Short Magazine - Issue One by WCRobinson

ISSUE 1 - VISIBLE, DIRECTED BY CLAY DELAUNEY (15MINS)

CONTENTS

Page 4: VISIBLE (15mins) Page 6: In-depth Page 10: Clay Delauney Interview

Page 20: DARTH MAUL: APPRENTICE (18mins) Page 22: Review by Daniel Switzer

Page 12: SILENT HILLS IN REAL LIFE (14mins) Page 14: In-depth Page 16: Courtlan Gordon Interview

Page 26: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;S Wonderful Page 28: Preview Page 30: Next up...

Illustration of Henry Ian Cusick from Visible (by @Tat_Yatanis)

- In-Depth: Visible -

VISIBLE Runtime: 15 minutes Directed by Clay Delauney Starring: Sonya Walger, Henry Ian Cusick

he story of how Visible came to be a short film is an interesting one - a tale of starting with nothing and making something special. What director Clay Delauney and co. have done here is quite special. One of the first things you notice about Visible is the cast. It’s a small cast, of just two people, but they fit the roles fantastically. Sonya Walger and Henry Ian Cusick are at the centre of this sci-fi film, and if you have seen the TV show LOST, you may even recall seeing these names next to each other.

Talking to the director of Visible, Clay Delauney, exposes some more information on this subject (see the rest of the interview, Page 12). Replying to the question of how Walger and Ian Cusick became part of the film, Delauney said: “I am a huge LOST fan and always loved the Desmond/Penny storyline. While we were casting for Visible I happened to have turned Andrea Snider onto the show. She was watching it for the first time and I began

re-watching it. There was one day when I was going through video auditions from actors and becoming frustrated that no one was nailing the character. I happened to have LOST on in the background and kept looking up at Henry Ian Cusick. I called Andrea and made a joke that “We need Desmond in this, he would be perfect.”” Henry Ian Cusick does fit the role fantastically. Visible is essentially a story about self-worth and how you, and others, see yourself. In this version of the world, a condition has struck the human race which makes everyone invisible - the twist being that those who truly become themselves become visible again. Therefore, as the main character and the main reference for the audience, Henry Ian Cusick (Guy) has to be both the heart and the conflict of the film. Not easy to do on your own, but he shows a great acting range in making us root for the guy (no pun intended) immediately. It is a neat way to explore the subject of identity, and it is paired with clever film direction. For example, you may not see some of the things Guy does - but it doesn’t matter, because you know why.

- In-Depth: Visible -

As Delauney says (again, see interview, page 12): his is a world where labels don’t apply any more. The people who have made it this far (most born in a world that was already invisible) don’t think about these things (sexy/ugly, thin/fat, tall/short). There are still two types of people, those who “show” their true selves and those who cannot yet.

However, to go back to the story of the casting, Delauney also shows that a little determination and passion can get you places in the short film world: “She wholeheartedly agreed. As we had an insanely low budget at the time I knew that we had no chance to make him a formal financial offer that would entice him. So on a whim, Andrea tracked down an email for him and I reached out to him and pitched the idea. He responded that he was interested and a few emails and a Skype call later (he was in Vancouver shooting The 100 at the time) he not only agreed to star in it, he wanted to be a part of the production team. He said he wanted to help us attract a female lead and suggested Sonya.”

This takes us full circle to the pair, who use their chemistry and acting abilities once Guy meets a “Visible”. “We loved the idea and he reached out to her and got her to agree to do the film.” Delauney continued. She was pregnant at the time and was concerned that we would not want that for the character. Andrea and I discussed this and ultimately decided it was a perfect flourish on her character. She plays one of the “visibles”. Someone who has shown their true self. I think someone who decides to become pregnant and bring a new life into a world where a lot of people have given up is someone who has embrace the challenge of life as it is in this world and is hopeful of where it will lead. *Note: We ultimately had to postpone our filming dates and in the meantime Sonya had her baby. We liked the idea of her being pregnant so much that we kept it. Her baby-bump is a prosthetic.” -William Robinson

“Visible” Now available to watch on Vimeo

- In-Depth: Visible -

Top: The chemistry between Walger and Ian Cusick is a big part of the film Bottom: Guy is a painter, supplying a contrast to the clean, sci-fi locations

