EDIT: Workprint at page 10.
The movie is not finished yet, but I have managed to make three TEASER trailers with what I have so far.
--
In the depths of the Epsillon Reticuli star system, the crew of the commercial starship USCSS "Dreadnaught" awaken to find themselves on course for a mysteriously abandoned asteroid mining base. There they find the wreckage of a Colonial Marine starship, the USS "Sulaco". Upon investigating the crash site, they discover something absolutely horrifying. An alien parasite that stows away on their starship and hunts them down, one by one. Get ready to return to the place where no one can hear you scream!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKJpzP_xTFI# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKJpzP_xTFI#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZBXFfPU64U# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZBXFfPU64U#)
--
This is not a remake of the first movie, it is actually a sequel that takes place just after the third film, but with a new crew of characters. However, I'm giving the space marine stuff a break and going back to civilians on a commercial ship, being hunted by a singular alien.
I have released some footage of one complete scene, but I can't show publicly. PM me if you want to see it. ;)
Looks and sounds interesting. I'll give it a watch when you release it.
Looks good. Already in for the long haul, can't wait to see this. Already a fan of your artwork, so I'm definitely seeing this.
I'm definately interested in seeing this. :)
I'm regularly not interested in fan fiction/films, but this just looks so wonderfully 70's, and the design looks bang-on in line with the Alien aesthetic. I like all of the model stuff, too.
Keeping an eye on this one for sure.
Thank you all very much!
So far things are going slow, and I've yet to find the four volunteer actors needed for the parts. But... for now, I guess I'll keep up with set construction and special effects in the meantime.
BTW, I have some behind the scenes "updates" videos I posted on youtube, which I don't think are getting much attention. Do you mind if I post them here? They basically show how I constructed the models, sets, computer mainframes, effects, etc.
I'd be interested in seeing those. Post away :)
Enjoy... :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDqC1SDPkxo# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDqC1SDPkxo#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBWCOSLFajc# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBWCOSLFajc#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7EbvNK-SyY# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7EbvNK-SyY#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icO_Kf5VRzQ# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icO_Kf5VRzQ#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q0sqqN9H1w# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q0sqqN9H1w#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgaEuaNYt5w# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgaEuaNYt5w#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5Nl7W88yz8# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5Nl7W88yz8#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aWokSSuQ8I# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aWokSSuQ8I#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w11_XHXDBto# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w11_XHXDBto#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-GNRs5ecb0# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-GNRs5ecb0#)
This one isn't technically a part of the project, but more of a practice vid for sound-mixing, to get used to the process when the sound-editing part of post-production comes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaFfAzKhoyI# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaFfAzKhoyI#)
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Jun 25, 2012, 09:00:43 AM
I'm regularly not interested in fan fiction/films, but this just looks so wonderfully 70's, and the design looks bang-on in line with the Alien aesthetic. I like all of the model stuff, too.
Keeping an eye on this one for sure.
Yea, I'm not really fond of fan fiction/films but this definately looks like an exception.
I like the attention to detail in those models.
Good golly I'm impressed.
Would it be possible to do a tutorial on how you put your models together? Even something basic to give an idea of the process?
Finally got a chance to watch the BTS stuff, and it looks excellent! You're definitely putting a ton of hard work into this project, and it really shows.
I would also love to see a little tutorial, if possible. The models look amazing, and I'd love to see how they came together.
Keep up the great work, I can't wait for the finished product!
SiL and Nightmare Asylum, thanks. And sure, I'd be happy to do a quick tutorial. At six o'clock, when my battery charges up, I'll go out and film it for you guys. ;)
Thank you very much! I really love your designs, and would love to see how you accomplished them. Maybe someday I'll try giving something similar a go myself :)
So have you done much filming yet, or was the stuff in the first post shot solely for the trailer?
I just finished watching all of these vids. And It all looks amazing. Awe inspiring stuff right there.
I have a question about this tutorial you are planning on doing. Will it show how a concept goes from an idea, to the drawing board, then on to being made? Because I was wondering how exactly you do these models. When you draw them up, do you already have an idea in your head on how exactly you will go into constructing the thing afterwards, or do you just say "well this part of the drawing looks like a bottle, so I'll go ahead and use a bottle for this section when I build it." ?
Nightmare Asylum, no problem. As a matter of fact, I already finished about two scenes already, with only my character Ferrin, as I still don't have other actors or an Alien suit yet. Plus various special effects shots... lost count regarding those. :D
As I mentioned earlier, I did put together one of the 'somewhat' finished scenes for a demonstration, but you'll have to PM me to see it.
ShadowPred, thanks. Well, I was actually going to do both showing how I built the models from the concept art, then show an example of how they were built with additions of all the details. And, yes, it goes pretty much how you said at the bottom there. If something fits the shape of what I'm constructing, I'll use it and build over it. Taarna was done similarly, except that had a longer progess of accumulating pieces to form the basic shape, and whatnot. No worries, I'll try and do a more in-depth description in the vid to answer your question. :)
Awesome. Love the fact that you are going out of your way to address specific questions in this future videos.
It's the least I could do for you after all this amazing support. ;)
--
Oh yes, I forgot these!
I either forgot or was too lazy to upload these at the time, so now that I have a good reason to show them, I went ahead and uploaded to YT this morning. There's a couple more too, but they're still processing ATM.
Note, some are out of order. One of them that are still processing actually came before the 'Fall of Taarna' one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC7yfb_NknI# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC7yfb_NknI#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy7jOxDi3PU# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy7jOxDi3PU#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kwm_kgX-Fk# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kwm_kgX-Fk#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpOC-AQVdzE# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpOC-AQVdzE#)
Noo, what happened to the Taarna? Had you finished filming in it?
