Adventure Game Studio

Trailer:

Hi peoples, well I've done some minor pimping here and elsewhere where the original movie picked up some interest, but I think I've just about rinsed it now. With less than 10 days to go - if anyone is keen to see more AGS antics to the point where you can make a donation to the budget, possibly have your name used in the movie, be an exec-producer of it or spare it your loose change - that would be awesome. Just a few dollars could be the difference of it happening or not. The key cast (such as Francisco) are available and ready to film. It will be bigger, better & has planning behind it this time  8)

http://www.indiegogo.com/ben-jordan-2
This fan film is not associated with Grundislav Games.....much

The sequel is a two stage show, with some focus in one country and some focus in another. If you're interested in seeing where the next story will go and what happens, please visit the funding page. You can get a thanks in the credits, producer credit & USB edition of both films. I'm open to other wants/needs if it means this thing can be shot!

So how's it looking? We're at about 60% chance of this going ahead. A hundred dollar more and it's a given. We're pushing the boat out this time with bigger effects and thicker plots. In all honesty, this is why I want to go to Mittens - to shoot this movie, a sequel that me and some friends have certainly been waiting for!! And maybe you?


If not, if it doesn't work out, that's okay. C'est la vie :) Understandably a lot of people felt the quality of the original was low, or just have no interest in BJ games or the film. But if you might like to see how we progress the film trilogy...

You can watch the original here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I51OTQVn0NE
or see the gag reel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpdsPqZVAtA

The quality point and click adventure games can of course be played here: http://www.grundislavgames.com ...
and with the final installment just around the corner, it's a good time to get the best BJ possible.

Planned features of the sequel
» Francisco Gonzalez returns to play Ben Jordan!
» We actually use a tripod this time round!
» Two locations, two teams, two cases
» More tie ins to the series & in-jokes from the first film
» Real visual effects, we actually burn a real structure down this time!
» More cease and desist letters from Grundislav!

Thanks for reading, and a BIG thank you to everyone who has donated to the project so far!!

Note: You will be refunded mid-August (bar the paypal fee) if the movie does not happen. Donations of any size can be made to bank at screen7.co.uk via paypal.

Now, I promise that's the last time I mention this  ::)

Yeah, come on people.  I've dug deep (well, quite shallow really, nut nevertheless, I've dug).

But even if you don't get all the money you need, Mods, don't abandon the film... the cheapness of the first film was one of its main quirks.  Just pull the boat back in a few yards.

Haha, good idea! Thanks for your early contribution, Stu. The interest is improving, slowly! Its okay tho, folk either feel it's a worthy cause or it's not :)

The film won't be abandoned, but put it this way, without some more funds, it'll be Ben Jordan without Ben Jordan ;) It will definitely have the same style as the original, but with hopefully more attention to the story this time round so it does not end up "ridicules" as some YouTubers say ;)

Seriously though, $2 if that's all you have in your PayPal will help it work. And yes, I am desperate. Dig deep, dig shallow - contribute to something being made specifically for the community...influence it if you will.

SPAFE  :=

And yes, a heavily edited post :P

m0ds you're a softie.

###HOLES GIVE YOUR F$%$&*NG MONEY ALREADY~!!!11 YOU C$%^S  %#$@TARDS!

There.

Ha! Thanks Dual... say, a blog wouldn't go amiss ;)

I forgot to mention a gift, the Le Chateau Macabre soundtrack (http://www.screen7.co.uk/music/scores/lechateaumacabre/).

So yes, ***holes, give me your ****ing money!!!!!!!! I got a train to catch!!!!!1

Wait...that means YOU Jim!!!!

Oh, and it would be worth me letting possible and current funders know just how this is progressing:
» TODAY I visited the land we have been given permission to build a set on in the UK & did some planning
» Funds have shot up, but we're still only half way to the desired target ($250)
» Old man with beard Dave Rumble has been persuaded to play old man with beard Macouszki in the movie
» Misja has agreed to provide some props for the Italy shoot
» Two boats are now available to us for the UK shots on the river
» An AGS member has agreed to help with some After Effects effects if the movie is made
» Recently a draft script has neared completion. It's the third re-write.
» UK bigphat film actors Charlie Spence, John Goodwin & Simon Love to star
» Francisco Gonzalez, Creed Malay & Misja van Laatum agree to star in the sequel

Should it be mentioned that the current draft of the script features a nude scene for Ben?  :o

So, donate money to the project or this scene WILL be filmed!!!

Decided I'd better pony up before Dualnames threatens to break my kneecaps. Dude was so much nicer about it in his own donation thread, but apparently this approach works too :)

I hope you find room in the budget to improve Percival Q. Jones' walkcycle, the one in the first movie looked like a paintover from Charlie Foxtrot & The Galaxy of Tomorrow.

