If you’ve watched the breathtaking new How to Train Your Dragon movie from Universal Pictures—now showing in cinemas—you’ve likely been transported into a vibrant Viking world of colour, culture, and… epic feasts. As the home economist for this stunning live-action adaptation, I had the honour of bringing the film’s on-screen food to life, working behind the scenes to help create the atmosphere of a thriving, mythical village.
Filming took place in early 2024 at Titanic Studios and Harbour Studios in Belfast, two iconic locations that have hosted some of the world’s most ambitious productions. The sets were nothing short of spectacular—colourful, immersive, and full of authentic detail. I had the privilege of working closely with set decorator Daniel Bird, a brilliant creative from New Zealand. His craftsmanship and vision were inspirational, and it was a joy to collaborate on scenes that required both beauty and believability.
Crafting Viking Feasts for the Big Screen
As a professional hone economist for film and television, my role is to make food not only look incredible on camera but also feel authentic to the world we’re building. For How to Train Your Dragon, that meant creating abundant village feasts filled with:
- Roasted joints of lamb
- Heaping piles of fresh fish
- Bright, rustic vegetables
- Artfully displayed shellfish
- Crusty, handmade breads
We even roasted meats over open campfires to capture the rugged, earthy lifestyle of the characters. Every dish had to feel like it belonged in a Viking village—untamed, bountiful, and rich in storytelling potential.
One of the most delightful tasks? Creating special treats for Toothless, the beloved dragon himself. It was whimsical, imaginative work—exactly the kind of project that reminds me why I love what I do.
A Global Effort, A Magical Result
Props and materials for the film were sourced from all over the world. And when something couldn’t be found? The talented crew simply made it. That level of dedication was evident in every frame of the film. From hand-forged cookware to meticulously aged barrels and baskets, the attention to detail was astonishing.
Grateful to Be Part of Something So Beautiful
Directed by the incredibly gifted Dean DeBlois, How to Train Your Dragon is not only visually stunning but emotionally resonant. Being part of a film of this caliber—a story that blends fantasy, heart, and world-class artistry—was both a professional milestone and a personal joy.
I’m so proud to have contributed to this cinematic journey. Bringing food to life on screen is about more than aesthetics—it’s about character, culture, and storytelling. And this film offered the chance to do all of that on a truly epic scale.
If you’re a director, production designer, or food stylist enthusiast looking to bring authentic, character-driven food to your next project, get in touch here I’d love to help bring your story to the table.
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