fan film

PicsArt_1409834984973

Chubby Boy Films Presents: BALROG: BEHIND THE GLORY And MATADOR

Lee B. Golden III

You know you stink when you spend millions of bucks on a video game adaptation when smaller-scale, independent efforts tend to stand out, as has always been the case with the highly popular Street Fighter franchise from Capcom. Machinima’s launch of Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist back in May was only the latest attempt at an episodic series with feature-length quality following its 2010 concept short, Street Fighter Legacy. Just a year after Legacy, however, things were brewing in another corner of the world where filmmaker Vahe Gabuchian began turning out a few of his own contributions to Capcom’s famed property, beginning with 2011’s Balrog: Behind The Glory, an origin short story focused on the titular character’s roots as an upcoming champion gone rogue and ultimately working for the international terrorist organization, Shadowloo. At its core, Gabuchian‘s vision takes much more on the identity of a contemplative fight drama than anything […]

Screenshot_2014-08-29-23-00-13-1

Vlad Rimburg Presents: 'KUNG FU JUNGLE' Fan Film

Lee B. Golden III

Currently, filmgoers in China are just a few months away from the release of action star Donnie Yen’s new martial arts thriller, Kung Fu Killer. In the meantime, pan over to the lens of independent filmmaker Vlad Rimburg, back in the fray once again for another fan-inspired vision now in the vein of Yen‘s upcoming film, with performances by actors Brendon Huor opposite Bryan Cartago and Gui DaSilva. If you know Rimburg and his work, you already know this isn’t his first stint in the fan-film department, and neither is his creativity without a hefty dose of merit. His stylish two-part action horror take on Yen’s late 2013 crime pic, Special ID (The Mute and Blood), and his Raid 2-inspired fan film, Hammergirl, are all pure examples of Rimburg‘s willingness to play with as many ideas as he can to expand his vision, and not for nothing. Despite being an […]

Watch The Full Trailer For NIGHTWING: THE SERIES

Lee B. Golden III

If you hace been keeping up with the official Ismahawk Facebook page, you’ve likely had the privilege of keeping up with any and all updates pertaining to their latest epic Batman-inspired DC fan project, Nightwing: The Series. Created by lead actor and producer Danny Shepherd, and co-producer Jeremy Le, the project has taken a couple of years to evolve with the help of crowdfunding and an arduous post-production process with director Adam Zielinski at the helm. A teaser finally launched back in March, and with a solid premiere date now set for September 29, 2014, Nightwing: The Series breathes new life with a full length trailer, with all the trimmings. SYNOPSIS: “Nightwing: The Series” follows the story of Batman’s former sidekick, Dick Grayson aka Robin. After a falling out with his mentor, Dick abandons Gotham and everyone in it. Emerging in the City of Bludhaven years later, Dick takes on […]

IMG_9660082811682-1

EMC Monkeys Presents: 돌려차기 2 (SPIN KICK 2)

Lee B. Golden III

Michael Lehr and Tim Park in the K-drama-infused action short, Spin Kick 2 In 2004, Cinema Service released writer and director Nam Sang-guk’s coming-of-age martial arts drama, Spin Kick, a story about a high school gang forced to join their school’s martial arts team in preparation for the next National Taekwondo Competition at the behest of their principal to avoid jail time. The film is fan fave for many who enjoy their fair share of Korean cinema, including independent filmmaker, martial artist, action director and EMC Monkeys team member Malay Kim who was inspired to attribute his newest shortfilm to Nam’s movie in the form of Spin Kick 2. As usual for the EMC Monkeys, the project brings a little something different and fresh, with Kim‘s adherence to some of the elements that often make Korean cinema what it is. “I have aspirations of becoming a director, so I wanted […]

Screenshot_2014-08-01-18-26-42

STORMS OF CARNAGE: THE BLACK PANTHER UNLEASHED Will Have You Wishing It Was 1998 Again!

