Hi there. I wanted to post about my new Predator short fan film I am currently working on called Predator: Dark Ages.
Set during the Crusades, the faith and fighting skills of a group of Templar Knights is put to the test when they encounter the Predator.
Please check out our facebook page for more news and pictures.
https://m.facebook.com/PredDarkAges
We will be releasing our teaser trailer and kickstarter campaign soon too. Thanks
This sounds amazing, I've also thought about Crusades while making my Predator: Valhalla fan film. If you're looking for inspirations - I can recommend you great books by Pierre Garret and Jean-Noel Gurgand.
I tought of this idea before but I wasn't sure anyone would try to turn it into a movie ( fan-movie , whatever :laugh: ) ! Also , the cover looks cool ! ;)
Ill keep an eye on this. Very curious.
Once you guys get into the swing of things, I'll start plugging you on Galaxy, Tally - like when you have trailers ready, when you release.
http://youtu.be/Ft3ePXGlKX0 (http://youtu.be/Ft3ePXGlKX0)
Teaser trailer has gone up.
The Predator costume looks great and the way the teaser is shot is good. My only concern is that I'm very sceptical of these so-called Kickstarter campaigns.
All the Star Trek ones have proved to me they're worth looking at.
Wow. That Predator costume gives the K&B guy's work on Predators a run for it's money. Very nice.
Yeah, but I'd still hate for something like a kickstarter campaign to make or break a project if it doesn't get the funding.
You get your money back if it doesn't make it. Nothing to lose.
Oh, not concerned about that. Just that the guy has already gone to so much trouble getting things ready and if it doesn't get the funding, it may be abandoned altogether. Then all the promotion so far will have been for nothing. I don't like uncertainty, I guess.
Great concept and costume design and I get its just a teaser but that trailer was a bit cheese.
Hey guys, the director here. Yes agree it will be a shame if we don't make the target and can't make our short. But without doing a kickstarter campaign we would def not eben get a chance to try and make it. Not to the high standard we're aiming for. So its worth the time and effort our end as its still good fun creating all these predator stuff cause im a big fan lol. Also if we can get to shoot the full short film we will fall back on a extended trailer so people will get some medieval predator action one way or another
If we can't get to shoot the full short I mean
The theme is sooooo great. And I hope you do get the funding to make it. And the trailer looks great!
The only things if any, is that most low budget/fan film the costumes are in my opinion too clean and too new. What I mean by that is, The helmet is too shiny, the leather gloves are crispy brand new. There is no weathering going on. And a tip... use lot's and lot's of smoke!! Good luck!
;D
Quote from: Darkness on Jun 12, 2014, 04:47:44 PM
Oh, not concerned about that. Just that the guy has already gone to so much trouble getting things ready and if it doesn't get the funding, it may be abandoned altogether. Then all the promotion so far will have been for nothing. I don't like uncertainty, I guess.
That's the point isn't it? Getting it out there and getting the funding. If the project looks good enough and can get enough people interested and funding, then jobs a fish. There's quite a lot of Trek films that get funded this way and it works really well for them.
I don't think I've seen a Predator fanfilm look as amazing as this has the potential too. And it's not just army guys and a Predator. I'm hopeful this project will get what it needs. :) And I'm pretty sure it will do fine.
The difference is Star Trek has a much bigger fanbase than Predator.
Haha yes the armour and costume was just temporary for the teaser. Dirty and weathered all the way in the actual short. And yes def more smoke. I'm aiming to try mimic the look of the first predator film instead of the more recent, cleaner films in the franchise. Which can also make the predator look a little like a man in a rubber costume lol. Ironclad and braveheart also good ref for our look
Very Very cool dude... All hopes for you and the project. Cool that you are looking for the Braveheart look. Might I add perhaps Excalibur & In The Name Of The Rose. Love the ambiance in that movie! nice and gritty!! ;D ;D
Perhaps a redundant question, but did you post on the hunters lair?
Yes Excalibur too. Well not so much the armour (though i do love it) but the style is great. Hopefully we'll get to make it happen.
Perhaps a redundant question, but did you post on the hunters lair?
