Ross Cairns's The Answer music video for UNKLE

The second video for UNKLE's 'The Answer', directed by Ross Cairns features footage from the Relentless ‘Lives of The Artists’ documentaries. The highly anticipated new installment, ‘Lives Of The Artists: Follow Me Down’ features James Lavelle and legendary backcountry snowboarders, Jeremy Jones and Xavier De La Rue.

UNKLE - The Answer - Ross Cairns director from UNKLE on Vimeo.

See: The Bunker of the Last Gunshots

Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro's first live action film was , a 25 minute film about soldiers in a bleak futuristic world called Le bunker de la dernière rafale or The Bunker of the Last Gunshots (1981).

LE BUNKER from kapelaans on Vimeo.

LE BUNKER from kapelaans on Vimeo. Le bunker de la dernière rafale (1981)

Director: Marc Caro & Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Starring: Jean Marie De Busscher, Marc Caro, Patrice Succi, Gilles Adrien, Spot
France 2009, 86 mins, French with English subtitles

See: Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro's The Bunker of the Last Gunshots

See: John Hillcoat's The Answer for UNKLE

Acclaimed film director John Hillcoat, whose last major motion picture feature was the critically heralded ‘The Road’, directs the first video for UNKLE's ‘The Answer’. His vision begins with Ray Winstone (The Departed, Sexy Beast, Cold Mountain) relaying a memory from years past.

UNKLE - The Answer - John Hillcoat director, Ray Winstone starring from UNKLE on Vimeo.

See: Batman: City of Scars

Back in April we brought you the trailer for Batman: City of Scars Finally fan Aaron Schoenke's 30 minute short film is ready for viewing.

When the Joker escapes from Arkham and murders the parents of a young boy, Batman recalls the pain of losing his own parents as a child. He is pushed past his limits to the point where his focus becomes revenge on all who stand in his way, including many of Gotham’s underworld. Finally, Batman is forced to look at the psychological profile of his own mind and accept the consequences of his life to find resolve.

More info:
Over at the Daily Motion page

See: Decent Star Wars videos. Shock!

Hot from E3 2010 here are 2 rather awesome Star Wars clips offering evidence that George Lucas may make good on his intention to make some seriously kick ass Star Wars. However they also irrefutably prove that George Lucas could have made Star Wars 1-3 really decent films, but opted to sell out instead.

Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2 - Betrayal
The first clip is a teaser for LucasArts's Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II game, called Betrayal. If you are aware of the The Force Unleashed game you'll know what's happening and it's been a long time coming. If not - Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2 continues the galaxy-altering journey of Starkiller Darth Vader's secret apprentice, that shapes the key events between Star Wars: Episode III and Episode IV.

In the sequel, Starkiller returns with over-the-top Force powers and embarks on a journey to discover his own identity and to reunite with his one true love, Juno Eclipse. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, Starkiller is once again the pawn of Darth Vader—but instead of training his protégée as a ruthless assassin, the dark lord is attempting to clone his former apprentice in an attempt to create the Ultimate Sith warrior. The chase is on – Starkiller is in pursuit of Juno and Darth Vader is hunting for Starkiller.

With all-new devastating Force powers and the ability to dual-wield lightsabers, Starkiller cuts a swath through deadly new enemies across exciting worlds from the Star Wars films - all in his desperate search for answers to his past.

Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2 has an expected release date of 29 October, 2010


Star Wars: The Old Republic - Hope
The second trailer: Hope is for Star Wars: The Old Republic a massive online multiplayer role-playing game expected to be released sometime in Spring 2011.

The Battle of Alderaan. The Republic's gravest hour. Recently promoted to Darth, Malgus launches the first of many surprise attacks that would become his trademark during the Great War, perfectly timing the assault with a feint that pulls the Republic fleet light-years away. Thousands of assault droids and hundreds of Sith set the heart of the Republic ablaze, and Alderaan's few defenders are swept away with ease.