Quote from: SiL on Jun 27, 2012, 10:50:06 PM
Noo, what happened to the Taarna? Had you finished filming in it?
Well...
Ameturishly-built frame + heavy set-dressing + lack of exterior support + high winds = extreme hard-hat area. ;)
But I was willing to take the risk with this set only because I'd be the only person to ever step foot on it.
Yeah, I filmed 'most' of what I needed on it... if I need any more stuff I'll just slap together a similar one, and use close-ups instead of wide and detailed shots. No cheesy cutting and shaking and zooming, I promise. Just normal close-ups as if Taarna was still there. I like my allusions to flow smoothly...
I gotta say, just watching all this behind the scenes stuff; I'm jelly. I'm all jelly.
Damn you mother nature!!!
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jun 27, 2012, 11:06:04 PM
Damn you mother nature!!!
Nature be a harsh mistress. Especially with gravity and heat.
I remember a plastic piece I wanted to use as a stock for the 'riot-control rifle' prop... I left it outside on the porch to remind me to use it. Next day at about six I discover the sun had melted it beyond use. Turns out it was made of that horrid cheap plastic you'd find on a typical McDonalds toy... >:(
More great stuff. I hope the new shots in the Taarna end up working out alright.
Quote from: Stingray on Jun 27, 2012, 11:22:14 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jun 27, 2012, 11:06:04 PM
Damn you mother nature!!!
Nature be a harsh mistress. Especially with gravity and heat.
I remember a plastic piece I wanted to use as a stock for the 'riot-control rifle' prop... I left it outside on the porch to remind me to use it. Next day at about six I discover the sun had melted it beyond use. Turns out it was made of that horrid cheap plastic you'd find on a typical McDonalds toy... >:(
Any chance that melted plastic could be used as a prop?
NA, Thanks, me too. ;)
Shadow, afraid not, hence "beyond use." So I had a crybaby temper tantrum and smashed it to bits on a cinder block. :D
Whatever. I probably don't need a stock on the prop anyway, given how close-quarters everything is.
--
Okay, I just got back from filming the tutorials, but I must log off for the night, so they won't be uploaded until tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, the other vids finished processing, so here those are for now.
Good night!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFTetGhWWpE# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFTetGhWWpE#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyW0sKQdfCg# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyW0sKQdfCg#)
I gotta say I wouldn't even care if the short film gets completed so long as I get to keep looking at the pretty model spaceships. They're just that cool.
I can't love this enough.
Ha, I never thought garbage spaceships would be that appealing to others. :laugh:
Thanks guys. Four hours until Part 1 of the tutorial is uploaded.
Quote from: Stingray on Jun 28, 2012, 08:30:06 PM
Ha, I never thought garbage spaceships would be that appealing to others. :laugh:
Thanks guys. Four hours until Part 1 of the tutorial is uploaded.
Best spaceship's I've seen in a long while. None of that Sleek Design bullshit.
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti4m_xMnLsQ# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti4m_xMnLsQ#)
Part 2 coming tomorrow. This took literally all day to upload, haha.
Plus here's some photos of the costumes:
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg812.imageshack.us%2Fimg812%2F1552%2Fdsci0244l.jpg&hash=cbf9571ea0c863bea59f21809a99de5bc7af1608)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg171.imageshack.us%2Fimg171%2F4251%2Fdsci0248g.jpg&hash=dc82ff411ca9a110a7f0cce2acbfd78f44825554)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg7.imageshack.us%2Fimg7%2F6244%2Fdsci0249h.jpg&hash=8552354a084840c61f71a1fb4e256153c3c4cdbc)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg811.imageshack.us%2Fimg811%2F9015%2Fdsci0250o.jpg&hash=e79f1cc117f66a8588e398c4173d5769b60f54e4)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picamatic.com%2Fshow%2F2012%2F06%2F29%2F01%2F39%2F8485374_3264x2448.JPG&hash=d3d46ec2f873d7bafd90f4ab83591140a482df2b)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg403.imageshack.us%2Fimg403%2F2027%2Fferrin2copy.jpg&hash=4ca92bd849d8914856d4e7ad06622ff6dada2c59)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picamatic.com%2Fshow%2F2012%2F06%2F29%2F01%2F34%2F8485373_1000x750.JPG&hash=c00f01e2f06eb0c7f64cc266024e55af6a67640c)
Aw man, I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I can sit through that ;D
Cheers, Stingray!
And finally Part 2. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kmwbmzuhaw# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kmwbmzuhaw#)
Nice! I held out on watching the first part; now gong to watch them back to back.
Cool. Sorry If I mumble or take forever to describe things... I don't have the best social skills. ::)
"Shadow-something.."
YEAH!!!
Thanks for taking the time in filming these videos. Keep up the good work.
And that UFO vid...show it to us!
Excellent videos man! I could tell just looking at your models that you put a ton of effort into them, but seeing how and why you made some of your choices really makes me appreciate them a lot more- really gives a whole new meaning to the old saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" :D
I can't wait to see more of your stuff when it comes out. Your artwork and your actual models show just how talented you are. You really have a future in this stuff, man! Keep up the great work!
Now, out of curiosity, are you going to be designing the Alien and other related concepts for your film? I know in Alien the human stuff (like what you did so far) was designed by Ron Cobb and Chris Foss, while H.R. Giger took care of the Alien related stuff. Do you have ideas/concepts in for the Alien aspect of your film, or are you solely doing the human side?