Hey guys we will finally be launching our kickstarter campaign this sunday. 8pm! I will get onto hunters liar too. Thanks.
http://www.avpgalaxy.net/2014/06/29/predator-dark-ages-kickstarter-live/ (http://www.avpgalaxy.net/2014/06/29/predator-dark-ages-kickstarter-live/)
The Kickstarter campaign for this project is live. I've already pledged and I hope the rest of you will be joining me. They've also announced that Adrian Bouchet from Alien vs. Predator is part of the cast.
Thanks Corporal for your constant support and donation. Appreciated sir
Backed! :)
Hero!
I'd be wary of a Fox C&D.
Comeon guys and girls. 11 days to go and not reached the minimum goal yet. Really disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm for this.
3 days left and they're £500 off their minimum! We can do this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfm0ky3aFzg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfm0ky3aFzg)
The trailer is up! Looks fantastic. ;D
This is not what I was expecting and I say this in the best way possible. quality wise this film looks amazing.
To be honest, I'd been expecting quality from them since the start. They've been posting up various pictures and stuff over on their Facebook page and it looks great. We should be having the guys on for a podcast at some point prior to release.
That looked pretty cool, like the wide angles I will love to see this film. This is as close to the origional ideal of Predator 2 sequel back then. Set in the 17th century with Pirates. I still love that ideal. The new film Predator 4 or reboot is said to take place in between the events of Predator and Predator 2. Kinda like Alien Isolation comes after Aliens but before Aliens. I can't wait to see this cool film.
What I love most about the Predator series is just how versatile it is in terms of stories. It makes this kind of plot work really well.
I meant it comes after Alien but before Aliens. Anyway can't wait to see this new film and awsome a new Predator movie is in the works too.
I'm still not totally sold on the medieval setting but it's shaping up to be one of the better Predator only fan films out of the small number that we have. I think I just have unrealistic expectations of fan films after AvP Redemption. It takes a lot to get my motor running.
Looks interesting.. If this movie is good enough.. I'll accept it as full canon!
Quote from: Darkness on Mar 26, 2015, 07:48:10 PM
I'm still not totally sold on the medieval setting but it's shaping up to be one of the better Predator only fan films out of the small number that we have. I think I just have unrealistic expectations of fan films after AvP Redemption. It takes a lot to get my motor running.
The setting is one of the most interesting things about it. I genuinely think this will surpass Redemption - as good as it was - as this has professional actors, actual locations and a better suit. Don't get me wrong, I still love Redemption but I think this will be fantastic.
My mate Lee was head of SFX on this, so I'm basking in association right now. I think this is going to be great - such a neat idea.
Predator and Terminator are my 2 favorite characters ever. Love the Alien as well! But just love Predator! It's so cool to see him in MKX owing head to head with fighters that will give him a hard battle. Also can't wait for Terminator: Genisys!!!!
For those who donated via Kickstarter the film will be available online on the 22nd of May. The film will also be being shown at MCM Expo London on the 23rd. Not sure about for everyone else. Within a few weeks I believe.
Luckily the Mrs wanted to go to MCM Expo so I'll be heading down there. :)
Oh and here's their new poster:
(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11156268_656117334518559_3997468369809458491_n.jpg?oh=df0056fa110780129b981ef3b6c21d22&oe=55E22044)
http://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/2015/05/05/predator-gets-medieval-for-fan-film-premiere/ (http://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/2015/05/05/predator-gets-medieval-for-fan-film-premiere/)
Announcement about the MCM Expo. They'll be a Q&A with the film makers after.
They'll also be giving away some free t-shirts, I'll be trying to snag one of those mother truckers (I like t-shirts)
(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1795568_666029163527376_1914111748077393697_n.png?oh=33e4158d4b40aad4f55c14900655e674&oe=55E012B7)
https://soundcloud.com/juaniglesias/predator-dark-ages-myth-of-the
Here's a little teaser of the score for the film.
Backers of the film should have received their link to the film. It will go on YouTube for the public on Monday.
Holy moly, that was absolutely top notch. Everything about it was just superbly done. Camera work, actors, effects, music. It's very faithful to the first Predator. In terms of practical effects, it possibly is the best fan film we've seen (still have a soft spot for Redemption and its CGI work). The small bits of CGI were well done too. The only slight nitpick is that the vision mode shouldn't have the voice waves on the side but other than that, they did an amazing job.
