Half Life Movie
How creative could you be if given 500 USD?
Indie filmmakers have filmed the first two episodes of their new Half-Life-2-based miniseries for a total budget of $500. Now, that's an indie filmmaker budget! "Originally envisioned as a project to test out numerous post production techniques, as well as a spec commercial, it ballooned into a multi part series.
Filmed guerrilla style with no money, no time, no crew, no script, the first two episodes were made from beginning to end on a budget of $500." You know what? It's not bad.
Video by Purchase Brothers.
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University Student
How creative? Hmm don't know, might depend on what equipments I can get.
Student
http://kokost.deviantart.com/
Loved the short clip. 500 dollars is a lot but I think it was well spent for what we see here. Watching this short movie makes me want to play HL2 again... bah! Back to studying!
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
On the contrary - $500 is NOTHING. O_O I had to make a 5-minute short film earlier this year, and that cost us $760. This is a film with no special effects, free equipment rental, free location rental, and unpaid actors. The average cost for projects made in the class was around $600.
They're shooting in video - which is vastly cheaper than film, but incurs its own costs. The average cost for a 10-minute documentary we're shooting right now (once again, no special effects, props, unpaid actors) is about $130. They made two five-minute episodes for a total of 10 minutes - same length.
*blink* For $500, this is absolutely-frickin'-amazing. Shooting indie hit-and-run would mean they don't need location permits, which helps keeps cost down...I'll assume the actors are unpaid volunteers...if they shoot with a HDD camera they wouldn't need to buy tapes...
The actors could be better, and I seriously think they need to rework some audio (they need more bottom end bass and rumble) but this is very good considering their goal.
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
I think I went off a tangent too long. ^^; Sorry, I get long-winded about what I'm passionate about.
Note about the documentary: that one's shot in video, not actual film-film, which is why I offered it for comparison.
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
http://urisblog.morbid-sore.de/
Not to worry, I enjoyed reading that as much as I enjoyed watching the video and I agree with you.
Besides, I get long-winded like that when it comes to music and making music. There's nothing bad about that, it's exactly the kind of critizism the producers want.
Student
http://kokost.deviantart.com/
lol not at all. We each have our own hobbies and specialties. Being passionate about our subjects in which we are knowledgeable in helps inform and broaden our views. Looking at that amount of money from an everyday man's perspective will make it look like a fair bit of money that can purchase, for example, quite a few figures. Another reason why I thought 500 felt like quite a lot was because the number of scenes where there was actual recording felt very little in the complete movie. Then again, there is a part two... anyways, the point is, don't worry about going off on a tangent. I'd do it too if it were within my area of specialties ^^;
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
500 USD? or 500 superheroomgrockzorusd?
The cost must imply that they did everything themselves, including sound effects, 3d etc etc. and only counted the cost of say renting a camera etc.
500 is low for any kind of work. 500 usd is pocket money for making film.
Student, *Temporary Lead* *Permanent Rhythm atm* guitarist for band Psychotic Mind System
hmm that doesnt look like 500 dollars but still thats amazing for the budget
Student
http://kokost.deviantart.com/
500 Canadian... not as much as US currency but will still be a lot in my hands ^^;
http://akari-nyan.deviantart.com/
Oh that's awesome! Great job for Indie filmmakers! Also welcome BoingBoing readers!
university student
wow looks really well done and only 500 dollars. hollywood needs to learn from these guys haha
machinery operator, eskimo, blame taker
it doesn't seem to be production costs that kill hollywood it's paying a "star" 20 million to be in the film then spending 40 million to tell us that star is in the film
kudos to the makers of this film someone send them some money i wanna see the rest of the series
College Student
I am really impressed! that film was very very good. i enjoyed it
dannychoo.com の読者
yea nostalgic this is.
replay HL2 i want.
but me put off to think of the long train ride i have to get thru to start playing..
Otaku, US Army, Student (Political Science)
http://figure.tsuki-board.net/profile/Syaoran
I certainly would not be that creative. I'd end up just buying more figmas haha. Nice work they did. Love the HL2 sounds.
Student
http://miri.textcube.com/
How creative! I haven't played Half-Life for a long time now...
would love that film ^^;
Passerby
http://jitokun.wordpress.com/
Is it really only $500 budget? Well done if it's true.
Student
Even though they had such a small budget to work with, it turned out awesome!
I loved the Half Life games :D
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
most of the budget prolly came from buying those modded airsoft weapons and costumes. still impressive though
Nekophilia
TOO AWESOME FOR WORDS! I love Half Life.
I was thinking "wheres the crowbar?" until the other half of the video.. lol. Gordon Freeman CANNOT go without crowbar.
Nekophilia
Just subscribed to their Youtube account.
You might wanna watch this for fun ^^
Coke Babies - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBfSiwmTzV4
Undergraduate (Civil Engineering)
Wow, they did this with $500? Puts many of those multi-million dollar films to shame if you ask me.