Unknown to Darth Malgus, small groups of Republic Troopers are stationed on Alderaan, some recovering from wounds, others are awaiting orders. As these brave soldiers take to the forests and mountains to fight a guerilla campaign against Malgus's forces, the Republic fleet rushes back to repel the invasion. With time running out and Alderaan's capitol threatened, it falls to Havoc Squad, the elite Republic Special Forces unit, to coordinate one last desperate stand against Malgus' vastly superior numbers.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is expected to go live during Spring 2011.

More info:
Over at the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 or Star Wars: The Old Republic websites

See: Mortal Kombat Short

The 7 min short below was made by director Kevin Tancharoen as a way to sell his vision to Warner Bros for their expected Mortal Kombat rebirth to be released in 2013.

It features characters from the Mortal Kombat universe with decent production values. It's rumoured that the film is in production hell whilst legal issues are sorted out. Albeit a big nod to The Watchmen - if this is the quality that is to be expected count me in for the Kumite.

It stars Ian Anthony Dale as Scorpion, Michael Jai-White as Jax (Jackson Briggs) and Jeri Ryan as Sonya Blade

See: Mortal Kombat Short

See: Red Dead Redemption: The Man from Blackwater Short Film by John Hillcoat

The year is 1910. The West is dying. The American frontier is undergoing a violent transition from the ways of old to modern times, and Mexico has entered a prolonged period of bloody civil war. Reformed outlaw John Marston is on his way to capture former running buddy Bill Williamson when he comes upon a half dead snake oil merchant named West Dickens. Marston travels under a bleak and unforgiving sun, teaming up with a violent sheriff and a colorful mentally deranged grave robber and together they discover a bloody massacre of homesteaders left in the wake of Williamson. They hatch a plan to break into an abandoned fort where the Williamson Gang is holed up - and a dark, surprising twist ensues.

Director:John Hillcoat
Starring (voices): Rob Wiethoff, Kevin Glikmann, Don Creech, Anthony De Longis

USA, 2010, 29 mins, English

See: Red Dead Redemption: The Man from Blackwater Short Film by John Hillcoat

More info:Over at the Rock Star Games website

Sci-Fi-London 09 Festival Video Ident launched - Sci-Fi-London 09

With 2 weeks to go SCI-FI-LONDON has unveiled it's rather swish Video Ident for this year's SCI-FI-LONDON 09 festival.

The future might not be what it once was but this year's Ident is. I like it. It's complicated, sophisticated and bold the way my Sci Fi films.

Life in 2050 Ident from FutureDeluxe on Vimeo.

Concept by Transmission.
Created by FutureDeluxe / futuredeluxe.co.uk
Programming - Matt Pearson / zenbullets.com
Audio - Harmonic 313 / Quadrant 3 (Courtesy of Warp Records / warp.net)

Created for the London Sci-Fi Film Festival / Life in 2050 Exhibition / Curated by Stuart Tolley of Transmission.

Sci Fi London 09 festival Festival Video Ident launched - Sci Fi London 09

Where
Apollo Apollo Piccadilly Circus
19 Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR

When
Weds 28 April - Mon 3 May, 2010

More info at SCI-FI-LONDON or get tickets at 0871 220 6000 or directly through the Apollo Cinemas Website

Exclusive: Gears of War 3 Teaser the way it was meant to sound

Yesterday, Epic Games announced that the highly-anticipated third and final instalment in the current story arc of Gears of War will be released in April 2011.

BROTHERS TO THE END—GEARS OF WAR 3 COMING APRIL 2011

Jacinto, the last human city, has been destroyed. The Locust Horde has pushed the Stranded remnants of humanity towards the brink of extinction. And a fearsome new enemy has risen, threatening to destroy them both. The story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad comes to an explosive conclusion in Gears of War 3, arriving exclusively on Xbox 360 in April 2011. Watch the trailer here on gearsofwar.com, or download it from our media page or on your Xbox 360 via the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Check the official announcement below for more details. And get ready—it’s gonna be one hell of a finale. - From http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/

At the same time they released a teaser trailer "Ashes to Ashes (http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/media/Default.htm)", as with their previous efforts it's a mixture of hard core violence, the melancholy of the Cogs and insurmountable odds.

After a little digging around I found this rather interesting variation of the teaser, the difference being that the visuals are set to Johnny Cash's brilliant "Hurt". Check it out below.

