WORK GOES ON!
over 2 years ago – Thu, Aug 03, 2023 at 02:35:20 PM

WORK GOES ON! 

Hi everyone,

Here's a quick update on our progress. Firstly, we're doing fine in the whirlwind world of post-production—it's a marathon, not a sprint!

Currently, we're immersed in creating the VFX for our brief dragon scenes. Despite their short duration, these scenes are complex enough to challenge any team!

In terms of music, we've just finalized our instrumental soundtrack, and it's sounding incredible. My friend Aidan, our composer, has used samples from a range of synthesizers, lending our film an authentic sonic texture. While our soundtrack draws inspiration from the original compositions of DeathStalker and DeathStalker II, we've also incorporated an exciting addition.

The metal band, "Throne of Iron", is currently producing three tracks that will underscore some excellent montage sequences in the movie. 

A pile of work is also going on in the 2d matte painting world, with lots of rotoscoping. Now, most of our film is practical effects but, for example if I need folks to cross a treacherous bridge of stone pillers that's about 80 feet long (and guarded by a giant spider) then... I'm gonna need a little help from the humming machine. (Computer... and my Cousin Michael, who is like a computer). 

If you're wondering what a graded still should look like, I'm aiming for something along these lines: deep contrasts and rich, saturated colors. I'm using Film Convert Pro Nitrate (or something similar), which is a cinematic emulation plugin for Resolve / After Effects. Essentially, my goal is to give the film an organic, photo-chemical appearance without going overboard with grindhouse post-editing techniques, like adding film hairs or damaged frames. So, I suppose you could say it's reminiscent of a richly remastered, digital version of a 35mm sword and sorcery B-movie from 1984.

Want more regular updates?

Then please follow me on Twitter, Facebook and join our company filmmaking group over here! 

PICTURE SET REWARDS

All photo sets are currently under development. Although the Jigme set might take a bit longer, you can expect to receive all of them within the next nine days. As for the Jigme set specifically, it should be completed by the end of the month. Rest assured, they're all shaping up to look absolutely epic!

BackerKit

Folks, I understand that some of you haven't been able to complete the checkout process on BackerKit, sometimes due to us missing the addition of an obscure reward (my mistake). Rest assured, we will sort everything out and ensure everyone is accommodated before any items are shipped.

What's Next?

In the meantime, rest assured that we're working tirelessly. Unfortunately, we can't always focus solely on one project (I'm actually shooting three films this year for other companies), and we have another campaign lined up soon for the Gothic Horror Genre. When you're part of a team making movies, things can get a little hectic, but just like you, I can't wait to sit down, crack open a beer, and watch this film.

For now, the film is primarily in the hands of some talented nerds (I say this affectionately as a mega-nerd myself). These are the post-production matte painters, 3D animators, and sound mixers (did I mention that almost 90% of the sound design is done?).

If you want smaller, almost daily updates then do follow me on Twitter or our filmmaking facebook group! However, I will update you here as well! 

Big Hugs 

Lawrie

WE DID IT! And... NOW we're on BACKERKIT!
almost 3 years ago – Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 12:25:18 PM

WE DID IT! And... NOW we're on BACKERKIT! 

First of all, let me extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all of us for our team-based approach that made the impossible possible again. I can't begin to stress how much resistance there was within the film industry towards the production of a 1980s-inspired Sword and Sorcery film.

I realize more and more each day just how remarkable it was that this was even able to happen, and we owe it all to you guys and the hardworking artists on this production

My job will be to get the film tied up and completed as soon as possible, without ever sacrificing the quality of production value or the quality of our rewards. For those of you who are new to me and our Hex Campaigns, we take great pride in trying to make everything we produce special.

BackerKit you say?

That's right. For the first time we're using BackerKit which apparently is really fancy, and makes everything better - just like Bourbon and a gun! So, we'll see if that rings true! 

Quite excitingly we've also got a BackerKit store now, so folks please share that with people that haven't pledged yet! As, we can do with all the support we can get as we finish this film and plan for the next!

https://the-slave-and-the-sorcerer-sword-and-sorcery-horror-mov.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders

And, rest assured that in the meantime Arlo the Torturer will be working very, very hard on the making of each and every one of your copies of the film! 

Mwuahahaha

Your Exclusive Weekend Secret Deal!
almost 3 years ago – Sat, Jun 10, 2023 at 12:53:27 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

FREE Upgrades! 48 HOUR Match Pledger & EPIC "Desert Horde" Stretch Goal!
almost 3 years ago – Tue, Jun 06, 2023 at 04:59:46 AM

EPIC News has emerged from the cavern of the Bearded One (me), but let me start by thanking you from the bottom of my heart for the support you've shown so far in bringing back the 1980s Sword and Sorcery! What we're doing might seem impossible, but it's not, thanks to you! Now, we have a fighting chance of reaching our Stretch Goals, which will not only improve the quality of our film but also allow us to build sets for the sequel "The Slave and the General" to be shot next year.

