The first "production" was a 20-minute 8mm film at age 15.  There was no script (it tends to show!), but that was all it took to get the film bug which took another 28 years to realize.  Click here for more.

  
     
 

Next it was time to attempt another such project from a bit more senior perspective.  My "co-producer" from age 15 and I finished working on our original film project, called:

 

The Aurora Experiment

 

  
     
 

The following versions are available for viewing:

  
 

Trailer

(29MB Download)

Higher Quality / Lengthy Download

or

Trailer

(29MB Streaming)

Lower Quality / Quicker Viewing

  
         
 

 

The Aurora Experiment: Contact me for a DVD.

(Total running time 81 minutes)

 

  
     

 

 

Some behind the scenes files:

  
  Windows media file Green Screen Test ~2.9MB  
  Los Lunas walk through storyboard photos ~ 0.6MB  
  Split screen composite test ~ 3MB  
  Gearing Up ~ 4MB  
  Executive ~ 11MB  
  Muffin ~ 20MB  
  Admin ~100MB  
  Admin v3 Clip ~26MB  

 

  Some images from The Aurora Experiment production:  
         
     
 

How do you start making a movie?  Building a set is as good a place as any.  This is the start of the cockpit for the Aurora interceptors.

 

With a little more work, the cockpit actually starts to take shape!  (Still a ways to go, however.)

  
         
     
  Early proof of concept "green screen" compositing wearing the unfinished helmet.   Same image with the green screen "keyed" out and an artificial horizon inserted.  Still crude, but effects "proof of concept" validated.  
         
     
  Filming begins!  Our "Immigration & Customs Enforcement" officers execute a corrupt politician's plan.   Our local "DHS agent" gets a call from our corrupt politician in his scheme to set another trap.  
         
     
  Yes, the task of scouting for filming locations knows no limits!   Very early animation renderings.  
         
     
  Our corrupt politician dictating orders to his executive assistant.   After a successful shoot, riding around in our "politician's" limo!  
         
     
  Okay, so the hoses on this helmet version are just way too cheesy!   Some fine modeling of the space suit as it develops!  
         
     
  Now for the fun stuff... to Italy where we filmed the movie's last scene.   The Italian villa.  
         
     
  The production team trying a cockpit window on for size!   Producers, directors, builders, actors, cameramen, animators, editors... it's a full effort for two people!  
         
     
  We asked three Catholic churches for filming permission and were denied.  The local Presbyterian church, however, was super!   Our politician, Mr. Gross, is busy scheming.  
         
     
  The cockpit comes to life!  A draft composite after the first evening of cockpit filming.   All elements are in place: The cockpit, helmet, helmet eyepiece, and the control panel lights reflected in visor.  
         
     
  Our General gives his briefing to the flight crews in front of a "green screen" turned graphics.   The General confronts his nemesis, Mr. Gross.  
         
     
  The power players together in one room.   All suited up and ready for space flight!  
         
     
  Firing the world's first "photon torpedo"?  No, it's not that trite!  However, it is the world's (or just our) first space missile, the "HYPERTRAC"!   How do you work on a fictional aircraft?  Use a picture of inside a hangar, create the aircraft in a computer and film the live action against green.  
         
     
  Before: Interior of the Airborne Laser crew in action!   Just add some computer graphics over the green screen...   After: Graphics complete!  Who would know that it is really inside Vaughn's garage, complete with pet rabbit running loose, chewing everything.  
         
     
  Ahh, the nuclear reactor!   Ahh, the effects of the nuclear reactor (and a short free-fall from space)!  
         
     
  A lot of research went into getting the right camera.  Sony makes a great camera with high HD resolution for a good price.  The decision was made to use this camera and get software to perform the required de-interlacing.   The editing, compositing, effects, colorization, audio and DVD authoring in one package.  Add the de-interlacing software, compositing plug-in, a light kit, a custom-built HD-capable computer and there's no money left to film!