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Along with the games release announcement Epic also released a Desktop picture you can download it from http://electronictheatre.co.uk/index.php/xbox360/xbox360-images/4550-gears-of-war-3-official-wallpaper-released


Exclusive: Gears of War 3 Teaser the way it was meant to sound

When
Gears of War 3 will be unleashed in April 2011

SCI-FI-LONDON National 48Hour Film Challenge

CAN YOU MAKE A FILM IN 2 DAYS? Use your creative circuits, wit and talent to make a short film and you could win some neat prizes, let alone kudos from our jury - which includes Mick Garris (Freddy's Nightmares, Psycho IV, Sleepwalkers, The Stand, The Shining) and Vincenzo Natali (Splice, Cypher, Cube)- the festival and of course our audience.

Why? Well, winning films will be premiered at the festival! Our film challenge is FREE TO ENTER - well, it seems wrong to ask you for money, you will be working hard enough as it is!

It's really easy. We'll give you a randomly generated film title, some dialogue and maybe a prop list. You'll then have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit a complete five minute film... hard work but fun!


Check out Factory Farmed by Team: Rebel Alliance - winner of 48 Hour Challenge 2008

Factory Farmed
Uploaded by SFLTV. - Check out other Film & TV videos.

SCI-FI-LONDON National 48Hour Film Challenge

When
Register on www.sci-fi-london.com by Friday 9 April 2010. Attend the briefing on Saturday 10th April 2010. Submit your entry by 13.00hours (1pm) on Monday 12th April 2010

More info at SCI-FI-LONDON

See all 5 of The Parallel Lines Shorts

If you have not already seen them all 5 shorts from The Parallel Lines project are now available to watch online. Parallel Lines is the outcome of a experimental cinematic collaboration between Philips and renowned film producers, Ridley Scott Associates (RSA), founded by legendary director Sir Ridley Scott.

We have embedded them below but for a better viewing experience we recommend you plug your extra bass headphones in and head over to www.philips.com/cinema

PARALLEL LINES: FIVE SHORTS, FIVE STORIES, ONE DIALOGUE

“There are millions of ways to tell a story. There’s only one way to watch one” – this is the creative seed which inspired a beautifully diverse yet thematically linked quintet of short films released today – the ground-breaking Parallel Lines.

Darkroom – Johnny Hardstaff
Set in a retro future Shanghai, Darkroom opens on a covert surveillance operative as he searches for his criminal quarry. Scanning a polluted city skyline, we see through his technology as he zooms ever deeper into a distant apartment and through the imaginative use of reflections and technology begins to unravel a sinister secret. Through this voyeuristic journey we are led to a climax with dramatic consequences.

Johnny Hardstaff expertly generates intrigue through his development of mood and tension. Namely with the use of the operative’s own hushed voice to provoke a sense of seediness and setting of the tone. As the audience is led deeper we find a fiendish pleasure in this voyeuristic approach. Darkroom proves a clever and absorbing short that packs a very original sting in its tail.

Podarok (The Gift) – Carl Erik Rinsch
In this sci-fi thriller, Podarok introduces us to a dystopian future. It’s a winter’s day in Moscow, but the familiar landscape is not all it seems. The traditional backdrop is balanced by the technological hints to the future on show. An experienced KGB Agent is on his way to deliver a special gift. Expressionless and giving the aura of emptiness the lone man makes his way across the city. As the secret of the gift is unveiled to the receiver, the desire for the object becomes evident. The agent must have it. Even at the cost of a man’s life. A high octane chase through Moscow ensues as the dead man’s robotic butler tries to rescue the precious gift. It must not be left in the wrong hands.

Carl Erik Rinsch cleverly uses the pacing of this short to evoke and speak out to our emotions. We feel the bleakness of this post apocalyptic future, the gloomy life of an empty man, the desperation of the chased and climatically, hope.

The Hunt - Jake Scott
The Hunt follows two men on a trail to find the ultimate prey. In the eerie woodland something lurks; a mystical creature. Soon we will find that the hunters may well become the hunted.

