Matrix Fan Film

[anasazifilms]

Here at Anasazi Films, we are making a Matrix fan film called "Bullet Time". It branches off from the original Matrix film with a who stumbles across the 'Xion' codes (Matrix fans will know what I'm talking about!), who must protect them from the Agents.

Anyway, for this film storyline is not that important! It's an effect project we are making and I was wondering if anyone out there has ever simulated Matrix effects before and has any suggestions on what programs to use etc, etc...

I'm doing slowed down bullets with ripples, code effects and others. Got any suggestions?

[anasazifilms]

P.S...

I have a really messed up bluescreening shot where the blue is in different shades... does anyone know of a program that enables you to select multiple key colours so it can be removed? If not, I'll probably have to do it again!

Visit the films official site at www.anasazfilms.co.uk/bullettime/


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PHILIP HAWKINS

Anasazi Films LTD.
www.anasazifilms.co.uk

[Keviano]

While working with Catdog Films we made a film called SIXFOOTUNDER which was based entirly around The Matrix. Catdog has no real talent when it comes to films, and although the concept was a good idea, the 'director' (who never says 'action' or 'cut') copied everything, even shot types. We had a scene where a guy gets shot. Y'know the scene where Smith shoots Neo in the hotel? Exactly the same! Flashes on the face and everything. With ReelRaine Productions we're planning a wire-work action short in a car body shop garage, but we're still calculating dimensions and experimenting with suspension rigs. This should be a great project, and will hopefully be underway around april 2001. My advice would be to try to understand that people will not want a rip-off of The Matrix. There's no problem using the ideas, and the concept you have about the Xion access codes sounds reasonable, just don't expect people to appreciate your film if it's a cheap copy. Most people laughed when we showed the construction preview to 6FU, with good cause. Certainly ended my relationship with Catdog Films. Remember:
"No one's ever done anything like this before"

"That's why it's gonna work..."

Even the cast appreciate originality!

Regards
Keviano
ReelRaine Productions

[Keviano]

Also, to get gunflash effects from airsoft pistols is simple with a computer based NLE system. Check out my example, though crude, you get the idea. You'll find it at:
http://homepage.mac.com/keviano/iMovieTheater.html

Regards
Keviano

[eddie]

"No one's ever done anything like this before"
"That's why it's gonna work..."

Never heard that before, its a good phrase.

[anasazifilms]

Yes, I know copying is not a good thing. We're not obsessed Matrix fans or anything who waht to recreate the whole film... what's the point if it's already been done?

The Matrix inspired us to write our own film based in the "world" of the Matrix with completley different stunts, characters, story, shots... that's why its a 'spin off', LOL.

Thanks for the links to the gun effects page! If anyone has any others that may help me, please post them here!


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PHILIP HAWKINS

Anasazi Films LTD.
www.anasazifilms.co.uk

[Littlerich]

Copying a film scene by scene, shot by shot is not only not original, but it can also get you into a lot of trouble!

If you copy something such as the Matrix, then go and try to distribute it, there is a good chance that you will end up in courts, paying out of your nose for copyright theft...

Although you should be original, there is nothing that says you should not try effects other people have done...

The "Bullet Time" effect in the Matrix is quite difficult to do, but if you want to try the effects, go for it!

Good luck with the effects, and Merry Christmas!



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KEEP FOCUSED!
Little Rich.
http://go.to/littlerich
[email protected]

[Littlerich]

Copying a film scene by scene, shot by shot is not only not original, but it can also get you into a lot of trouble!

If you copy something such as the Matrix, then go and try to distribute it, there is a good chance that you will end up in courts, paying out of your nose for copyright theft...

Although you should be original, there is nothing that says you should not try effects other people have done...

The "Bullet Time" effect in the Matrix is quite difficult to do, but if you want to try the effects, go for it!

Good luck with the effects, and Merry Christmas!



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KEEP FOCUSED!
Little Rich.
http://go.to/littlerich
[email protected]

[assyrix]

How to do bullet-time on the cheap:
Get 25 friends and 25 disposable cameras and coordinate them so that all of them take a shot of the action at the same time (difficult to do but possible). Scan the negatives (or positives, up to you) into your machine and stitch them together with a panorama software - hey presto. bullet time!

For a glimpse what you can do with The Matrix check out http://www.planethalflife.com/matrix/ which is an add-on for the extremely successful Half Life computer game based on the movie.

[This message has been edited by assyrix (edited December 28, 2000).]

[Keviano]

Or...

Get 1 mate who can drive, get another to sit in the passenger seat with a camcorder. Drive in circles around the 'Neo' person and get him to act dodging bullets fairly slowly and then slow it down some more. We were gonna try this but it was raining and I didn't want to get my long coat wet! Works in my head anyway....

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Regards
Keviano
ReelRaine Films
Special FX Supervisor - Catdog Films
http://www.catdogfilms.co.uk
The gunflash effect: http://homepage.mac.com/keviano/iMovieTheater.html