Thanks for the tutorial video and the extra shots of the models. Cannot say how much I love 'em.
Thanks and no prob! I had fun doing that for you. ;)
Nightmare Asylum, no, I'm afraid not. Early in the project I had very elaborate ideas for the Alien side of things, even to its psyche, but as draft after draft came the less I needed all that. At this point all I really need is an alien costume and a facehugger. I know that may sound rather dull and boring, but I promise it's all in the execution.
Problem is, I don't know where I'd get a cheap Alien costume or facehugger, or how I could afford to make my own.
Maybe someone could let me borrow one? LOL
Hmm, I don't know, exactly. You're very creative, I'm sure you'll come up with some way to bring the Alien to life.
And I'd love to see some of your abandoned Alien concepts on paper, should you ever decide that you feel like drawing them :)
I never really drew any, but I can gladly describe what I had in mind. But first I'll have to jot everything down on notepad, as there are things I've carelessly left unrecorded. ;)
As far as the alien and facehugger, I'm afraid I'm running out of creative room. My filming deadline is dangerously close, and my mother is sick of my junk laying around that are needed for the construction of everything. I have to pick up the pace, and I'm afraid it wont be a simple as putting junk together to make spaceships. It will be a much longer process, which I fear won't happen with this short ammount of time.
I guess it could be called a cry for help, but I need a quick fix. Facehugger might be fixed with modelling clay, if I have enough, but the suit is a huge setback. So, if anyone has one, can I please borrow one? No worries, I'm not the type to mistreat one's valuable property. I'm a collector of memorabilia, so I know how to take care of things. I will even promise its safe return. I just really need this because my life literally hangs in the balance of this project.
I hate sounding like a desperate person with such a bold and notoriously untrustworthy type of a request, especially since you all barely even know me, but I'm afraid I can't help it. :/
I really, REALLY need help now.
--
Photo update!
Since you all like the models so much, I took these special shots for you yesterday. Enjoy! ;)
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/22/8496903_3264x2448.JPG (http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/22/8496903_3264x2448.JPG)
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/22/8496904_3264x2448.JPG (http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/22/8496904_3264x2448.JPG)
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/25/8496905_3264x2448.JPG (http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/25/8496905_3264x2448.JPG)
http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/24/8496906_3264x2448.JPG (http://www.picamatic.com/show/2012/07/04/12/24/8496906_3264x2448.JPG)
Ooh, photos!
I think there's only one person on the site who has an Alien suit, and he lives in the UK :-\
However, considering your knack for amazing DIY stuff, have you seen this dude's suit?
http://membres.multimania.fr/giger/ (http://membres.multimania.fr/giger/)
Even has a step-by-step. I'm guessing stuff like the vacuu-formed dome would be out of your range at the moment, but maybe it'll give you ideas on how to scrap one together yourself in a relatively short amount of time? If your script doesn't call for full-body shots, throw on some black leotards, make some detailing like this guy has, and keep the lighting way, way selective.
Excellent photos man, its awesome seeing everything laid out together.
And yeah, check out the site that SiL posted. Could prove to be helpful :)
Those photos make me cry with pure joy.
This just popped into my mind: Have you considered using miniatures/stop motion for any of your Alien shots. Obviously it wouldn't work for everything, but there might be a few places it could work.
Wow. I think that site has given me somewhat of an idea of what I can do. Thanks.
Miniatures and stop motion seems like a good idea, but I'm not sure how it would look on my camera. I'd have to test it. I can't guarantee fluid motion like in the 1993 Robot Wars, which is what I'm afraid of.
Also, the bridge set is looking great so far. I'm starting to feel like I'm on board something. :D
I'm going to draw a diagram of the seating arrangement. I found that I could save a lot of time and material by adding the galley to the bridge... there was just enough room for a table and chairs in the back area. Great side-access doorway too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVb6JuezK9o# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVb6JuezK9o#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K90I9OjyOUg# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K90I9OjyOUg#)
OMG, I cannot wait to see these sets in the film. The interior space just feels lie it's going to be tight, and I really want to see that in full. Keep the the awesome work Stingray, because I keep getting excited.
These are old updates... the set is almost done now. I'm uploading the last two vids right now. :)
Quote from: Stingray on Aug 01, 2012, 02:39:13 AM
These are old updates... the set is almost done now. I'm uploading the last two vids right now. :)
Regardless of how old these updates are, it's still amazing to look at. And I can't wait to see the final look of the set whenever you are ready to show it to us. I am assuming the last two vids aren't going to be of the final look, right?
If they are....I. WILL. EXPLODE.
Daw thanks. :)
Well, no, not exactly the "final" look, but it is extremely close to being finished. Might take me a while to find the very important details needed to 100% complete it.
Quote from: Stingray on Aug 01, 2012, 02:43:07 AM
Daw thanks. :)
Well, no, not exactly the "final" look, but it is extremely close to being finished. Might take me a while to find the very important details needed to 100% complete it.
Awesome to hear.
Looking nice :)
How's the Alien itself coming along?
Not that great, I'm afraid. I haven't even started yet.
However, I did buy a bike helmet I want to build the head over, so I at least have something to start with. I'll have to "steal" wire materials from our landlord who has such items buried under various junk leftover from 13 years of hoarding. I quotationed that word because he tends on discarding most of the stuff anyway, despite never actually getting around to doing it.
Funny thing... that's how I obtain a lot of my junk. And he's explored my sets with genuine admiration regardless.