9 - In-Depth: Visible -

CLAY

Illustration of Henry Ian Cusick from Visible (by @Tat_Yatanis)

CLAY DELAUNEY UNITED TALENT BEHIND AND IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA FOR VISIBLE. HEAR WHAT HE HAS TO SAY ON THE PROJECT:

our short film Visible has quitean original sci-fi premise, of everyone being invisible and only those who express themselves truly becoming visible again. Explain how this idea came to be? My friend, Andrea Snider, called me one day and said “I have this idea for a short film. I’d really like to know what you think about it.” Rather than pitch it to me she went off and (within a week) wrote it. When I read it I loved it. The thing that resonated with me, and I believe was partially her inspiration, was that we’re probably not that far off from the world we show in the movie. While we are not physically invisible to each other, at times it seems, we might as well be. We have become very proficient in only noticing the things we want to. I also loved the idea (and was also Andrea’s inspiration) that we have our public personas (this includes the way we look/dress/carry ourselves) that we show the people around us, and then a wholly different private persona. The one that makes us truly unique, that we hide. There are certainly themes of identity and societal judgment present here - was this something you set out to explore? We certainly were interested in exploring the two sides (public and private) of ourselves that we deal with everyday. I believe that most people are so concerned with fitting into a model that we hide the thing that makes us individual. I love the idea that if you take the physical appearance out of the equation then you have a world where people would be forced, in most cases for the first time ever, to fall back on what is inside them to make them stand out. I think that a lot of people would collapse under such pressure, while others would endure. Its those who would triumph over such a challenge that I am interested it. My hope is that Visible would make everyone ask themselves that question. Were these themes part of the reason that certain parts aren’t shown, especially at the end of the film? Absolutely! This is a world where labels don’t apply any more. The people who have made it this far (most born in a world that

was already invisible) don’t think about these things (sexy/ugly, thin/fat, tall/short). There are still two types of people, those who “show” their true selves and those who cannot yet. They still deal with some of the same things we deal with today in terms of the inner struggle we face over being our genuine selves, but with added benefit of being able to hide from the world easier if they choose. What was the thinking behind the visual direction of the film, with the mix of white, futuristic areas and the artistic paintings? I wanted a stark contrast between our character’s (played by Henry Ian Cusick) professional life (public space) and home life (personal space). His home looks like a place where you could curl up with a cup of tea and be free, while the gallery he displays his paintings in looks like a space where you could perform open-heart surgery. It’s sterile, bland. It represents his public personna. Pretty, but lackluster. This is also represented in his artwork. The painting we see him working on in the beginning of the film is inspired and special (so unique he ultimately decides to hide it under a coat of white paint). The art he displays in the gallery is nice, but safe. It represents his character, afraid to take chances. Visible isn’t your first foray into short film making, though. What is your background as a filmmaker, and what are the aspirations for Visible Films going forward? I have done several short films, lots of commercials and some music videos (you can check out my other work at www. claydelauney.com). Visible Films is currently developing Visible into a feature. Finally, in a sentence: If anyone was looking to get into filmmaking, starting with short films, what would your advice be? For anyone starting out I highly recommend: Learn photography and editing - they will be your best friends and give you a unique aesthetic as a filmmaker.

11 - Interview: Clay Delauney -

Main: Just one creepy moment in Silent Hills in Real Life

- In-Depth: Silent Hills -

Runtime: 14 minutes Directed by Courtlan Gordon Written by Ryan Becker

s far as faithful remakes go, Silent Hills in real life is a pretty great one. Taking the now-seemingly-doomed P.T. Silent Hills demo - which was released to a hugely positive reception - and making it into a short film ends up (almost) filling the gap left by the cancellation of the game. You see, P.T. Silent Hills was a special kind of gaming experience. Originally announced at E3 2015 as a “Playable Teaser” (therefore P.T.), nobody really knew what it was until they played it - and oh man, did that make an impression. Consisting of just one hallway which is repeated, you encounter the paranormal and the creepily normal. There were secrets everywhere, which led to the surprising and amazing conclusion that revealed this was actually a teaser for Silent Hills. Yes, Silent Hills, a game by Hieo Kojima, Guillermo del Toro and Norman Reedus. The excitement levels were high, to say the least. But then it got cancelled, and people were upset. Without delving into THAT too much, one positive is that fan projects like this one are popping up. Allison Road, another domestic horror game, uploaded prototype gameplay and it was

