Almost immediately, I sent an email to John and Alain about the contest and told them to stop all other projects because we’re now focusing on Star Wars. Naturally, they told me I was crazy! ...but they got on board anyways! We quickly got into action! I wrote a script and we went out to find supporters to help out with props, costumes, equipments, etc..

Being martial artists, choreography became our first focus, Alain, Pat and I spent many many hours putting together the lightsaber fight scenes (watch the choreography video). We had such a blast doing this and we soon found many friends and fellow martial artists from around Ottawa eager to fill the roles of the Sith Lords. (watch the casting video)

John and I took charge of the props. After several hours on the internet and several trips to Home Depot, we discovered that lightsabers props can be made with nothing more than plumbing materials! ...and they look pretty convincing! (watch the prop video)

On the production weekend, we made a call out to many of our friends for extras. We filmed for many LONG hours but we had a blast. It was also the first time I had shot a full movie on green screens so editing was going to be a challenge! Not to mention the countless hours of rotoscoping lightsaber glows! But it’s soooo worth it! :) Just to give you an idea, it can take about 30min to an hour to edit 1 second of lightsaber action! (watch the production video)

Interested in making your own lightsaber effects?

Check out this great tutorial from VideoCopilot.net

All along the way, we posted pictures and update videos on YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites. The response we got was phenomenal! People, not only from Ottawa, were really into it and could not wait to see the final product.

On July 16th 2009, we had our official premiere at the Mayfair Theatre in Ottawa.  It was also a huge success, we had a great turnout, people enjoyed the movie and I got to meet and network with other local filmmakers, many of which I am now working closely with on other projects! (Stay tuned! We got some really awesome stuff coming soon!!). It also landed me an interview on CBC Radio’s “All in a Day” program which was pretty cool!

In the end, although we never won the Atom Film challenge, it was still a fun project to do, we learned a lot and got a great response from audiences everywhere!

Check our the Official Star Wars Ottawa Fan Site.