Hmm. :-\
Okay, they're finally up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58fJfIFED7I# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58fJfIFED7I#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Id1TEpopOw# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Id1TEpopOw#)
This is the setup for filming special model effects shots:
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive2/_/rsrc/1343245367814/page-two/dreadpic%20%283%29.JPG)
Quote from: Stingray on Aug 02, 2012, 06:44:26 PM
This is the setup for filming special model effects shots:
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive2/_/rsrc/1343245367814/page-two/dreadpic%20%283%29.JPG)
Sweetness.
I now have two enthusiastic actors on the project. One girl who is nervous, but acts well after a third take, and one guy I've known for some years... who I hadn't realized until on set, is much taller than the set itself! :D
They loved the bridge set. It really helped with our practice session. And apparently Brie likes the spinny chairs. :D
Also, both had never seen the original Alien movies. So as our "study session" before the practice, we watched the '79 movie (DC). They really liked it. They really look forward to doing more work on this project.
Quote from: Stingray on Aug 26, 2012, 02:01:44 AM
I now have two enthusiastic actors on the project. One girl who is nervous, but acts well after a third take, and one guy I've known for some years... who I hadn't realized until on set, is much taller than the set itself! :D
They loved the bridge set. It really helped with our practice session. And apparently Brie likes the spinny chairs. :D
Also, both had never seen the original Alien movies. So as our "study session" before the practice, we watched the '79 movie (DC). They really liked it. They really look forward to doing more work on this project.
This sounds f**king good. I still have the utmost excitement for this, so I can't wait to hear more, thanks for the update.
Excellent, man. I'm really glad things are moving forward.
All these new videos and pictures?
Dear God, man, why did you leave me out of it all? :D
Seriously, though, I am SO glad your project is finally moving on!
Holy shit, his last post was August 25th?!
It feels like it's been months!
It does, slow and steady wins the race right?
I guess now's the time for another small update:
I now have three actors on board. Now, say they stay enthused, I just need one more and the cast will be complete!
Blaine seems very dedicated to this project. In fact, he was just over earlier today asking if I had any more lines to give him for practice. He was even asking if he should buy blood capsules and a costume to modify as a crew uniform. I honestly never expected enthusiasm like that. ;D
Also I want to mention something funny that I forgot to mention in the last update...
When we were "studying" the original film, I worried Brie might be frightened away from the project as soon as the chestburster scene came. Instead her reaction was: "Aww, that's kind of cute."
And Blaine's reaction: "I think I lost my appetite..." :D
I've been collecting more junk to slap onto more of the walls, but I'm running out of wire to secure them in place. Oh well, I'll figure something out.
Still no alien suit. Grrr... I'm so lazy.
And, finally, I'm modifying my model of the observation window that overlooks the massive engine room in the ship's lower levels. I should post some pics up soon.
Thanks for the update. Good to hear that things are still going good so far.
;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJjJ5xb-bhQ# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJjJ5xb-bhQ#)
OMG YES!!!
So its coming together. Excellent 8)
How have I only just found out about this? Gah, gonna hafta keep an eye on it.
Count me interested :) Godspeed to you, Stingray :)
Some news:
Brie quit... just as I was 75% done filming her role.
What grand timing. >:(
Ehhh, that's not fun :-\
Is reasting going to be hard?
Quote from: Stingray on Oct 22, 2012, 03:25:24 AM
Some news:
Brie quit... just as I was 75% done filming her role.
What grand timing. >:(
Kill her off in the movie. Make it a suicide that doesn't have to be onscreen.
The above only works if you're able to edit it that way, and depending if the character is expendable.
There must be a way to write yourself/edit around that :P
Spoiler
Have the other characters get to a room where she's supposed to be and they only find torn clothes/blood... ? Maybe put some "off screen" screams etc... Maybe the other characters are talking normally and they suddenly hear her screams through radio link... they run to where she is.. and they find very little... they all get more stressed out etc...
I assume you were filming out of sequence...
I guess you're going to have to use that imagination to get around it, improvise.
Art through adversity right?
Quote from: Stingray on Oct 22, 2012, 03:25:24 AM
Some news:
Brie quit... just as I was 75% done filming her role.
What grand timing. >:(
Dude... that really sucks. Any reason she did it or way you can get her back on board? I'm not saying you should beg, but make a compelling case for her to come back, tell her, in case she doesn't know, how much work you've put into this.
And let's not forget, people, if a character is in something for the majority of a film, you can't just create an off-screen instance of death... especially if the position they're in doesn't call for it. The element shouldn't be removed, it should be replaced.
I guess that could work for him.
I myself have doubts but I guess Stingray won't know till he tries.
Quote from: ShadowPred on Oct 22, 2012, 04:26:13 AM
Kill her off in the movie. Make it a suicide that doesn't have to be onscreen.
It won't work, I still don't have enough of her character. There's two VERY important scenes she's in, not to mention the many optional minors that would've helped story flow. She would just be... gone... before the alien even comes into the picture, then WAY later appear again only to dissappear yet again. Choppy...
And besides, a sudden off-screen death is the cheapest way out of such a situation, and I swore to myself as a film-maker to never go to that level. I personally see using a double more convincing, depending on the execution.
Quote from: Alienseseses on Oct 22, 2012, 06:30:35 PM
I assume you were filming out of sequence...
Well, yeah. Given how complicated everything is, it'd be impossible to do otherwise. Heck, the ending and the vent shaft scenes were my very first shoots in the project because they were the easiest given the lack of materials (and cast!) at the time.
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Oct 22, 2012, 07:33:14 PM
Dude... that really sucks. Any reason she did it or way you can get her back on board? I'm not saying you should beg, but make a compelling case for her to come back, tell her, in case she doesn't know, how much work you've put into this.