snapped up by the community who want anything that is linked to P.T. Silent Hills. This short film hits a lot of the same beats - the big creepy moments, in particular - but in a slightly different location (if still repeating it). The remake factor is strong, but Oddest of the Odd have managed to slot in some of their own ideas. The stairs give an interesting sense of verticality, and the ending in particular tries to hint at more of what Silent Hills could have been as a game. Maybe could still be? Who knows, but please? Even if you aren’t familiar with the story of P.T. Silent Hills, this short film carries the same sense of the unknown and scariness. Watch it, and you may well end up realising why everyone is so mad about the cancellation of P.T. Silent Hills! -William Robinson

“Silent Hills in real life” Out now on YouTube via channel Oddest of the Odd

- In-Depth: Silent Hills -

We talk with the people behind the short film version of Silent Hills

ery scary might be one way to describe their film, but not the people behind it. Oddest of the Odd, now AMS Productions, are the small - but not in talent - force behind short film Silent Hills in real life. With their film trending on the internet and being picked up by big websites like IGN, we thought it was time to have a chat:

As a short film, “Silent Hills P.T. in real life”. is a little different to others because of how closely tied it is to the game “P.T.”. How did you go from playing the game to deciding to make this short film? Horror has been my favorite genre since I could walk. Growing up, I watched every scary movie and played every horror game imaginable. Naturally I would fall in love with Silent Hills P.T. the first time I had the chance to play it. With Guillermo del Toro and Norman Reedus in on the project, I was instantly hooked. I played the demo so many times that when I found out that the project was canceled, I was heart broken. Not even because I thought that it would have been a great game, but because Silent Hills was a work of art. It has started it’s own genre and with that said there are so many predecessors that have been created since Silent Hills cancelation. It’s amazing to see the impact that playable teaser had on the horror community. I figured if we can’t have the game, then let’s take it to the next level and bring it to life on video. That’s why I decided to make this short film.

When starting to produce the film, how did you set about it? Was their a clear idea of what you were trying to achieve? My roommates and I don’t own a PlayStation 4 unfortunately and with the demo being taken off of the PS market, we had no way to play it. We wanted this film to be an exact replica of the game. So we sat down and watched multiple walk throughs of gameplay footage. We studied it to the bone. Making sure we noticed every detail in the demo. We wanted to hype everyone up about Silent Hills like it did when the playable teaser was released. Considering the fan base that follows Silent Hills, I figured that if we can get enough people talking about the game again, we could maybe help sway some minds into starting production for the game again. Continuing on from this, how closely were you trying to tie the film to the source material? There are a few small changes in there, particularly at the end.

I’ve seen some other film makers try to turn this demo into a film but each one was nothing like the game. I wanted to feel the terror I felt when I played the game. The only way I knew that was possible was to make this film identical to the game. Of course, there were some things we couldn’t do because we are young college students on a tight budget, but we utilized our skills as best as we could. The ending was actually the first thing written for this film. I had this pyramid heard costume sitting around and I wanted to put it to use. So when we decided to film this short, I knew I had to intertwine this character into the film. A lot of people were upset about it (for understandable reasons) but most of the fans loved it! Since the game was never finished, I felt like it was okay for us to move the story forward. Instead of ending it like the game did, as a film maker, I wanted to surprise the fans and show people what the game could have been if it was further developed.

- Interview: Courtlan Gordon -

Main: Courtlan Gordon and Ryan Becker of Oddest of the Odd during the making of Silent Hills

Were you surprised at the scale of the positive reaction to your film? Especially with large sites like IGN picking up on it? We were amazed at the outcome of the film. We knew if we did it right, it would get some attention. But we didn’t expect the attention it’s been getting. As a film maker, that’s all you could ask for. Silent Hills P.T. in real life literally broke the internet. Our film was trending #1 on Facebook for a whole day. We’ve had over 20 articles written on it and multiple interviews about it. It’s amazing and we couldn’t be any happier with how much love the film is getting. The only thing we could ask for is to have Kojima, del Toro and Reedus see it!