Quote from: Darkness on May 21, 2015, 06:03:04 PM
Holy moly, that was absolutely top notch. Everything about it was just superbly done. Camera work, actors, effects, music. It's very faithful to the first Predator. In terms of practical effects, it possibly is the best fan film we've seen (still have a soft spot for Redemption and its CGI work). The small bits of CGI were well done too. The only slight nitpick is that the vision mode doesn't have the voice waves on the side but other than that, they did an amazing job.
Glad to hear it's good. I expected it to be. I'm trying to hold out until Saturday to see it.
Yeah, you should totally hold off and savour the moment for the big screen. We need to sort out our interview with these guys. I actually want to know now how it was all made and what went on behind the scenes.
Quote from: Darkness on May 21, 2015, 06:20:39 PM
Yeah, you should totally hold off and savour the moment for the big screen. We need to sort out our interview with these guys. I actually want to know now how it was all made and what went on behind the scenes.
Should be chatting with them at the event all being well.
Quote from: Darkness on May 21, 2015, 06:03:04 PM
Holy moly, that was absolutely top notch. Everything about it was just superbly done. Camera work, actors, effects, music. It's very faithful to the first Predator. In terms of practical effects, it possibly is the best fan film we've seen (still have a soft spot for Redemption and its CGI work). The small bits of CGI were well done too. The only slight nitpick is that the vision mode shouldn't have the voice waves on the side but other than that, they did an amazing job.
I am curious about the voice wave in the vision mode that you mention. Maybe it was just some original idea the guys behind the film had. Perhaps it's an app the Predator downloaded for his mask. :P
But seriously, maybe the Predator could've been "measuring" something else in the environment that just seems like a voice wave to us? I have yet to see what it looks like, if it's the thing in the films that you see on the side everytime the Predator analyses voices or imitates them, then I see what you mean. Especially if it's just there at random for no reason at all. Still could have a quick in universe explanation as some alien measuring device that uses a similar measuring display to the voice stuff the mask deals with.
I am so looking forward to Monday now. Thanks for letting us know, Hicks. I have been hyped for this.
To be honest if you look back at the original Predator, the vision mode effects weren't that great - they were a lot more refined in Predator 2. Those movies and AvPs do have the voice mimic thing on the vision mode too but it's not every single shot and it generally looked better in the movies.
I think they could have got away with not including the voice graphics in this as the Predator really wasn't interested in what they were saying.
I see what you mean. Maybe he was recording and uploading the voices to process and utilize in a future hunt, who knows?
I agree with you on the Predator vision in the first film, while it may be a classic, the effects really improve in later films. "Predators" shows just how detailed their vision really is, even Berserker's unmasked vision can see in far greater detail than the first Predator could. I think that in-universe, Anytime's vision would've been pretty "detailed" (still tricky for the human eye to follow) but the effects couldn't show it that well at that time.
They responded to your critique on Facebook btw Darkness:
QuoteThanks for the kind words and we're so happy he liked it. Hopefully will go down as well tomorrow at the premiere. A good point too about the voice waves. We was hoping to do one final thing regarding that but alas it wasn't meant to be. You'll see tomorrow we've actually removed for the same ressons.
Removed what?
I assume they mean the voice waves.
A positive 4/5 review here: http://www.geek-pride.co.uk/filmandtv/predator-dark-ages/
I liked the sweeping shots of the forest too. Gave it a sense of grandeur.
More positive reviews:
http://www.killerhorrorcastfromouterspace.com/features/review-predator-dark-ages-rips-the-spines-out-of-all-other-fan-films (5/5)
http://www.road-rash.co.uk/review/predator-dark-ages-short-review/#.VV-JAU9VhBd (5/5)
So I gave in and watched this tonight! Simply the best fanfilm we've had out of this community. I'll get a more detailed review up over the weekend.
Having just watched, I would say this is the most impressive Predator fan film since Batman: Dead End. It looks absolutely gorgeous and the performance from the lead is very convincing. Niggles are minor: the usual slightly wonky acting from the rest of the cast, and the referring to lines from the original thing is pretty wearying. Other than that, great stuff.