Lee B. Golden III

This probably not the version Marvel is planning for its own iteration of the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby-created Wakandan superhero, Black Panther. Regardless however, seeing as how warm fans are to Blur Studios’ own Deadpool test footage in the hopes that its owners at 20th Century Fox will grant the R-rated treatment the property deserves, a similar vision is worth considering. I could be wrong though, seeing as how soft some studios have chosen delivering films with PG-13 action that “pushes the envelope” or whatever, and it does feel disconcerting. Stephen Norrington’s Blade came out sixteen years ago and opened up a proper can of full-speed, blood-soaked whoopass that laid the early groundwork that would ultimately earn Marvel its growing popularity thanks in large part to the money it is making from its kid-friendly cinematic universe. So yeah, I get it. Making money is nice and all, sure. Nevertheless, […]

Screenshot_2014-06-30-13-16-00

Hollywood Ninja Presents: MANILA ASSASSIN'S CREED

Lee B. Golden III

Jearome Calica strikes a pose in ‘Manila Assassin’s Creed’ Independent filmmaker, action director and stuntman Jeff Centauri is currently in the middle of something truly awesome over in the Philippines. Having launched his career in the 1990’s after serving U.S. Air Force, Centauri has gone on to work on a great number of projects for TV and film, including the three-part compilation DVD series, Everyone Is Kung Fu Fighting, and even making his directorial debut in 1996 with the ultra low budget flick, The Zombie Ninja. Since then, his experiences in film while living in the states have seen their fair share of challenges, but that has not stopped him from moving forward and stepping out on his own beyond borders. Currently based in the Philippines, you can now catch Centauri‘s online repertoire of indie action gems via his YouTube channel, with the latest being this week’s airing of the […]

10373083_483508025112825_8247609765285081036_o

PREDATOR: DARK AGES Kicks Off Crowdfunding On Kickstarter

Lee B. Golden III

Hollywood director Shane Black may be on the way with a feature-length Predator sequel, but that isn’t stopping a small group over in the U.K. from pushing forward with an independent take of their own with the new shortfilm project, Predator: Dark Ages. The official Facebook page for the project has since long been launched to help gather as much of a readership as possible, with concept art and posters, and a teaser unveiled not too long ago. That teaser is now accompanied by the brand new crowdfunding video which you can now view at the official Kickstarter page which just launched today. SYNOPSIS: Our Predator fan film is set in the Dark Ages, it is a period in history where mankind was plagued by disease and famine, as well as having to live and die by the sword. Our film follows a group of war-torn Templar knights who have […]

Katniss Responds To President Snow For The New Fan Short, MOCKINGJAY: BURN

Lee B. Golden III

Fans and followers of “The Hunger Games” books by author Suzanne Collins, as well as Lionsgate’s two-part finale theatrically releasing between this November and next year have likely caught on to the first official teaser for Mockingjay: Part 1. If you missed it, you can check it out here and watch President Snow setting the grim tone in his newest PSA to the people of Panem, and it is exactly the kind of build up that gets fans intrigued to find out just what our lead heroine, actress Katniss Everdeen will say or do in response. Well, while Lionsgate’s own efforts to illustrate that will soon fall into place, the fans over on the set of their new independent, non-profit fan film project, Mockingjay: Burn have a message from the Girl On Fire herself: Mockingjay: Burn is still in production with an expected duration of ten minutes. Independent director favorite Leo […]

The Official Trailer For WEREWOLF ASSASSIN Howls Online

Lee B. Golden III

Independent filmmaker, actor and fellow Eclipse Stunts fall guy, Alex Chung is still putting this finishing touches on his latest labor of love, Werewolf Assassin, featuring Eclipse member Kyle Stewart with Jermaine Carty and Celine Lolos among other names casted. Tentatively clocked in somewhere in the region of thirty and forty minutes, fans can expect this one to arrive hopefully sometime this Fall as Chung has other obligations in between now and then, but we now have an official trailer that presents the inspired Grindhouse-style vision that clearly does this one MUCH justice! Werewolf Assassin also has an official Facebook page, so if you haven’t subscribed yet, it would be wise to do so. Otherwise, check out the juicy new trailer below ans watch out for more updates throughout the summer…as long as you’re not doing so while out at night with a full moon. SYNOPSIS: Appearing only during full […]

Screenshot_2014-05-10-17-13-43

EMC Monkeys Presents: LUCKY STRIKE

Lee B. Golden III

Imagine, if you will, if you took all or as many ingredients of the average Quentin Tarantino film, and crammed it as much of it as possible into a nifty little online action shortfilm. Ask yourself, how much do you think you could replicate some of that visual filmic magic? Some might imagine it as pretty challenging, but not indie filmmaker and action actor Robert Dill. He’s taking on that formula and applying it to his craft with his fellow members of the EMC Monkeys for their latest love letter to the Kill Bill and Resevoir Dogs helmer in the new shortfilm, Lucky Strike. Dill, an up-and-coming film professional since around 1999, eventually found himself adding stuntwork to his repetoire, performing for various award shows and dinners with EMC by 2008, all in the course of pursuing a career in film and television. After spending a little more time behind […]