Injured
Well they probably didn't have to pay actors and they didn't put out the 1 million a day worth of illegal substances for the cast, directors and actors to use every day the show was on the set that hol ly wood uses method.
Filmmaker
http://josewritingthelife.blogspot.com/
If it's true.. . awesome job.... if it's true...
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Never played Half Life before, so I don't really know what's happening, but damn it's good for a $500 budget!
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
http://urisblog.morbid-sore.de/
The Half Life series is the best god damned shooter series in the world, just like valve is the best video game developer on the planet. You've got to play them games. No one can call himself a gamer if he doesn't.
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
I'm waiting for my friend to get me The Orange Box in May. I'll be playing it then. I think I have the first one in the HD, but can't remember... just haven't got around to it yet >_<
Student
http://anime.tedfox.com/
that was seriously wicked.
and for 500 bucks no less!
i wonder what the valve guys think abt this...
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
http://urisblog.morbid-sore.de/
The guys at valve are cool, I bet they enjoyed watching this.
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
watching the $500 short film is okay to me, worth watching it
Student
Awsome! They really did a good job.
Developer/Student
http://threedeecomplex.wordpress.com/
Seems that the video is no longer available, but I've seen this before. Its very well done in terms of the effects and the overall atmosphere, just that the acting could be a bit better. I guess it would be too much to ask to a movie of Gordon Freeman's story (making a good movie prop HEV suit could end up costing $500 in itself).
Poet (not)
For 500 bucks that is pretty good.
Love the crowbar cameo XD
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
Wow, they really did a great job utilizing on the USD500 dollars budget~~~~
???Confused???
So much for so little...it's really well made...
http://darkdam.deviantart.com/
wow, that's pretty good for something on low budget, now think how much better it would be with double $500
3D artist- Codemasters KL
I find it funny that this short movie looks many times better than the upcoming Dragonball/Streetfight movies.
These guys >>>>> Pretentious Hollywood people who claim to be "fans" of some popular show/game
for real ? $500 ???
just guess what they can do with a million or more !!!! Oo
a 'creative' type
I don't know much about the cost of shooting videos etc but all I know is that was cool, really nice locations and FX were pretty neat...nice 3D compositing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aseps/
good movie! its really not a hollywood production??
Kamen Rider
omg this is epic
Casshern - Student
This is so amazing. Love it
anime/cosplay events organizer
http://www.cosplay.ph
i dunno...it all depends on the skill that i have ^^;;;
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
impressive. truly impressed i'm.
Love the crowbar
Love the :mumble:mumble:mumble: of the bad guys
Love the beeeeeep when they die
In other words, love HL2. These guys do a great job of capturing the spirit of the game on a shoestring budget. Very impressive.
Now if they would just mod a turkey and put it on someone's head I'd pass out from joy...
Student
http://yellowguy89.blogspot.com/
2nded. Cant wait for episode 3...
大学生
http://justaskeikaku.net23.net
Not bad?! Biggest understatement of the day
Student
http://otaku.lv
saw this yesterday. at the beginning of the the movie, they show my country. ON FIRE ! Latvia ftw ! :D
Student
http://dazisbloodlusting.blogspot.com/
awesome
Student/Music Producer/Web Designer
http://www.myspace.com/lionbiscuits
That was absolutely amazing.
I'm a huge Half Life fan, so seeing this just gave me a great morning. :D
World Class Idiot
omg... my class wasted over a thousand dollars making a 30min shitty movie that sucked ass big time... and with half that amount these guys here made such an awesome movie....
*bows down to them*
Perv
That's quite impressing. I'm a big HL fan myself, but I'm not that keen on seeing games and anime being turned into live-action movies. For example, Dragon Ball is one of such productions, which made me have this posture towards that kind of movies ^^
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
Really well done..wonder how long did it took?...
Programmer
Maybe the actors are there for free or they've already the replicas based on weapons from HL2 and no included on the budget. The total sum of cost of all the things that appears on this film, should be more expensive than USD$500
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
http://aki7.bottled-wish.info
now that wasnt too bad considering the 500bucks spent nice nice now I do want to see a realy movie out of it haha
Games addicted
http://addictedtoludus.com/
It totally blowed me away...
I know Half Life since the first episode on pc...
thousand master II, Internet Learner, Auto didacta
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
that was really cool indeed ^o^ Better than some hollywood movies (like Dragon ball) that just is a waste of money xD
Student & Game Designer
http://www.artificialzeromedia.com/
its simple... you have passion and understanding of a game like half life and video editing
you dont need anything... video editing is free, and shooting it aswell
you just need a little equipment, like costumes
only reason why game franchise based movies are not good most of the time is that the directors have no idea...
this may change when hideo kojima makes the MGS movie =D
Otaku / Student in Networking
http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/
Very good
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
That was AWESOME!!! XD
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
Hot damn that is one awesome movie on a $500 budget.... crazy....