Quote from: robbritton on May 26, 2015, 10:12:24 AM
the referring to lines from the original thing is pretty wearying.
This is normally a massive annoyance to me and I only noticed the one. Did you catch more than one?
I must say this was a really enjoyable watch! Kudos to the team! This is really one of the best made predator fan-film out there.
The only thing better would be a pred film set during the Viet war, with a SOG group hunting for their prey...and being hunted in return.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 26, 2015, 10:27:49 AM
Quote from: robbritton on May 26, 2015, 10:12:24 AM
the referring to lines from the original thing is pretty wearying.
This is normally a massive annoyance to me and I only noticed the one. Did you catch more than one?
They were variants rather than straight cribs, but they played on the
Spoiler
"if it bleeds we can kill it" thing, the "mother of god" and "ain't no way for no soldier to die" upon finding the skinned bodies thing, "Demon!" was shouted with the same inflection as whatever Mac shouts before he unloads with the mini gun (in both cases after seeing the eye flash) and also Anna's "sometimes worse, sometimes much, much worse" bit was obliquely referenced by Sied.
They're nothing that would even be noticed by someone not entrenched in the history of the films, so perhaps the fault lies with me, but I still don't understand why modern scripts deem it neccessary. Bring new quotability to the series!
I must stress though, that it really was a minor quibble. Overall I thought it was grand.
I wonder if Shane Blacks sequel will be Predator:1718 The famous Rapheal Adolini story of a captain of a small crew along the Bermuda Triangle that the Pred encountered.
Some very nice work!!!!
Quote from: robbritton on May 26, 2015, 11:48:36 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 26, 2015, 10:27:49 AM
Quote from: robbritton on May 26, 2015, 10:12:24 AM
the referring to lines from the original thing is pretty wearying.
This is normally a massive annoyance to me and I only noticed the one. Did you catch more than one?
They were variants rather than straight cribs, but they played on the Spoiler
"if it bleeds we can kill it" thing, the "mother of god" and "ain't no way for no soldier to die" upon finding the skinned bodies thing, "Demon!" was shouted with the same inflection as whatever Mac shouts before he unloads with the mini gun (in both cases after seeing the eye flash) and also Anna's "sometimes worse, sometimes much, much worse" bit was obliquely referenced by Sied.
I must stress though, that it really was a minor quibble. Overall I thought it was grand.
Ah - none of that bothered me as it wasn't a straight rip. It was changed subtly enough to not be intrusive and fit within the scenes, rather than the scene around the homage. I can't stand forced re-used dialogue - looking at your AvPs and Predators!
Out of all the directors I think for Predator: 1718, my choice would be Stephen Hopkins comming back to direct it Because he made a great film in Predator 2 and Predator 2 leads off to Predator 1718. Stephen Hopkins just seems like the perfect guy to come back and direct it. He has a Jamaica background to him to and the characters in the suppose script are said to be pirates from Africa sailing along Bermuda. If anyone read the dark horse comic adaptation of this potential movie like I have, you would understand why it would be awsome. Just an amazing storyline. Fox should of did this movie back in the late 90's but seeing it today will be just as awsome I think with great Cgi in places when needed. I honestly would like to know were Shane Black is continuing off. I read that it's a sequel to Predator but right before Predator 2. Hope to hear more news soon it's been awhile.
Never really had any problems with the dialogue, myself.
Here's an interview with director James Bushe: http://www.killerhorrorcastfromouterspace.com/features/exclusive-interview-with-james-bushe-director-of-predator-dark-ages
He says he got another £7K from a private investor in addition to the £5K from the kickstarter and the cast and crew worked for free. The film was shot in a place called Newbury outside of London.
Nice fan work. A properly edited, well played little peace of fan art we have now from the dark ages.
Quote from: Darkness on May 26, 2015, 05:58:19 PM
He says he got another £7K from a private investor in addition to the £5K from the kickstarter and the cast and crew worked for free. The film was shot in a place called Newbury outside of London.