Well, keep in mind she and Blaine are/were "sort of" together, and so when I asked him to confirm the news, he explained they were having some problems. Big problems, from the sound of it. *sigh* This is why before casting I promised myself I'd never recruit "couples"... :P
I'll try and convince her back on board when she logs on to Facebook.
A double could work. Didn't they do that with Hick's character in Aliens?
Yep. Well, more accurately, Hicks was to be played by a different actor entirely (James Remar), and scenes of him were filmed. Luckily for Cameron when James Remar got replaced by Michael Biehn, they looked very much alike in the colonial marine costume, so not much re-shooting needed to be done.
And just as I posted the above reply, I just got word from Blaine that Brie is back on board!
:fluttershyyay:
Quote from: Stingray on Oct 23, 2012, 02:52:47 AM
And just as I posted the above reply, I just got word from Blaine that Brie is back on board!
:fluttershyyay:
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.wikia.com%2Fadventuretimewithfinnandjake%2Fimages%2F2%2F20%2FYayFluttershy.gif&hash=2a7500a2af962aa0e97de7fb02f72247328c51ac)
Quote from: Stingray on Oct 23, 2012, 02:52:47 AM
And just as I posted the above reply, I just got word from Blaine that Brie is back on board!
:fluttershyyay:
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_lqpi6nd17b1qg39ewo1_500.gif&hash=d75fdea704377e57885f69fcb32b1a239d3a1b7c)
i have seen many alien fan films here and there, but none of them got close to the claustrophobia that was alien than you by the looks of it, not to mention the return of old school classic "miniature" real sets which is lacking in fan film nowadays, hopefully i can learn a thing or two from your work as I'm also working on my own project :) kudos to you and good luck!
Quote from: Stingray on Oct 23, 2012, 02:52:47 AM
And just as I posted the above reply, I just got word from Blaine that Brie is back on board!
:fluttershyyay:
Good f**king news! f**k yeah!
Don't know if you started making a suit, but this one seems cheap and quick to make, and it's not the worst Alien suit I've seen. A bit of modification and it'd look really good considering the dark, claustrophobic style you've got going.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Alien-Warrior-Costume-from-Alien/ (http://www.instructables.com/id/Alien-Warrior-Costume-from-Alien/)
hey there stingray shadowpred pointed me your way, i'm starting an alien costume build with plans to have it finished by august/september ish. heres my build thread
http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=46381.0 (http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=46381.0)
lemme know what you think
Hi! Please see my message! ;)
BTW, guys sorry for the long delay. I got another BTS video on it's way soon.
Hell yeah, more BTS is a good thing!
This is so frustrating. I haven't shot anything in months because no one's coming over anymore. They say they will, yet every week nothing happens. All I can do is just sit an wait while my set rots away in the rainy weather. Makes me want to scrap the whole thing and move on to Battlewings all by myself.
Speaking of which, here's an old model effects test. Please excuse the bad overacting and lack of cockpit set, this is just an effects demonstration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_yWWyihNqA# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_yWWyihNqA#)
Sorry to hear about the Alien Fan Film being horribly delayed, and your sets "rotting." That really sucks...god damn it.
Can't hear anything in the video for some reason, but it's pretty damn exciting.
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jan 13, 2013, 04:52:07 AM
Can't hear anything in the video for some reason, but it's pretty damn exciting.
There's no sound. I couldn't find any sound effects I liked at the time... :-\
Whoops, I thought when you said that you were overacting, that it included audible dialog. Either way...I still think it was awesome. Feels just about right with how you handle the dogfights.
Agh, I'm so sorry to hear about the Alien Reborn situation :-\ I really hope everything starts working out for you and the cast, and I would absolutely love to see you efforts pay off. Everything you have posted, be it videos of the sets, teaser trailers, or concept artwork, has been outstanding.
And that effects test, that was really cool man.
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jan 13, 2013, 04:59:29 AM
Whoops, I thought when you said that you were overacting, that it included audible dialog. Either way...I still think it was awesome. Feels just about right with how you handle the dogfights.
Thanks!
I'm planning on making another effects test tonight, but in a different aspect ratio (and better attention to "flaws", like my hand being visible a few times in the laser effects, and the picture distortions).
Turns out my camera can shoot widescreen 16:9. I wish I'd known that when shooting Alien Reborn... oh well.
--
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 13, 2013, 05:04:30 AM
Agh, I'm so sorry to hear about the Alien Reborn situation :-\ I really hope everything starts working out for you and the cast, and I would absolutely love to see you efforts pay off. Everything you have posted, be it videos of the sets, teaser trailers, or concept artwork, has been outstanding.
And that effects test, that was really cool man.
THanks. Yeah, I really want to keep going. I've made it this far...
Could you rework the footage you've got for Alien: Reborn into an original project?
Luckily, yes, there's many pieces that can be recycled for something else.
Quote from: Stingray on Jan 13, 2013, 11:29:17 PM
Luckily, yes, there's many pieces that can be recycled for something else.
So glad to hear this.
Thought I'd share this, it's from the last session a while back.
No worries, he got it eventually. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VbDlKLy7R4# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VbDlKLy7R4#)
Heh, funny :D
And on a side note, the costumes look excellent.
Amazing. More BTS!
Holy shit. Either I've not really seen this thread before or it's slipped my mind but f**k me, that set and the costumes look amazing!! Is this a remake of Alien?
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 19, 2013, 02:31:03 PM
Is this a remake of Alien?