Graphic Designer
I've only played Half Life 2, and I really didn't like it. Really lame stack up "puzzles", and stiff and clunky feeling control.
Student @ UofT
http://balancebox.wordpress.com/
watched last nigth, awesome stuff, now they need to make a portal one lol. there is already a replica of the portal gun around
♦College Student♦
With only 500$? They did an amazing job. I probably wouldn't mind watching that on TV too. I'm into that kind of stuff. I heard about Half Life, looks awesome, but never played it >:
Student
http://gooddayforlemontea.blogspot.com/
WOW!!!! only 500! Thats incredible haha. Although you cant dismiss that they had a world created for them already. Still this is quite cool
Programming Student, Asian Girls Lover, Otaku
http://jappydolls.net/
A lot of Hollywood movies are shit and they spend millions, these guys are awesome!
Doc
Wow. I am impressed. Can't wait to see the rest. Great Job.
こうこうせい
http://stickymochi.blogspot.com
;D really nice episode. if i hadn't already known, i would never had thought they had only spent $500 on it!
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
http://koiaichaku.com/
Amazing Movie...
Would love to see part 2...
Making a movie with $500 is insane and it looks amazing!!!!!!
High School Senior on the verge of entering the crappy world we created...woot?
http://www.myspace.com/infernomoose/
nifty? =D
i originally had a decent comment, but i hit "comment" instead of submit and lost it. Being the pathetically lazy kid i am, i wasnt inclined to type it out again...
NOTE TO OTHERS: Comment is not equal to Submit :)
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
big half life fan, happy when I say this
Motivational Speaker
Really well done for 500 dollars!
I would really like a Half-Life movie to hit the big screen and I think I know who'd play a good Freeman!
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7645/1214105425252yv7.png
IT
That man! He really isn't a bad match, Hugh Laurie...
My concern would be that players see the entire Half-Life story through Gordon Freeman's eyes, and thus Freeman's persona (as a screen character) has yet to be seen.
At least it's open to interpretation. I'd like to see what movie makers might do with Freeman.
On the other hand, not seeing him up close but seeing his impact on the story continuity and the rest of the Resistance would be a safe bet too. I'm talking about a movie much along the lines of the shorts they made.
College Freshmen
That was amazingly good. Hollywood take note please.
Com. Sci. Student
they have the animation, smoke, blood, guns, and crowbar... for only 500 usd
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
$500 well spent. Looks like someone paid Daiso a visit. ^^'
http://strangeknight.wordpress.com
The "$500" bit is a little misleading... the directors were already with a professional production studio which means they probably didn't have to pay for all the equipment.
Manpower is cheap. It's the equipment costs that will kill ya.
Looking for Work
For $500 this is really good. The special effects are outstanding for an indie film.
Wanderer of the Mist
http://hangmen13.16ops.com/
With talented film makers like this, I often wonder why Hollywood turns to Uwe Boll for videogame adaptations, showering him with 25 Million USD to faithfully recreate the valley of piss, when that very same amount is better off given to charity groups.
Student or something like that
http://myanimelist.net/profile/tiberis1221
Lol for $500, it was a good movie, waiting for part 2 XP
It remembered me the Halo Shortie movies, but with better graphics XD
Engineering and Sales
If it wasn't for the horrendous acting I would give it a 10. It drops to 7 because of that.
Air Transportation Journeyman
http://www.myspace.com/savefaceandbeyourself
Very cool. Love it.
Student
wow this is amazing!
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
oh snap! this is phenomenal!!! and they made such a great piece of work considering their $500 budget, i salute these guys~
Student, Performer
http://kesenaitsumi89.wordpress.com/
Hmm..It's not just "not bad".. with just a budget of US 500, It's very well made...
http://iamzandy.blogspot.com
That is really amazing. I think for me it's really impossible to produce such a short movie like that unless you are a computer graphics expert or somethin' like green screen, what so ever. Nice work!
NEET!
http://profiles.friendster.com/lightandglass
and that was cool!
awesome...
and the best part is...the budget of only 500USD
nice
Student
http://www.lesterho.com
with this amount of money, it was indeed well spent on making an awesome movie like this.
I used to play Half-life alot back when I was still in high school and after watching this, it really makes me want to replay the whole game again.
Supreme Commander of NERV Co.
Wow, that looks so interesting ^^
Ship welder, IT Guy, Rotary Fanatic
been playing since 2000 when I first got my copy of the original halflife. Game pretty much scared me straight since back then, it was actually horrifying. LOL
Simple Program Creator, 3D Designer (Without animation), Flammable Organic Gas Producer, Oxygen consumer
wow...that's great....
i usually play Half-life 1, opposing force, dark-star,2, ep1 and ep2....
that's a good game....
Student
http://johndiew0107.wordpress.com/
very good... even $500 can make it...
drafting designer,video game tester
!!!!!!!!!SUPER COOL!!!!!!!!