What do you think of the situation surrounding P.T.; can you see a way to save the project at this stage? It’s been made clear that the game is no longer a thing and supposedly there is no saving it, “everyone needs to move on”. But if you look at the noise we caused with this short film, you would think that Konami (excuse my language) understands that they fucked up by canceling this game. The fans loved Silent Hills and they loved the creators who were behind it. Whether or not our film can help save the game, we proved what this game could have been. All we can hope for now is that Kojima and del Toro partner back up with Reedus to create a sister to P.T..

17 continued... - Interview: Courtlan Gordon -

18 - Interview: Courtlan Gordon -

This isn’t your first piece of film work, though. What is your background in terms of short film-making, and are there any specific plans in place for the future of your YouTube channel and AMS Productions? I’ve wanted to be a film maker since I could walk. With the help of my best friend Ryan Becker, we’re making that dream come true. Growing up I was always shooting short films with my friends in the back yard. Now that i’m in college, it’s all business. I’ve realized that this is happening for real and i’m literally steps away from making this my career. I’m majoring in film and media, but I’ve been so self taught that the school is teaching me stuff I already know how to do. I’m filming on my own time and I’m doing better than I have with what school has given me. A little fun fact that most people don’t understand is that only my roommate and I were the only ones who made this film. Two guys, that’s it. Not including my actor and actress (Lisa and Pyramid Head) of

course, who did an amazing job. But not only did I direct this film, I was the camera man as well. Ryan helps me with everything. It’s not just our hobby anymore, but it’s our life. When we’re not shooting, we’re writing and scripting and or editing. With our YouTube channel growing, we’re proud to announce that we are officially signed with a company through YouTube. As for AMS Productions, we eventually want to make it a fully functional Production company. We’re in the middle of shooting our first featured length film so we’re excited about that! Finally, in a sentence: If anyone was looking to get into filmmaking, starting with short films, what would your advice be? My advice would to not give up. I’ve been told that I’m chasing the impossible but look at what i’ve done with just one short film. So keep working and learning and the impossible becomes the practical.

19 - Interview: Courtlan Gordon -

DARTH MAUL:

APPRENTICE

Runtime: 18 minutes Directed by Shawn Bu

I 22

Starring: Ben Schamma, Mathis Landwehr

f there’s almost one universal opinion on George Lucas’s Star Wars prequels, it’s that Darth Maul was one of the coolest villains to have graced the galaxy. Despite his very short screen time, Maul become a fan favourite of Star Wars viewers, and a group of them were so fanatic, they decided he deserved a prequel. The premise is a simple one. Maul must take down the Jedi that have managed to find their way into his secret training facility. While Peter Serafinowicz provided the voice of Darth Maul and Ray Park portrayed him on screen in Episode I, Ben Schamma is the Sith apprentice in the appropriately titled, Darth Maul: Apprentice. Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I’ve watched The Phantom Menace, so for a good couple of minutes, I thought it was the original actor. Schamma’s portrayal is convincing, not only in fighting style but in demeanour too, the way he walks, and stares. It’s very compelling. Visual effects have become a lot easier to create, but that shouldn’t make you think any less of the film. It’s still a tremendous amount of work to make lightsabres feel dangerous

and to visualise attacks like Force blasts, and they all appear convincing. There’s not much in the way of a script, and almost every line of dialogue spoken feels a bit cheesy, but we’re not here to listen to aliens talk space politics, right?

Of course, the main attraction here is the close combat between Jedi and Sith. It’s not just a one-on-one however, Maul is up against several Jedi Knights, including one that resembles Bane from The Dark Knight Rises. Batman crossover aside, the choreography in this fan-film doesn’t feel fan-made at all. In fact, it’s much better than the majority of lightsabre fights within the prequels. Huge praise must be given toward the stunt team, choreographers and actors for coming together and creating a fight that feels tense, realistic, and more importantly fun to watch. Maul begins by taking on a lone Jedi Knight, using only one side of his doublebladed sword. It’s obvious to see he’s very skilled in the art of murdering people.

