nuance to historical storytelling.
Choosing Daisy Ridley to portray Bertha was a natural choice for Eloise, given Ridley’s reputation as a trailblazing actress with a knack for selecting impactful projects. Known for her role as Rey in Star Wars and other notable films, Ridley’s depth and talent make her a perfect fit for bringing Bertha’s story to life on screen. She recently worked on a fantastic Disney movie called Young Woman and the Sea, centered around Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. Daisy Ridley is known for supporting projects that highlight forgotten women from history and female leaders. It’s a full-circle moment for her to reunite with a colleague from Murder on the Orient Express on Trailblazer.
The project also boasts an impressive team behind the scenes. Eloise Singer is executive-producing alongside Ridley and Leslie Patterson, known for their work on All Quiet on the Western Front. Eloise describes Patterson as a powerhouse in the industry.
What sets Trailblazer apart is how it aligns with Singer Studios‘ approach of starting stories as VR experiences before expanding into other forms of media. Eloise emphasizes the importance of showcasing immersive experiences to validate audience interest before transitioning to traditional formats.
One of their successful VR projects, The Pirate Queen, tells the story of Cheng Shih, a historic pirate queen. The VR experience garnered acclaim and accolades, leading to its development into a TV series and a graphic novel.
Eloise clarifies that starting with VR isn’t about cost-effectiveness but about the unique storytelling opportunities it offers. She believes in the future of VR as a distinct medium complementary to film and TV.
Eloise’s passion for uncovering forgotten female pioneers stems from her own family history, which includes ties to Isaac Singer and Isabella Eugénie Boyer, potentially the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. While she hopes to explore her family’s story in a future project, her current focus remains on ensuring cultural and historical accuracy in her work.