If I remember correctly, this is supposed to be set after
Alien³.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 19, 2013, 02:31:03 PM
Holy shit. Either I've not really seen this thread before or it's slipped my mind but f**k me, that set and the costumes look amazing!! Is this a remake of Alien?
Thanks!
Actually, in this film we find the crash site of the Sulaco after it had been left adrift in Alien³, so technically it takes place very shortly after those events. The only retreading of the '79 film is the style (look of the sets, models, costumes, props, etc.) and the formula of a commercial crew being hunted by a single Alien on their ship. Not to mention
how it gets on board. ;)
Stingray, out of curiosity, are you going to show off an alien planet in your film? Be it LV-426 or a planet of your own invention?
If it spoils anything that you don't wish to share, then just feel free to ignore my question :)
There won't be a specific planet we visit, but there is an asteroid mining colony we dock at to deliver the ore refinery we're towing from Earth. It's a rather massive asteroid (think Lutetia), probably in proximity to an off-screen planet, and it's located in the Epsilon Reticuli binary star system.
The mining base is mysteriously abandoned, but since we decide to continue the job at hand anyway, we come to discover the crash site of the Sulaco not far from it, and we go investigate.
This is the rock I'm using for the asteroid (note I would've much rather used a volcanic type of rock, but I couldn't find one this big):
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636880829/page-two/DSCI0079.JPG)
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636943700/page-two/DSCI0079%20-%20Copy.JPG)
1.) Refinery wells and complex are stationed here. This is where we hook-up and dock the ore refinery itself to the base.
2.) Proposed location of the crashed Sulaco.
3.) The rest of the mining base and colony complex should take up this center area of the asteroid. There will probably be other misc. industrial "things" scattered about the rock, but these are the three key points worth mentioning.
In the below photos is a close-up of the Refinery station (note the six horizontal ports and vertical wells where the refinery hooks up), and the rear of the refinery itself with the six nodes that hook up to the rest of the complex:
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636970817/page-two/DSCI0090.JPG)
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636992662/page-two/DSCI0089.JPG)
Quote from: Stingray on Jan 18, 2013, 08:42:23 PM
Thought I'd share this, it's from the last session a while back.
No worries, he got it eventually. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VbDlKLy7R4# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VbDlKLy7R4#)
That set is an incredible piece of work!
Love the outtakes, I liked when the other actors intervened and tried to get more emotion out of him. "
Oh shit. Fire, duuude, f**k!" :laugh:
Great video man. Had me rollin' at the end. :laugh:
Quote from: Stingray on Jan 19, 2013, 11:17:09 PM
There won't be a specific planet we visit, but there is an asteroid mining colony we dock at to deliver the ore refinery we're towing from Earth. It's a rather massive asteroid (think Lutetia), probably in proximity to an off-screen planet, and it's located in the Epsilon Reticuli binary star system.
The mining base is mysteriously abandoned, but since we decide to continue the job at hand anyway, we come to discover the crash site of the Sulaco not far from it, and we go investigate.
This is the rock I'm using for the asteroid (note I would've much rather used a volcanic type of rock, but I couldn't find one this big):
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636880829/page-two/DSCI0079.JPG)
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636943700/page-two/DSCI0079%20-%20Copy.JPG)
1.) Refinery wells and complex are stationed here. This is where we hook-up and dock the ore refinery itself to the base.
2.) Proposed location of the crashed Sulaco.
3.) The rest of the mining base and colony complex should take up this center area of the asteroid. There will probably be other misc. industrial "things" scattered about the rock, but these are the three key points worth mentioning.
In the below photos is a close-up of the Refinery station (note the six horizontal ports and vertical wells where the refinery hooks up), and the rear of the refinery itself with the six nodes that hook up to the rest of the complex:
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636970817/page-two/DSCI0090.JPG)
(https://sites.google.com/site/stingraysphotoarchive3/_/rsrc/1358636992662/page-two/DSCI0089.JPG)
That looks excellent, man. Can't wait to see it on film.
Those miniatures look great too.
You HAVE to come on the podcast at some point to talk about this.
ALIEN REBORN is hereby CANCELLED.
Thanks for all the wonderful support, but it's about time I leave this huge heartbreak behind. No one on the project ever talks to me to tell me if they'll be available to do filming or not and have left me hanging for WAY too many months. What, almost a year now?
F*ck it. I'm done.
Sorry everyone.
I'm terribly sorry to hear this. No need to apologize to us, though. It's you who needs the apology.
I just hope this doesn't put you off any future projects you may be thinking of doing.
This is very sad to hear. This project was 10 times more interesting than that Robo Cop remake.
It's your choice and we'll respect it. No need to apologize too.
On the bright side all those miniatures and concept art pieces and such are great accomplishments in their own right.
I may be overracting by shouting CANCELLED everywhere, but I'm damn sick of their attitudes. Brie even dyed her hair purple, not even thinking of the continuity issues it'd cause. What's worse is I thought I was friends with these people... we were having a blast! Now this? >:(
This was going to be my big break. My first worthwhile accomplishment in my whole life. Why can't I ever finish anything? Is there some kind of higher force at work here?!
/end rant
Looks like Battlewings will have to be rewritten to be something I can do all by myself. Action figures with model effects like a Gerry Anderson homage? My Little Ponies in space? Who knows.
Right now... I'm just going to keep up with writing my Yakovlev book.