I thought he said it was another £10k at the Q&A. They also commented on the woods being private land at the premier. I thought Simon did a pretty nice job making that English countryside look more threatening.
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Well acted. Both the predator and the crusaders were true to their warrior code. Thanks to all involved.
I really liked that ending. It was quite refreshing and very much in-line with the whole honor/respect aspect a lot of Predator fans love.
It was different sure but I don't think a Predator would ever just surrender over somebody holding a blade to their throat.
I think it's more down to the honour aspect that a lot of people attribute to the Predators. It was a case of "fair play, you out did me there". Which I think works.
Eleven minutes in and I can definitely say... THIS is a Predator.. THIS is how you do a Predator movie.
Quote from: RakaiThwei on May 27, 2015, 03:09:23 PM
Eleven minutes in and I can definitely say... THIS is a Predator.. THIS is how you do a Predator movie.
I was waiting to see your opinion. Glad you like it.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 27, 2015, 03:11:04 PM
I was waiting to see your opinion. Glad you like it.
Like it? I don't like this movie... I
LOVE IT!!!
Even had a librarian come up to me to keep me hushed when I shouted when that one Templar had been eviscerated and his spinal column torn out!
I ACCEPT THIS MOVIE AS 100% CANON!!
Good film, if the official trailer was shown on kick starter and not the teaser I would have contributed, but seeing the teaser left me unconvinced, I'm saying this because it was a good film, and the director should do another one in fact he should get working on one straight away I believe it'll meet or overpass its goal of say $20,000 which it will then there's nothing to lose, a different setting and era would be logical as so dark ages stays unique. Dark ages has good dialog too, the only thing off I felt was the predators cannon firing, the sound on that effect sounded unrealistic, anyway I'm glad it was made considering kick starter only really funded a trailer and we haven't had a new predator film for years.
very nice addition to the series.
Yes, this is how a fan film should be. Although I'd say the scope was ambitious, it payed off. My god. I really hope this guy makes more movies.
Here's what I got from it:
The Predator of this film is leaving the planet because of our primitive nature. We pose no serious challenge, therefore we are not ready to be hunted. Zaeed's honor convinced the Predator to back off, refraining from killing a surrendered foe and sparing both of their lives.
loved it :)
Wonderful work! More films need to be made in this fashion!!! Many fans are waiting....
The script has been sent out to the backers. Haven't read it yet.
It was largely the same. The Predator had some dialogue but James spoke to me at the weekend about that. They dropped the Predator dialogue which would have been recorded and replayed like in the films because they couldn't get it to sound right. The fight was also different - much shorter. Worked out far better in the finished piece.
That's a shame. It would have explained why the voice graphics were on the vision mode.
I'm excited that Shane Black will direct the next installment. But I think the suppose release date is too far from now. Shane is a busy man now having like 4 films on his slate now. If I were Fox I think I would find someone else to make the movie now. I'm happy Shane is directing but he's so busy now. I want Fox to come out with the movie sooner for the fans. I know 2017 will be the 30th anniversary of the franchise but that also might be the soonest we'll see it. Do you guys feel the same way should Fox find someone else to direct it that's ready to direct it now instead of waiting for Shane Black to finish up all his projects at once genes making it along time before we see the film.
Genuinely really impressed by the scope of this film. Must have taken an awful amount of work to pull off with the period setting and all. And for a fan film too - (which for copyright reasons can obviously never be for any commercial use) really comes across like a labour of love. So much so that I was more than able to overlook the (admittedly relatively large list of) problems with it.
Music: Fantastic. Extremely good tribute. Official soundtrack to be available?
Cinematography: Looked excellent. That's what really sold this. It looked wonderfully cinematic.
Acting: Hit-and-miss. Good in some parts, but not in others (mainly in line delivery). This, unfortunately, made it feel more like a direct-to-DVD thing, rather than completely professional.
Predator: Great costume, but suffered from the period of time! Surely, it should have been a less advanced, primal-looking Predator? I was expecting to see homeages to the elder from the second movie: Alien-looking sword instead of wrist-blades (which would have suited taking on its historical opponents) and laser on the gun, itself. Instead, it was modern. The actual workmanship which went into creating the suit was great. Didn't quite buy the sword fight at the end, mind you... Felt too human. Should have had a noticeably different combat technique - more brutal. Also thought that it was revealed too early.