To help us with this task, we have a match pledger willing to match 50% of every pledge made in the next 48 hours. So, if you know anyone who's sitting on the fence or if you're considering taking advantage of any of our fantastic reward upgrades, now is the time, folks!

NEW UPGRADES AND REWARDS!

NEW 4K SUPER RESOLUTION DIGITAL VERSION

For the connoisseur of high-resolution super fanciness, where you can see the bumble-bee reflected in the eye of Tyrol the Slave or the infinite permutations of goo dripping from Arlo the Torturer's beard, we have prepared a very special... very technically demanding 4k Super High Bit Digital Download Version.

In addition, pledgers of this reward will receive a digital download of the film's extras, which are also featured on the Blu-Ray.

This item is available as a Reward called "4K DIGITAL EDITION" (£20 / $25) or as an add-on priced £15 or $20 (saving you £5 / $7).

FREE BOOK OF BEASTLY CREATURES VOL. 2 UPGRADE

Our beautiful hardback second volume of Horror Short Stories, featuring creatures and demons, now comes with a FREE UPGRADE for every pledger in this campaign. Previously, we had a £70 ($100) reward that included your name in the printed thank you credits. However, we have now eliminated it! Instead, we're offering it for free to every backer who pledges for this fantastic new reward. This is an exclusive offer for this campaign, and you can nominate someone like a friend or a loved one to receive your credit if you prefer.

You automatically qualify for this reward if you have already pledged for the Book. If you haven't, simply go to 'manage pledge,' 'change pledge,' and then select the same reward you had before. Voila! The add-ons will appear! From the list, choose either our standard, signed, or signed and dedicated editions of the book.

Prepare to become immortal in the world of publishing

NEW VHS REWARD OPTION!

For just £20 ($25) extra, backers can add the new Standard Edition VHS to any pre-existing pledge. Folks can also upgrade from the Special Edition Reward to the "BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION & VHS" reward to receive both the Blu-Ray and VHS.

Folks who pledge for this new Reward (or have already pledged for the Blu-Ray and Standard or Special Edition VHS) will receive a special thank you video starting today!

And let me tell you why. I'm passionate about our VHS reward and bringing back some of the fun from that era. I hope you guys go for it, and if you do, I'll personally thank you for it.

MYSTERY HORROR FILM REWARD!

Our 'MYSTERY Horror Movie!' is a thrilling film that the Hex Team secretly filmed. Though it's a modest project, it's a full-length feature film. Who knows what it's about? That's part of the fun! You can include this reward in your pledge by selecting it as an add-on called 'MYSTERY Horror Movie!

Did I mentioned you'll get a 4k download as well? AND... did I mention that anyone who pledges will get a shout out in the credits?

HOW DO ADD KICKSTARTER ADD-ONS TO MY PLEDGE?

Guys, even I find this tricky. So, I found a simply video guide that explains how to do this quickly! 

AND FINALLY...

If you haven't had a chance yet, you can still add the stunning photo-set rewards we've produced with Megan Tremethick, including the Hammer Goddess & S&S Photo-Set (pictured below and available as a bundle), as well as the incredible "+A NIGHT WITH JIGME". This experience will allow you to rest by the campfire as Megan brings her Jigme character back to life from Dragon Knight, sharing three tales along with another fantastic set of photos

Megan Tremethick's photo set rewards are available as add-ons, named "Hammer Goddess Photo-Set," "Sword & Sorcery Photo Set," and "A Night with Jigme." We even have "A Night with Jigme and Little Jigme," which includes an awesome Games Workshop scale miniature of Jigme from Dragon Knight!

AND FINALLY....

There's still time to enhance your love life with the help of this add-on reward "Seduce thine Maiden" which is hilarious, outrageous and utterly disturbing! Of course it is... it's written by me! 

YOUR UPGRADES AND PLEDGES ARE IMPORTANT! 

As I mentioned, for the next 48 hours, your pledge or upgrade will be 50% matched, giving us a huge chance to reach our stretch goals. These goals include producing a castle wall and a big desert backdrop mural for an epic battle! Our "Man the Wall" and "Desert Horde" stretch goals are apocalyptic improvements for our next film, and they will also enhance our current film.

This extra support will enable us to provide you all with the highest quality rewards and experience. By working together, we can achieve those stretch goals and transform the world of indie film by restoring a forgotten sub-genre of fantasy cinema!

 ACTOR AND PRODUCER REWARD PACKAGES

If you're interested in any upgrades to our Acting Rewards or Producer Credit Rewards, we're delighted to offer generous discounts during the next 48 hours, thanks to our match pledger. Please feel free to send us a message if you'd like to explore the possibilities.

Big Hugs - 

The Bearded One - Lawrie! 

NEW VHS REWARD! Ermahgerd!!!
almost 3 years ago – Sat, Jun 03, 2023 at 07:52:32 AM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.