Jake Scott takes us on a slow pursuit, carefully building the tension through a seemingly desolate and hostile environment. Senses are heightened as Jake brings to life every inch of the hunt, every sound carefully designed to put the audience on edge: the crows in the background, the trickle of a stream, the earth moving under each step. As The Hunt nears its horrifying climax we hold our breath as the huntsman sets his sights. However his companion shows a fear and nervousness in his expression. Something is not right. Perhaps the intended prey is not to be provoked.

El Secreto de Mateo – Greg Fay
In this heart-warming tale set amid the tower block of a South American housing estate, a boy shows a young girl to a room with a secret. The girl is introduced to a donkey which the boy tells her is a unicorn. Delight and fulfilment fills the young girl as she is left to feel the magic of this moment in a life that has offered her so little. This joy is short lived as we are shown the difficulties of growing up as bullies taunt the pair. The boy stands up for his younger friend. Afterwards though, it all seems too much as the brave boy is left to cry quietly in the corner. Unawares to her friend’s pain the girl returns her attention to the beauty of the animal.

Greg Fay delicately shows us the hardship of growing up and the joy that can be brought on by a child’s imagination. Lighting is used to great effect. The hue and glow of a beaming sun fills scenes with a warmth, comfort and tender security away from the harsh realities of the world. El Secreto de Mateo leaves us emotionally speechless with the feeling of both happiness and sorrow.

Jun & the Hidden Skies – Hi-Sim
Through animation Hi-Sim transports us into the playful imagination of siblings Jun and Aco. We are instantly rushed from the children’s attic into space as a cardboard box transforms into a spaceship. This fantasy adventure excites as our heroes find themselves in the midst of a space battle resulting in the capture of Aco. Jun is left to fall from the skies before being saved by a fire breathing dragon. Jun and his new friend blow away the enemy as the plight to save the captive Aco gathers pace.

Hi-Sim manages to bring out a childlike excitement and curiosity from the moment we enter the attic. This beautifully crafted animation bursts with fantastic colours of an imagined world. Visual details have been carefully considered and realism breaks through from the quality of the effects. This is a polished short that is sure to please the whole family.

See all 5 of The Parellel Lines Shorts

Where
www.philips.com/cinema

When
Now

More info at www.youtube.com/philipscinema or www.philips.com/cinema

See: Parallel Lines - Johnny Hardstaff's Dark Room Short

Dark Room is a sci-fi noir thriller short by Johnny Hardstaff, it one of the five short films from the Parallel Lines project made by Ridley Scott Associates for Philips Cinema

The Parallel Lines project is a unique film project - each of the 5 shorts from burning new talent at RSA represents a different genre but all 5 of the films use the same dialogue: "What is it?", "It's a Unicorn", "Get away, Get away", "Never Seen one so close before" and "I'm sorry". We may have missed a line of dialogue, let us know if you know it.

Fortunatley we will be seeing the 5 shorts this evening in all their big and widescreen glory so I'm fighting the urge to watch the clip below till after - so I comment as yet.

The Parallel Lines shorts have been devised to launch (and demo) Phillip's new range of 21:9 Widescreen Cinema proportion TVs which are also the widest screen TVs available.

Johnny Hardstaff is a director and designer. Represented by Ridley Scott Associates (London) and Little Minx (Los Angeles), Hardstaff has directed and designed innovative moving image work across a broad spectrum of both commercial and non-commercial strands of the visual arts. Mass media clients include Sony, Radiohead, Orange, Toshiba, Sony PlayStation and the BBC amongst others.

Get the full experience at: http://www.philips.com/cinema

Become a fan and get the latest news at: http://www.facebook.com/philipscinema

See: Parallel Lines - Johnny Hardstaff's Dark Room Short

When
Two shorts are released today on YouTube and Facebook and the rest will be available from tomorrow at http://www.philips.com/cinema

DC Comics Super Hero films Tribute Video

I'm still buzzing from the Harry Brown DVD launch earlier this evening at the awe inspiring London Film Museum where Paul Karslake unveiled 6 damn fine portraits inspired by Sir Michael Caine In Film.