Continuity: A few strange moments. The above weirdness of a modern Predator in ancient times, for instance and the Middle Eastern character saying they had noticed it bleed, even though we saw no neon green (including after arrow penetration).
Writing: Relatively well done. Could have done with some improvements and more historical research, but it did the job. Would have benefitted from things like extra dialogue for the small group of heroes to show what kind of adventures/experiences they've had, because there wasn't much characterisation for them and they came off feeling a bit too 'red shirt'-like. They were like Dutch's team, but without any of the stuff which made you feel much for them.
So, definitely one of the better efforts out there, but could have benefitted from some extra scripting and better directing. Not sure if that was because of the shooting schedule, of course.
Quote from: Xenomorphine on May 31, 2015, 12:03:31 AM
Music: Fantastic. Extremely good tribute. Official soundtrack to be available?
Cinematography: Looked excellent. That's what really sold this. It looked wonderfully cinematic.
Acting: Hit-and-miss. Good in some parts, but not in others (mainly in line delivery). This, unfortunately, made it feel more like a direct-to-DVD thing, rather than completely professional.
Predator: Great costume, but suffered from the period of time! Surely, it should have been a less advanced, primal-looking Predator? I was expecting to see homeages to the elder from the second movie: Alien-looking sword instead of wrist-blades (which would have suited taking on its historical opponents) and laser on the gun, itself. Instead, it was modern. The actual workmanship which went into creating the suit was great. Didn't quite buy the sword fight at the end, mind you... Felt too human. Should have had a noticeably different combat technique - more brutal. Also thought that it was revealed too early.
Continuity: A few strange moments. The above weirdness of a modern Predator in ancient times, for instance and the Middle Eastern character saying they had noticed it bleed, even though we saw no neon green (including after arrow penetration).
Writing: Relatively well done. Could have done with some improvements and more historical research, but it did the job. Would have benefitted from things like extra dialogue for the small group of heroes to show what kind of adventures/experiences they've had, because there wasn't much characterisation for them and they came off feeling a bit too 'red shirt'-like. They were like Dutch's team, but without any of the stuff which made you feel much for them.
So, definitely one of the better efforts out there, but could have benefitted from some extra scripting and better directing. Not sure if that was because of the shooting schedule, of course.
1. The sword was a trophy from a previous kill.
2. I thought historical accuracy was spot-on. What did you find off?
Quote from: Xenomorphine on May 31, 2015, 12:03:31 AM
Music: Fantastic. Extremely good tribute. Official soundtrack to be available?
For backers, yes.
QuotePredator: Great costume, but suffered from the period of time! Surely, it should have been a less advanced, primal-looking Predator? I was expecting to see homeages to the elder from the second movie: Alien-looking sword instead of wrist-blades (which would have suited taking on its historical opponents) and laser on the gun, itself. Instead, it was modern. The actual workmanship which went into creating the suit was great. Didn't quite buy the sword fight at the end, mind you... Felt too human. Should have had a noticeably different combat technique - more brutal. Also thought that it was revealed too early.
I feel this is a little unfair as the suit wasn't built for the film. It was an existing suit from a cosplayer. And besides, we've seen "ancient" Predators before and they didn't look particularly different either. And like Gates said, the sword was a trophy from a previous hunt. Not a Predator sword.
Don't think the Predator was revealed too early - it was a short film. I found the pacing of the film pretty perfect for the length of the film. Had no issues with how the story played out. At all.
QuoteContinuity: A few strange moments. The above weirdness of a modern Predator in ancient times, for instance and the Middle Eastern character saying they had noticed it bleed, even though we saw no neon green (including after arrow penetration).
Fair point. We don't see it bleed here. However, his whole reason for being involved in the film was because he'd had experience in Jerusalem. It probably occurred there. It could have been made a little clearer but that's what I took from that.
I mostly enjoyed it, but it was definitely a little clumsy in places. It's a pity, another editing pass could have ironed out 90% of the problems, in my opinion.