9eece30d3a8b2fb2ba051c0ae36f4cf7_large

A Brand New Clip From MMPR Features Two Soldiers At A Crossroads

Lee B. Golden III

Hopefully you haven’t fallen too out of the loop since the official trailer for the forthcoming first installment of the MMPR series of fan films aired late last year. With another episode well on its way to filming with another cast member, director Dominick Sivili and his team haven’t forgotten about the fans who’ve supported their cause in the past two years since the conception of this ambitious new project, and to show for their efforts, actress Dina Cataldi and producer Mack Khur have released a new special announcement video thanking their fans, accompanied by a brand new preview clip from the upcoming first fan film, featuring Cataldi as the Blue Ranger. Later MMPR fan films will star actors Don Money and Ricky Barksdale, and actresses Kimberly and Ashley Carvalho as the Red, Black, and Yellow Ranger, respectively. They are joined by actors John Damroth and Matt Meinsen, along with […]

JLREq8OWq1Ny4K5_BvsTtDDyIx034yoeKGKLsSxk5kA-2

Katniss Leads The Fight In The Explosive New Kickstarter Promo For THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Fan Film

Lee B. Golden III

The next theatrical installation to the live action rendition of YA author Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series, Mockingjay, is not yet due until this November. But that hasn’t stopped actress and producer Kristen Brancaccio from making her own concerted effort in delivering likely one of the most ambitious, tasteful and spectacular independent fan films based on said franchise. And with the test footage now being showcased in today’s newly launched Kickstarter platform, I have no shame in using such adjectives whatsoever. Our Mockingjay short film provides a glimpse into Katniss’ life as the symbol of the rebellion during the events of ‘Mockingjay’, the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. This is a fan film and is not affiliated with Lionsgate or Suzanne Collins. We have a professional, experienced cast and crew on board who are all willing to work completely for free. No one is making any money off […]

Screenshot_2014-03-27-16-47-06

EMC Channels Gareth Evans For The New Fan Fight Short, THE RAID: EMC RENDITION

Lee B. Golden III

In the final hours on the eve of the official limited premiere of acclaimed producing/writing/directing powerhouse Gareth Evans’s new film, The Raid 2, the team over at EMC Monkeys have put out something very special to mark the occasion in the form of their own special independent fan contribution simply titled The Raid: EMC Rendition. Shot in the course of three days, the new short is just one of several, highly popular contributions to Evans’ vision within the last few years, most recently preceded by the stellar efforts of independent filmmaker Vlad Rimburg for his inspired short, Hammer Girl. This time, we are re-introduced to the screenfighting presence of fellow stuntman and action actor, Bryan Sloyer, who has been making some exceptional headway in the world of indie action this year. Sloyer joins longtime EMC member, Tony Sre who choreographed and directed the piece. And what we get is not […]

Trickster_003

The Revolution Unfolds In The New Matrix Short Fan Film, TRICKSTER

Lee B. Golden III

The Wachowski sibs, Lana and Andy, re-energized their fanbase this month with headlines pertaining to a possible script handed in to Warner Bros. for a potential treatment of a new trilogy following their previous success launched with the 1999 film, The Matrix. Since this report, it may come as a coincidence that we now have a new fan film in the midst from independent filmmaker, writer, producer and VFX supervisor Felix Joleanes in the form of Trickster, featuring actress Brigitte Hernández in a solo performance as the sole survivor of a crashed ship, armed with only one weapon against the sentinels lurking about as she treks through the ruins of the real world. Shot last year in Bogotá, Colombia, the new shortfilm also appears to bare a few characteristics that tie into the second or third film of the original trilogy, and if you have seen those first three films, […]

A Heroine Makes The Ultimate Sacrifice In The New Shortfilm, CROFT

Lee B. Golden III

Filmmaker Trevor Addie has aired his latest fan film, Croft, on his official YouTube channel. I shared the trailer for this spectacular shortfilm a week ago under a different impression, and I have to say, this little gem took me by surprise as I watched it through to the end, which says a lot about the kind of vision Addie could bring if he chose to build from this particular concept into a serial or a feature format. Any rate however, bravo to Addie and the cast and crew for a job well done. I’m sure you will all enjoy this thrilling new award-winning film festival favorite as the viewers already are. Croft stars actress and stuntwoman Cassandra Ebner, and actor and stuntman Nickolas Baric, with Liam Carter, Devyn Dalton, Shaw Madson and Brad Friesen rounding out the cast. The shortfilm is also written by Irma Leong produced by Stirling Bancroft […]