Have you seen the Excalibur exhibition they have got going on down their or witnessed the marvel of the animatronic Rexy (the dinosaur from Night at the Museum)? More about that later and in the meantime as we have been banging on a lot about Marvel Comics heroes and with the big screen adaptation of DC's Green Lantern a while away I thought a little balancing was necessary, so herewith we present a Tribute clip compiling bits from recent DC hero films.

We have spotted Superman Returns, The Dark Knight, Catwoman, V for Vendetta, Constantine and The Watchmen. Have we missed any?

It's pretty mesmerising. Plug in your headset and turn it up.

DC Comics Super Hero films Tribute Video

Captain America casting Alex Ross's thoughts

Now that the search for Captain America is over and Chris Evans has beaten Channing Tatum and Sebastian Stan to the 3 picture deal offer (as yet unsigned). Alex Ross has offered some sagely advice.

Alex Ross is the artistic genius who reinvigorated Marvel Comics in the 90s much in the same way Allan Moore and Frank Miller did for DC in the 80s. He also also redesigned Captain America twice, once for the dark and revolutionary Earth X series in the early 1990s, turning Cap into an aged, bald and battle scarred warrior and again when he "modernised" Captain America in late 2007.

Earth X Captain America - 1990

Modern Captain America - 2007

So Alex Ross knows Captain America and this is what he had to say to Entertainment Weekly magazine:

"We've been saying for years, if you don't sign Jon Hamm to play this part, you're crazy.

"Captain America is supposed to be the patriarch of the Marvel universe. To get a guy in his early to mid-20s is only thinking about where the character began, not what he ultimately needs to become."

Captain America casting Alex Ross's thoughts

Repo Men Animated Clip

To support the launch of I am Legend back in 2007. A series of animated clips were released onto the web. The clips gave some context to the worls and the characters of I am Legend. It looks like we can expect the same thing for Repo Men

The 6 min clip below is pretty brutal but gives some insight and context for the world of Repo Men as well as Jude Law's character Remy. If the clip is anything to go by my anticipation of Repo Men just shot up twice fold. Keep an eye out for the nod to Saul Bass' Anatomy of a Murder poster.

Repo Men Animated Clip

Inglourious Basterds Clapper Board Angel (Camera Angel)

"Camera Angel" is an extra on the Inglourious Basterds Blu Ray. It's a short clip compiling all the clapper board clap outtakes. Geraldine Brezca (the Clapper Loader and Tarantino's Camera Angel) would come up with names of filmmakers or relevant words to suit the numbers and letters on each slate.

Inglourious Basterds Clapper Board Angel (Camera Angel)

Fan made Captain America teaser trailer

Hot on the heels of the announcement that Hugo Weaving will be playing Captain America's nemesis The Red Skull we thaw this fan made teaser for The First Avenger: Captain America and bring it to the future.

Based on the Marvel Comics character from World War II. A brave, yet mild-mannered young soldier named Steve Rogers volunteers to undergo a series of experiments for a US army Super Soldier program. The military succeeds in transforming him into a human weapon, but quickly decide that their Super Soldier is far too expensive a creation to risk in combat. So, they decide to put him to use as an army celebrity and parade him across Europe to boost morale by performing in USO shows for American troops. He is even given a costume that bear the colors of Old Glory for the stage.

Then, when a Nazi plot reveals itself Rogers must rise up and and become the First Avenger, in order to save his country. Steve Rogers becomes Captain America and he earns his way into the hearts and souls of every American, bringing hope and justice to a war-weary nation. Later, during a mission to Germany to stop his archenemy - the Red Skull, from launching rockets at the allies, Captain America sacrifices himself and winds up frozen in ice for almost six decades! Revived, Steve Rogers now must join forces with new heroes and become an Avenger of the modern age.

Fan made Captain America teaser trailer

Cyber Punk Frame 137 is bad ass

More SXSW goodness - filmmaker Judd L. Tilyard is currently at SXSW and hosting some private screenings of his Cyberpunk short film Frame 137.

Frame 137 is a short Sci Film directed, produced and written by Judd L. Tilyard. It's based on a comic by James O'Barr (creator of The Crow).