Quote from: Uncanny Antman on Jun 03, 2015, 03:44:36 AM
I mostly enjoyed it, but it was definitely a little clumsy is places. It's a pity, another editing pass could have ironed out 90% of the problems, in my opinion.
Such as? All feedback helps these guys.
First thing that springs to mind is some of the sound effects work, such as the Predator walking. Rather than doing foley, they seem to have used the same single-step sound effect used over and over, which makes it sound unnatural.
Also, the "limitations" of the suit could be edited around a little more. One shot of the Predator looking like a guy stepping carefully can undo all the good work that came before it. While I think of it (not en editing thing) it would have been cool if the Predator had been shot to fake a greater height compared to the humans. Not a big deal, just a thought. :)
Great job. I really enjoyed it. Raises the bar for fan films.
You're not wrong, ADC! I really look forward to seeing how the quality of our fanfilms increase after this.
Wow, this film was a great work, I knew it was gonna be good but WOW. It's refreshing to see a new take on the iconic Predator story rather than having it set in a modern urban setting, but in a medieval one (like in many of the Dark Horse comics). I also like how at the end...
Spoiler
the Predator didn't die, for some reason I really respect this one.
It was certainly refreshing! I enjoyed that too. :)
I loved it, but it did make me wonder if there's an inherent problem with future Predator films. What do you do with a Predator aside from have him hunt folk? One idea postulated on this forum by "worldpeace" I think (I'm not sure he posts here anymore) was to have the Predator being the one hunted (his ship crashes in somehwereistan and a Black Ops team goes in to get him which turns the thing on its head.
But in and of itself, Dark Ages was a triumph – I really really enjoyed it and more was impressed by the quality on so little money. A top
I think it's more the setting that you put the Predator in that can make it interesting. What timezone, etc.
Quote from: Russ on Jun 11, 2015, 02:50:06 PM
I loved it, but it did make me wonder if there's an inherent problem with future Predator films. What do you do with a Predator aside from have him hunt folk? One idea postulated on this forum by "worldpeace" I think (I'm not sure he posts here anymore) was to have the Predator being the one hunted (his ship crashes in somehwereistan and a Black Ops team goes in to get him which turns the thing on its head.
That's actually a pretty neat idea, Predator: Concrete Jungle (video game) follows on that idea somewhat and it did rather well.
http://www.avpgalaxy.net/2015/06/17/avpgalaxy-interviews-james-bushe-simon-rowling-predator-dark-ages/
I've just uploaded our interview with James and Simon, the guys behind Dark Ages.
For those of you who pledged enough for the Blu-ray of the film, the survey for addresses went out last night. :)
They did a top job on that film, though it was ace.
Nice poddy, Hickster
I gotta say I wasn't overly impressed by this fan film, I mean obviously aspects I liked but on a whole I didn't think it was much better than some other fan films. First off I do want to say the special effects were fantastic I really couldn't fault that aspect the cloaking was as good as the originals effects and the head blowing up was really well done. The acting was decent particularly like Brother Richard and at least unlike Predators the characters were developed somewhat and the directing was good. The problem I had was story, now I like the concept and the initial build up but when we get to the Predator I think it fell a little flat. To me it seems that some aspects of the hunter were completely ignored this primarily stood out to me where it kills one of the soldiers and uncloaks itself in front of the two witnesses. This to me was a little strange as the Predator creature has always liked to track its prey, observing them at a distance before taking them out one by one when it is hunting alone. I mean granted City Hunter does take on multiple gang members simultaneously but he only uncloaks to deal with the final gang member which is the Predator allowing its prey an honourable death. It rarely bothers uncloaking before prey if it is confronted by many adversaries (I'm ignoring the comics and xenomorph encounters).
The end was a little bit strange though I like that the Predator remained alive for once but the whole Sied sneaking up on it to then surrender. I mean I get it I understand the Predator in Dark Ages is supposed to respect Sied doing what he does but as soon as he snuck up on the Predator with a blade drawn he would have signed his death certificate. I'm going to use Poncho as an example here as he barely engages the creature at all throughout the original movie the only time really being when they all destroy the jungle following Blaine's death but after that he doesn't get much of a chance to fight it but it still kills him as he is brandishing a gun and has been seen using it. The only person the Predator willingly spares is Anna as she doesn't brandish a weapon and though she carries one and intends to fire she is stopped from doing so thus she doesn't use a weapon but what Sied does is issue a threat to a Predator by putting his knife to its throat. As soon as he puts the knife away the Predator is going to kill him. Sure it will respect his actions but all that will do is give the Predator a reason to take a trophy opposed to skinning him and that's if the Predator allows him to get far enough to put his weapon away, it would then finish off the templar.