Quote from: Stingray on Jan 27, 2013, 12:09:08 AM
I may be overracting by shouting CANCELLED everywhere, but I'm damn sick of their attitudes. Brie even dyed her hair purple, not even thinking of the continuity issues it'd cause. What's worse is I thought I was friends with these people... we were having a blast! Now this? >:(
That's the risky thing right there. It's all fine to be friends making a movie when things re easy, but when the demands actually start mounting, when there's a sense that this is work, people start to lose interest, and stop having fun. That's why, as hard as it is, it's better to be a boss and a leader than it is to be a 'friend' on these kind of projects.
As far as never getting anything completed I can relate. It's a struggle, and I've only ever had modest success myself. Things never quite seem to be what I'd want them to be. Thought it has become more of an encouragement to me to simply try harder and harder. Don't let life, or stupid people, best you at your own game.
Terribly sorry to hear things have gone this way on this project. It looked to be full of promise. The one thing you can take away from it without a doubt, is that you do indeed have a creative mind, and
talent.
Any way to simply recast?
Hair can be dealt with by wigs, hats or even introducing a spontaneous head injury to require bandages.
Really sorry to hear this, man; I was looking forward to this more than I've ever anticipated any fan project before, but I completely respect your direction.
Your artwork, models, and sets are absolutely amazing; don't give up on this stuff, you definitely have a future. For your next project (or this one, if you decide to revisit it), would it perhaps be better to work with people you don't know as well? Perhaps people seriously trying to get into acting?
This is f**king heartbreaking to hear. Well, regardless of what has transpired, and what will transpire in the future...my support is still the same as it was at the beginning of this thread.
Well I came up with a way to at least save Battlewings and successfully rewrote it to something I can actually do by myself in a short amount of time.
Trouble is, almost all reference to Alien Reborn and the Alien franchise itself is gone from it. All except for the re-use of the miniatures and "style".
So, would you allow me to still post it on this board, preferably in a separate thread?
I'd say continue posting here. Retitle this thread if you wish.
Sorry to hear this project was cancelled...you've done a staggering job nevertheless, with all the models and art. To me, inspirational to say the least.
Yeah, like MrSpaceJockey said, you could continue using this thread, and perhaps just change the name.
Since Alien Reborn won't be happening, I am eagerly awaiting Battlewings (and probably anything else you do in the future). More models and artwork please! ;)
If anything, I can't wait to see more of whatever you want to show us. Stingray, you definitely show that you're talented in various things.
Bring it on.
It started out as an 'Alien'-related project, so, I think it's still relevant. Even if the evolution of it's gone in a very different way.
Turn this into a documentary in a few years time if the film still doesn't get made.
Quote from: Stingray on Feb 03, 2013, 03:01:54 AM
Trouble is, almost all reference to Alien Reborn and the Alien franchise itself is gone from it. All except for the re-use of the miniatures and "style".
Even better. your project just got more original. Will it still be sort of a creature feature?
Imagines "Moon" with an alien monster. :P
Yeah, Stingray, an original film could actually be even better for you. If this thing turns out great, you could even try to make some money off of it and get it out there in the public eye.
I still feel I should make a separate thread for it, because my OCD tells me its best. But I'll still go with your suggestion if you guys think its really necessary.
It won't be a horror picture anymore, and instead will be a sci-fi action thriller of sort. Something along the lines of a Battle Beyond the Stars meets Top Gun type of thing.
Originality... yeah, heh... I probably should've thought of that before connecting it to my other favorite franchise. :-[
And what franchise would that be? :)
Quote from: Stingray on Jan 26, 2013, 11:29:40 PM
ALIEN REBORN is hereby CANCELLED.
Thanks for all the wonderful support, but it's about time I leave this huge heartbreak behind. No one on the project ever talks to me to tell me if they'll be available to do filming or not and have left me hanging for WAY too many months. What, almost a year now?
F*ck it. I'm done.
Sorry everyone.
A lot of us find out the hard way that this sort of thing is inevitable. People have real lives and real commitments and responsibilities that take priority.
I guess I can unlock this bit of nonsense now... (just a bunch of goofing around when we ran out of things to shoot for the day).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPq7pvCxKiY# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPq7pvCxKiY#)
Alright guys, I've come to the conclusion that I overreacted. Big time.
I won't cancel the project, but I can't promise any activity on it for a long time. It's on a very long hiatus.
Maybe someday I'll gather some more junk to build sets again and meet new people who will actually take this seriously.
It's been my dream since I first saw the '79 movie to make my own Alien movie. I won't let stupid things like this get in the way of that...
I really hope to see this move forward some day.
Glad to hear this thing's not dead yet; merely comatose.
Quote from: Stingray on Feb 18, 2013, 02:59:15 AM
Alright guys, I've come to the conclusion that I overreacted. Big time.
I won't cancel the project, but I can't promise any activity on it for a long time. It's on a very long hiatus.
Maybe someday I'll gather some more junk to build sets again and meet new people who will actually take this seriously.
It's been my dream since I first saw the '79 movie to make my own Alien movie. I won't let stupid things like this get in the way of that...
YES!!!!
Opening up the ol' vault...
I'm going to make a series of these pictorials.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPFkx8Stzy0# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPFkx8Stzy0#)
Oh, man that was an awesome vid. Totally looking forward to more of these. Absolutely loved watching it and learning more about the models and such. Great source of "get off your ass and do something" inspiration here.
Thanks! Yep, more to follow. I think two more.
And I feel I should clarify something. In the vid I said the Refinery was salvaged for useful parts when I finished filming with it. Well, I felt this was more dignifying than saying what really happened to it. When I finished filming it, I carefully set my camera down on the soft grass, then kicked the model as hard as I could to make sure it shattered to pieces. It actually broke in four major pieces instead, but still... kaboomboom. Out of everything I crafted for this project, the Refinery was what gave me the most grief. For some reason my lights and camera were just not cooperating the way I wanted to when shooting it. So, fed up with frustration, I gleefully took it out on the model.