The teaser below shows just how kick ass this 14 minute film is going to be.

James O'Barr's original Frame 137 is 4 pages in length and was featured in an issue of Dark Horse Presents. The comic introduces to a dark future world (very similar to a William Gibson future in tone and language) where a chemical living and child trafficking are commonplace. The story takes place in a bar, where a teenage assassin called Johnny Z is waiting to meet Leo who is in the "baby flesh" business. Mayhem ensues. The teaser expodes the comic onto the screen! Sounds like the intention is to turn the short into a full feature film.

The filmmakers synopsis of the teaser is as follows - Jonny Z waits at the underground tech saloon run by Mac, one of the few people he trusts. When Jonny realizes the presence of a Grey might scare off Leo, his expected client, Jonny is forced to start a massive bar fight before personally "persuading" the Grey and her followers to leave. Anxiously awaiting Leos arrival, Jonny receives a surprise pick me up from his dealer Big T, just before Leo shows. Pondering his past and the requirements of his job, Jonny heads to the back room to confront and kill Leo.

Tilyard explains

“The film is a sci-fi action piece based on the work of James O'Barr creator of the Crow, and made with his permission.

The film was shot on the RED using Lomo Anamorphic Lens over a weekend. Sam ransom the ten year old boy who plays Jonny Z, the films hero, notably performed all his own stunts including the fire breathing and wire-work, some of which is showcased in the Teaser.

The music used in the teaser, was also very generously recorded for the film by Nick Oliveri and Dave Grohl my sincerest thanks guys.”

You can follow the release of the short film and the development of the feature on http://www.facebook.com/Frame137film or http://www.myspace.com/frame137

Or follow director Judd L. Tilyard on Twitter here: @frame137

He has also said anyone with any production etc questions please feel free to email him directly at frame137(at)hotmail.com .

Cyber Punk Frame 137 is bad ass

Ridley Scott's Parallel Lines project & Carousel short film

Last week it came to light that Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) have been working on a series of short films for Phillips.

The project named "Parallel Lines" has been devised to launch Phillip's new range of 21:9 Cinema proportion TVs which are also the widest screen TVs available.

Ridley Scott on the Parallel Lines project:

“My production company receives hundreds of ideas every day, but this was something unique. The idea created a massive amount of enthusiasm from RSA directors around the world.”

Philips asked members of RSA to submit their short films, 45 submissions made, and five were picked as the finalists each representing a different genre. The chosen film directors and their films are:

Greg Fay - El Secreto de Mateo, described as a touching drama.
Johnny Hardstaff noir sci-fi thriller Darkroom.
Jake Scott's mystical horror The Hunt.
Hi-Sim's animation adventure Jun & the Hidden Skies.
The futuristic action thriller The Gift from Carl Erik Rinsch.

This is not the first time Phillips are using the medium to enhance their products - last year Adam Berg and Stink Digital made the awesome Carousel for Phillips. A 2.20 minute short that combines elements of The Matrix, Watchmen and The Dark Knight into a seemingly single gliding long take of mayhem and carnage.


Carousel

Making of Carousel

You can expect interactive trailer to be launched tomorrow Fri 26 February and The 5 Parallel Lines short films will premiere online on 8th April at http://www.cinema.philips.com/ .


Update #1 - 16 March
The Trailer for Parallel Lines is now online.

Update #2 - 20 March
Apparently each of the 5 films, uses the same dialogue. Whoa! This is going to be interesting.



Ridley Scott's Parallel Lines project & Carousel short film

Where
http://www.cinema.philips.com/

When
Thurs 8 April, 2010

The Griswolds are back!

The Griswolds are hitting the road again. Amid speculation of a new National Lampoon Vacation movie - the one where Rusty tries to get the whole family together again for a visit to Wally world before it shuts down.

Homeaway have released a short film called - Hotel Hell Vacation. "Ride along as The Griswolds hit the road again. This time theyre on their way to see Rusty at his vacation rental. They stop at a hotel and typical Griswold madness ensues". The trailer for the short was screened at Superbowl and can be seen below. Further belowyou'll find the full film.