Josh Bolt and Louis Ashbourne Serkis are set to headline the upcoming World War II film I'll Get By. Directed by Brandon Ashplant, the project follows American airmen forced to survive after their B-17 bomber is struck by flak over occupied France.
Trading Hollywood Heroics for the Trauma of American Airmen
The history of World War II cinema has largely been defined by sweeping tales of patriotism and grand military victories. As Collider reported, Brandon Ashplant’s I'll Get By intends to break from this tradition by focusing on the "gritty reealities" of combat. Instead of celebrating the polished glory often seen in big-budget war epics, the film aims to explore the psychological toll taken on ordinary soldiers.
The narrative centers on a crew of U.S. Army Airmen who must navigate the chaos of occupied France after their B-17 is crippled by flak. By focusing on flawed, young men facing extreme danger, the production seeks to provide a more grounded perspective on the shifting front lines following the success of D-Day. This approach mirrors a growing interest in de-glamorized historical dramas that prioritize human vulnerability over tactical triumph, moving away from the sanitized versions of war that dominated the mid-20th century.
Using LED Volume Tech to Recreate a Burning B-17
To capture the terrifying final moments of a mid-air disaster, the production will employ advanced LED Volume technology. According to the report from Collider, the filmmakers plan to suspend a physical B-17 cockpit and fuselage on a virtual production soundstage. This method allows for a seamless blend of practical effects and digital environments, providing a more immersive experience for the actors portraying the airmen.
This technological choice is significant for a period piece. While traditional war films often rely heavily on post-production CGI, the use of a physical cockpit combined with virtual production suggests a desire for tactile realism. This setup will allow the cast—including Josh Bolt, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Cameron Ashplant, Spike White, Robert Rhodes, and Reggie McHale—to react to a more convincing and immediate environment. By integrating the physical and the digital, Ashplant is attempting to bridge the gap between the visceral sensation of a cockpit crash and the expansive vistas of occupied Europe.
Filming in Norwich and Guernsey to Double for Normandy
Production for I'll Get By is scheduled to begin at the end of October, utilizing specific European locations to establish its wartime atmosphere. The shoot will commence in Norwich , England, before the crew moves to the island of Guernsey.
The choice of Guernsey is particularly strategic , as the location will serve as a stand-in for wartime Normandy. By utilizing the unique landscape of the Channel Islands, the production can recreate the rugged, occupied terrain of the French coast without the logistical hurdles of filming in mainland France. This move highlights the increasing trend of using specific island geographies to stand in for larger, more contested historical battlefields, a technique that has become a staple for high-end historical productions seeking authenticity on a controlled budget.
The Missing Details on the 'I'll Get By' Release Schedule
While the casting and technical approach have been clearly outlined, several pieces of the puzzle remain unsolved. For instance,while the film features a growing ensemble including Spike White and Robert Rhodes, the specific roles these actors will play have not been detailed. Furthermore, the report does not provide a projected release window, leaving audiences to wonder when this gritty portrayal of the air war will finally reach theaters or streaming platforms.
Additionally, there is little information regarding the specific studio backing the project or the scale of the budget required for such high-tech production. Whether the film will find its home in a traditional theatrical release or a streaming service remains a key question for industry observers.
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