- In-Depth: Darth Maul: Apprentice -

Top: Ben Schamma as Darth Maul Bottom: A Jedi Master & Apprentice are some of the opponents of the Sith

- In-Depth: Darth Maul: Apprentice -

Main: Close-up of Ben Schamma as Sith Apprentice Darth Maul

- In-Depth: Darth Maul: Apprentice -

YOU CAN TELL THAT CHOREOGRAPHER VI-DAN TRAN HAS RELENTLESSLY PLANNED THESE FIGHTS

One clichéd “Noooo” and a “It cannot be!” later, we watch as the Sith apprentice begins taking on five more Jedi.

Credit must be given to a variety of people here. Director Shawn Bu not only chose a great location to film, but for the most part understands that these intense fights are meant to be felt up close and personal. The camera stays close to Maul or a defending Jedi, so we as the viewer feel threatened. One of my major criticisms of the prequels was its use of wide shots in fight scenes, appropriate for a space battle, not so much a sword fight. Directors of photography Max Tsui, Vadim Schulz and Vi-Dan Tran all help guide the action smoothly, with very little quick cuts, allowing the viewer to see both action and reaction. It sounds like an obvious thing to do, but it’s surprising how many blockbuster films use quick cuts and edits to hide the action, so the actor(s) don’t actually have to fight properly.

You can tell that choreographer Vi-Dan Tran has relentlessly planned these fights, as the entire short feels incredibly polished and better yet professional. Defcon Unlimited helped create wonderful stunt work that wouldn’t be too far out of place in a feature film. It’s a faithful adaptation to the Darth Maul character, and despite being “just a fan-film” feels close to an authentic Star Wars experience. Maul’s make up is incredibly accurate, and all the Jedi Knights feel like genuine characters from the universe. It’s worthy of your time, Star Wars fan or not. The T7 Production have done justice to the Darth Maul character in 15 minutes, a feat that Lucas never accomplished. Now I want to see a Jar Jar Binks short film by these people… -Daniel Switzer

“Darth Maul: Apprentice” Out now on YouTube via channel T7pro

- In-Depth: Darth Maul: Apprentice -

Introducing... 27

‘S WONDERFUL

Runtime: TBA Directed by Milo Cremer Eindhover Producer: Georgi Doig

tanding at the alter hopeless romantic Emily is seconds away from sealing the deal, but in a moment of distress she flees. Taking refuge in an old fashioned sound studio she is able to persuade herself to go back, but getting back is more complicated than expected... Emily is thrown into 50’s Hollywood version of Paris without a way to get back. Her only hope for returning in time lies in the hands of the man who has no intention to lose her. In a series of Screwball-esque clashes and musical numbers Emily takes heed of her true feelings, but is she ready to act on them?

“I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain , what a glorious feelin’ I’m happy again…”. Ever since watching Gene Kelly singing and dancing in the rain, I have been toying with the idea of making a musical. It was this feeling of pure joy expressed in Gene Kelly’s famous dance that just left me wanting to share a similar feeling with an audience. What I found fascinating was that

this feeling was wholly achieved through Kelly’s dance, using his body as an extensions of his emotions and moods. Being able to express something without words and purely on the basis of how one moves is a great cinematic tool. What I found the most beautiful is how this visual language allows you to escape reality. In a musical, the dance often signifies a point for a character to forget his or her woes and briefly transcend the world around them. From this stems the idea for the story, Emily our main character is stuck in her rationalisation of her world, favouring logic and reason over her feelings. On the day of her wedding Emily is forcing herself to marry the wrong man, despite her gut feeling. The musical fantasy world Emily will enter will tempt her to leave her rational thought and for a change, just feel. -Description via ‘S Wonderful’s Indiegogo

“‘S Wonderful” will be looked at In-depth next issue

Main: Lights, camera, action! â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;S Wonderful during filming

Before we go, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll leave you with a production shot that sums up the joy of making film - a place where people are literally dance around at work. We hope you enjoyed reading about this, ahem, short selection of short films, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll catch you in the next issue!

-Courtlan Gordon

ISSUE 1 - VISIBLE, DIRECTED BY CLAY DELAUNEY (15MINS)

“My advice would to not give up. I’ve been told that I’m chasing the impossible but look at what i’ve done with just one short film. So keep working and learning and the impossible becomes the practical.”