Boys will be boys……… even in the robot apocalypse
Everyone has at least one major life goal. For some people, it’s running a marathon or climbing a mountain, restoring an old car, or writing a book. I wanted to make a short film. I have always loved movies and visual effects, especially ones that focused on fictional characters like monsters and robots. Seeing something imaginary, functioning and interacting with reality, has always fascinated me.
Filmmaking is a slow and painful process. You need to wear a lot of hats and it seems almost impossible for anyone to do on their own. However, thanks to the internet, we know it can be done. Since the late 90’s, hundreds of independently produced short films have been finding audiences online. Films like 405, Killer Bean, The Mega Plush and Ruin show us what’s possible if you really put in the time and effort.
Filmmaking is a slow and painful process. You need to wear a lot of hats and it seems almost impossible for anyone to do on their own. However, thanks to the internet, we know it can be done. Since the late 90’s, hundreds of independently produced short films have been finding audiences online. Films like 405, Killer Bean, The Mega Plush and Ruin show us what’s possible if you really put in the time and effort.
On a “Lazy Sunday” back in 2012, I took my old iPhone 4 and filmed my kids running around the backyard. I gave them some basic direction with the hopes that I could cut it together into some kind of laser battle. It was filmed in about ten minutes and put together over the next couple of nights. When it was finished, they loved it and they still laugh at it to this day. “Lazy Sunday” got me thinking about the possibilities…..
Could I shoot a decent short film on an iPhone and add in a bunch of visual effects? I would’t need to buy or rent a fancy camera and already had the software I that I needed.
In early 2014, I picked up an iPhone 5s and I was shocked by the quality of the footage. All of a sudden, I had an affordable way to record HD footage and get some really nice shots. I also had an upcoming break between contracts, so it seemed that the stars were aligning. I pitched the idea of “Two boys fighting a giant robot at the end of the world” and the boys were totally into it.
Robot Attack was born….
Could I shoot a decent short film on an iPhone and add in a bunch of visual effects? I would’t need to buy or rent a fancy camera and already had the software I that I needed.
In early 2014, I picked up an iPhone 5s and I was shocked by the quality of the footage. All of a sudden, I had an affordable way to record HD footage and get some really nice shots. I also had an upcoming break between contracts, so it seemed that the stars were aligning. I pitched the idea of “Two boys fighting a giant robot at the end of the world” and the boys were totally into it.
Robot Attack was born….
Lazy Sunday
The meeting that started it all…….
May 29th, 2014
Pre-Production is a vital part of the film making process. It gives all departments a chance to warm up and get on the same page. So in theory, when production starts, everyone can hit the ground running and in the same direction.
In this first episode, the “cast and crew” sit down to discuss the major story points and come up with the films title….
In this first episode, the “cast and crew” sit down to discuss the major story points and come up with the films title….
It’ll be fun to take a couple of months and make a short film with the kids.
An utterly clueless Brian Vowles - May 29th, 2014
ROBOT ATTACK - CAST AND CREW
Brandon Vowles - Actor
Brian Vowles - Writer, Director, Producer, Caterer, DP,
Concept Artist, Cameraman, Animator, Compositor, Editor, Grip, Gaffer, Financing, Props, VFX Supervisor, and Personal Assistant to Brandon and Dylan.
Dylan Vowles - Actor
www.brianvowles.com
@BrianVowles