A Classic Action Heroine Makes A Fresh Return In The New Short Film Trailer For CROFT

Lee B. Golden III

Dayum! Talk about a fan film trailer. If you are at all familiar with the gaming industry and live action adaptations, then I really don’t need to state the obvious here. If not, then I won’t spoil the surprise here, since this a fan film clearly devoted to one of the most iconic female characters in gaming AND movie history. So you figure it out. I have discussed this character on the site before, as it is currently prepping for a Hollywood reboot, and several actresses have been up for mention in the past year or so. However, the independent scene continues to impress, with the latest trailer for the upcoming fan film, Croft, courtesy of co-writer/co-producer/director Trevor Addie, which sees his own gritty, survivalist version of the character in a full-on cross between Katniss Everdeen and John Rambo in search of a young girl held hostage in the mountains […]

Infectious Designer Brings Aiden Pearce To Life In A New WATCH DOGS Fan Film!

Lee B. Golden III

The folks over at gaming company UbiSoft have been very heavy to promote their products through their motion picture branch with the buzz they generated this summer with the development of live action productions for Splinter Cell, Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rabbids and Transformers 4 director Michael Bay’s involvement in Ghost Recon. In addition, the upcoming release of Watch Dogs was also announced with the promise of a big screen induction further backed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and New Regency. No question about it. If studios believe they have what it takes to bring video game characters to life and filmmaking fits their business model, there’s no stopping them. Nor does it stop folks in the independent scene, featuring talented performers like Beat Down Boogie’s own Matthew Sumner as Aiden Pearce in Infectious Designer’s latest short fan film take on Watch Dogs, filmed back in mid-October under VFX artist, editor […]

Mickey Facchinello Harnesses Her Inner-Yen In SPECIAL ID – EPISODE 1: THE MUTE

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been a lucrative year for independent action extraordinare, director and choreographer Vlad Rimburg. If you’ve been following Rimburg long enough, then you’re likely familiar with the copious amounts of work he has distributed in garnering the credibility he now has as one of the foremost independent action designers of our time. Well on Friday, nothing changed, with newly releasing his Donnie Yen-inspired action short film, Special ID – Episode 1: The Mute, based on one of the most recently unveiled teaser clips prior to the release of Donnie Yen’s latest action thriller from director Clarence Fok. Filmed as the hopeful start of a new webseries, the new short was shot last weekend on Sunday afternoon at 3pm PST through 4am the following morning, with actress, action performer and Hollywood stuntwoman Mickey Facchinello (above/right) fitting Yen’s shoes as a mute demon huntress in a brutal, contained battle with The Hammer, […]

The EMC Monkeys Spoof Classic Characters In MONKEY KOMBAT

Lee B. Golden III

“Long time MK rivals do battle, EMC style!” On the day of Machinima’s debut of director Kevin Tancharoen’s Mortal Kombat Legacy: Season 2, the EMC Monkeys are presenting their latest project, effectively titled Monkey Kombat. Directed by EMC member Paolo Ongkeko, the project was the result of creative efforts by the team back in March after being sought by Machinima to make a Mortal Kombat video to ramp up promotion for the series. Monkey Kombat features EMC’s own Johnny Yang and Xin Sarith Wuku in their respective roles as the God Of Thunder, Raiden, and the Outworld emperor’s demon sorceror, Shang Tsung, performing classic moves paying homage to the game, from costumes and special moves, to the X-Ray gags, and a classic finishing move that adds to the usual unique touch the Monkeys leave for each of their projects and the fans who love them. Take a look, and […]

A New Terror Emerges To Continue The Nightwing Story Arc In THE DARK KNIGHT LEGACY

Lee B. Golden III

Machninima continues to lend its viewing audience the goods with Monday’s newly unveiled Batman-oriented fan film, The Dark Knight Legacy. Pitched as the start of a reboot of the story continuing one year from where director Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy left off in the 2012 film, The Dark Knight Legacy relaunches “Robin” John Blake’s story as he sets out to protect Gotham from a new masked vigilante known as Red Hood, threatening to reignite chaos with the spilled blood of the criminal underworld. Interestingly enough, the brand new action short film also comes a few days after actor Harry Shum Jr. (Step Up 2 The Streets, Step Up 3D, The LXD, Mortal Kombat Legacy 2) was quoted in an article at MTV Geek sharing his own interest with reporters in playing Nightwing, which does share some appeal in the sense that it could get more people talking. And who knows? […]