Ultimately I view this fan film as I view most other fan films and Predators (which lets face it is a glorified fan film) it is a rehash of the original wanting to be the same thing and tweaking a few elements to differ it, other than that its pretty good but I'm waiting for a Predator film that can take the franchise in a new direction, expanding the mythos and retaining the base elements. I don't want to keep having to sit through some heroic figure who is obviously a wannabe Dutch fight against the Predator that's why I actually liked Predator 2 it was different and perhaps not quite the right thing to do completely but at least it was a different set up to a group of soldiers are hunted in a jungle or forest and killed with someone somehow surviving. The only good thing about this fan film is they didn't kill the Predator.
https://www.facebook.com/PredDarkAges/photos/a.483719518425009.1073741828.483498921780402/717268228403469/?type=1
QuoteSo guys exciting news. Seems Predator Dark Ages has been nominated for Best Fan Film at the London Short Film Awards next year. To gain votes we need you guys to either post #BestFanmadeShortPredatorDarkAges or you can like and share this post. Thanks for all your support!
Why 30 mins not 2hrs 30mins ????
Budget. They barely had enough to do a short film.
That said, I imagine if they did another campaign it's go better as we've seen what they can do now.
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QuoteWow, how time flies !
This weekend marks exactly 12 months since we started filming Predator: Dark Ages.
Here I am between scenes with the man most responsible, writer and director James Bush
Watched it but was too lazy to post until now.
Basically, I'm impressed, very professional-looking, and I like how the sound samples from AvP2 were used.
The 1st encounter with the Predator felt quite clumsy, but like how this was fixed in the final battle between Thomas and the Predator. One thing that I rarely seen movie directors ever do was making the Predators agile and with fast reflexes.
Overall, loved it. :) I hope to see more from you guys !
I'm quite hopeful they'll do more too. Was really impressed with this and I'd like to think since we've all seen how well they can make films, another Kickstarter would do better but I'm not too sure.
Just watched this. Overall very impressed. Some of the acting was a bit clunky and I wish it had been longer but otherwise I really liked it. The suit is fantastic and I loved the whole medieval setting. I'd certainly contribute if they were to make another.
QuoteGreat news! Predator Dark Ages has won 'best fan film' at the
Tri-Cities International Film Festival this month. Huge congratulations to the cast, crew and everyone who helped us in getting our short film made.
http://www.trifi.org/
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Great news. It was very well deserved.
Wayched it recentaly thought it wold be those cheap boring fan films,this however was great ,lot of money was put into it this movie deserves a reward.
Hadn't had a chance to watch this one yet.
They did a really good job. It's a shame they weren't able to get the money to do the full thing.
I'm hoping we'll see them do another one eventually. I know they were talking about it but not sure after that.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 15, 2016, 08:48:47 AM
I'm hoping we'll see them do another one eventually. I know they were talking about it but not sure after that.
Same here.
Just watched this. It is awesome!!! Totally a part of my Predator canon now. Wish it was on DVD.
It's a shame you missed out on the Kickstarter. One of the rewards for pledging was a copy of the DVD or Blu-ray.
Yeah, I always miss out on Kickstarter. Cuz they don't take paypal.
Is there a place where I can download this movie?
You can use KeepVid to download it off YouTube.
I know I'm a little late to the party, but I just watched this the other day and was pleasantly surprised. It was very well made and it didn't even seem like a fan film, more like a short feature film.
I just watched it today and it was a treat!
I loved the Saracen calling the Predator a Jinn.
Seeing a Templar duel a Yautja, I am a major Crusader History Buff, so it was like having two worlds I love collide.
The cast, acting, and effects was top notch. I really wish this could be made into a feature length film with a good size budget.