BTW, I'm thinking about putting together a workprint edit with all of the footage I've shot before the big halt. Expect a lot of storyboard inserts and even more "missing footage" markers plus script excerpts, but you'll at least get a vague idea what it was supposed to be like.
Holy crap, yes! Already foaming at the mouth for the work print!
Brilliant! Looking forward to giving this a watch later tonight!
Just watched it. Interesting. Your passion for the original film comes through very clearly.
Suggestions:
* Most of your actual script was great. I'd polish some of the ship computer's wording, though. Phrases like, "I'm listening," "Fire away" and, "Give it up," are too informal and not the type of language I could imagine a Mother-alike using.
* Why did the ship refuse to allow the crew to evacuate if the mission was to retrieve the creature? It didn't require them to achieve that objective.
* Higher definition cameras would have helped a lot, but especially so for the picture of the planets at the start. The lack of sharpness to that image didn't sell me, as a viewer, on it being a real space environment.
* Use more than two camera angles for the table discussions! Have the actors replay the same discussion and shoot it from different angles and different zoom levels, if you need to. Look at the original film and notice when there are close-ups of Parker, Lambert and so on and for which reasons (Lambert inhaling from a cigarette and so on). The same two camera angles made that feel static.
* This is a flaw of many fan-films, but there was too much self-awareness of the actors, at some points. Some felt nice and natural, but others looked slightly awkward.
* The characters shouldn't be feeling so tense, initially, during the duct sequence. You have them later realise, in the script, that the creature has grown, but up until then they should just be assuming it's still pest-sized and not much of a cause for alarm. Allow their lack of awareness (possibly even arrogance) to drive the tension for the audience, until nightmarish reality begins to dawn upon them, Brett-style.
* There needs to be a reason why whichever character is acting as the medical authority hasn't scanned the facehugger's victim and realised something is gestating. Ash did, after all! :)
* I would avoid all references to the Sulaco. Just allow it to be an ambiguous, unknown wreck. This saves you from having to work in the 'Bishop-did-it' theory and devote more time to the story of your own characters.
* Don't allow your love of the original film to dictate events. Too much time was spent on trying to directly mirror the original film's events (right down to the inclusion of that fanous airlock scene). This is fine if you're undertaking a fan-made remake, but otherwise can make the viewer feel as if they're treading water. Diversify your story into being more original! :) You clearly have the talent and it's a shame you aren't allowing your story to be its own thing more.
* Hand-held camera-shake is fine to emulate vibration, but not when you're attempting to show smoothly gliding spaceships. Place the model or the camera on either wire/rail-guides or, more cheaply, mount them on top of a wheeled toy and pull them along with wire. This is a cheap and easy way of creating a 'dolly' effect and will enrich the motion effect you're going for. Even the slightest shake will cause the audience to remember you're using models, instead of helping to create willing suspension of disbelief.
All good suggestions I've learned over time and are reasons I consider this such an awful project, but I was young and it was my first film with actors and all that... It was too ambitious for what I had and I realize that now looking back at how cringy it turned out. I want to say I would've polished a lot of this had I had a chance to finish it, but it wouldn't excuse how awfully derivative of the first film it was, nor distract from the cheapness of it (not having materials to finish walls, no slider/dolly setups for model shots, etc)... My excuse for it being so derivative is mostly due to an almost nothing budget and lack of materials, etc.
The first script I wrote when I was 13 was huge in scale... a big, seemingly abandoned factory planet where a rogue marine faction was training the aliens to build their own army of them (before I knew a similar idea was already done in Nightmare Asylum) and a scout ship (the Dreadnaught) with our main characters aboard accidentally discover this after landing on the planet for repairs, as well as the Sulaco pre-Alien 3 with all the main characters of Aliens who responded to their distress call ::) . The script after that involved the Dreadnaught docking at this deep space resupply station shaped like the death star (a take on the unused artificial planet idea from Alien 3, but without wood) where secret alien experiments are being done and some of the specimens broke free. The third script was where I decided to link it to Alien 3's abandoned Sulaco as the source for the chaos, but by then it started getting more derivative until the fourth and final script resulted in Alien Reborn. To be honest I think all of my attempts were utterly ridiculous.
As for how to compose the shots, thanks for the suggestions, but surely I would've filmed more had the actors stuck with me on the project. Unfortunately this is the only footage I have of them.
"Why did the ship refuse to allow the crew to evacuate if the mission was to retrieve the creature? It didn't require them to achieve that objective."
That was stupid me forgetting to explain that in Overscan's dialogue... I forgot the exact details because it's been so long, but it had to do with the company treating the ship as like a petri dish... should it return to earth there would be archival footage of how the creature behaved around humans, or something like that. Also, I made Overscan informal as a nod to his human-like intelligence (he's a newer AI than Mother, as this takes place after Alien 3... about 57 years after the events of the first film, IIRC). Seemed like a good idea at the time since I couldn't have an Ash character. Overscan was supposed to be the medical authority as well, but I guess I neglected to write any of that stuff too. Oh well.
The whole thing was a disaster that makes me cringe every time I think about it. But I thought I'd show the result anyway since so many people were interested before. :)
Thanks for that clarification! I'd actually forgotten a few of those points... Shows how long it's been since I read up on this! :)
Makes a lot more sense as a 'this is what could have once been' demonstration, definitely. Gives a nice historical context to the project.
Then of course there was this cringy POS, lol...