I'd give you money if PayPal worked in third-world countries.
Anyway, you just want the money for that sex change operation, so no. =P

QuoteSo, donate money to the project or this scene WILL be filmed!!!

HA! le nippy bar

QuoteI hope you find room in the budget to improve Percival Q. Jones' walkcycle

Hehe, yep, need an improvement on the voice actor also :P

QuoteAnyway, you just want the money for that sex change operation, so no. =P

Only any leftovers...


Just to note there have been more contributions over night and the funding is looking swell, this is sooo going to happen almost! ;D

Quote from: Mods on Tue 20/07/2010 15:04:14
» We actually use a tripod this time round!

That's a good idea. I liked what you linked but shaking during moments where it was absolutely unnecessary, such as dialogues, etc felt really bad. Following people into spooky house or whatever are moments where a little shaky hand adds immersion, though.

Indeed - budget constraints on the original ;) Sorry, that should really be mono-pod (in Italy) and tripods and dollys & cranes in the UK. But sound will still be amateur. But dialogues will definitely be less shaky! Thanks to the recent contributors, including mr Harboe - very kind, considering I owe you this money!! But let's just say this is extremely likely now, I will be able to sleep easier tonight. Seriously. You guys and other fans are really making this happen, and it's inspiring! :)

Quote from: GarageGothic on Tue 20/07/2010 22:24:19
Decided I'd better pony up before Dualnames threatens to break my kneecaps. Dude was so much nicer about it in his own donation thread, but apparently this approach works too :)

LOL :D

Here's some all new footage - the remainder of the chateau files. See for yourself - the white cliffs of Dover! People on a trampoline! CJ asleep on an uncomfortable chair! Fruit exploding! Mittens crew will be able to pick up the SD versions of various footage including the original video at Mittens (about 10gb), so bring your usb HD's! When this second production is out certain peeps will be sent the SD versions of both films, fingers crossed. But let's just see how it goes  8)

Chateau extra bits (http://www.screen7.co.uk/film/phat/download/bj1-extras.wmv) 16mb, sorry about the quality, full-screen is not a good idea! Better versions available when I've distributed it to some people at Mitmit  :)

Oh, some strong language in there, and me laughing at everything :p Good times!

I think the largest donator should have an Executive Producer credit to sweeten the deal.  Everyone else should get a regular co-producer credit at the end.  This is a group effort, afterall.  SWEETEN THE DEALIO, DADDIO.


P.S. - I have no money to give you :(.

Now, I know you ain't gettin on no damn plane, foo - but...

the largest donator DOES have an exec producer credit (of which we have one), as the perk defines, so I'm not sure what you're trying to point out? :P

Quote
$100 or more = Executive producer
All of the above + You will recieve an exec producer credit, a USB of the completed film & a signed autograph from the principal cast

But thanks for your no money anyway sir ;)

Oh, I was just trying to be a SPECIAL CONSULTANT TO THE DIRECTOR.

You and your consulting is always very special, Shane - no worries :=

PS Thank you Jet! Guess you should get an onscreen credit this time ;)

I'll toss you some monies. Some day I will make it to Mittens for real so i can help out with Ben Jordan V: The Movie :(

Ca-Ching!

Wowzer, what a dude! Thank you Peder! Our latest exec producer :) Everything is set to go now, doing some final planning...it will be good :) Watch this space, fraid I'll be away from the forums from now ish til the end of Mittens, though. But all I can say again is thanks again - it's time for it to happen! Thank you also LGM! I will email you all once I'm back with some exclusivey stuff :)

Withdrew from lurk mode to add a small contribution!

Thanks Sergio!

Just a little update to say the film is underway and looking great, Grundy has performed his first stunt, Snarky has worn a very appealing costume, and everyone else is mucking in with their support. We have 22 scenes to shoot here and as of right now we are pretty much on track. Watch this space!

Thanks again for all your contributions. We all watched BJ1 together last night which was fun. Now, dinner time. Cat has cooked us pasta, NOM! Laters!

Sounds most excellent.

Now if only we could combine Ben Jordan and UFO Watch! ^_^

As you may be aware, this project has been on the go since ProgZ made that post above on Aug 4th 2010. It's by far become the biggest freeware* project I've dealt with, spent over 700 hours working on it, that includes filming, editing and everything in-between. I was very lucky to raise $400 to go and shoot in Italy, so many thanks to all the contributors, and also a special thanks to JetXL who helped fund some later shoots.

It's roughly at 95% complete, but I've reached a rut. It has two possibilities at this point: It could be finished up and online within the fortnight, but that's going to require a bit more funding, or, it will have to wait until next year sometime, because the amount of hours needed and the cost of some of the remaining tasks is too great for me right now, and as grateful as I am for everyone who put something in - that $400 is long gone.

So I'd like some ideas or opinions, it's going to need another 2-300 dollars to get it finished up and in a presentable state. For a 78 minute movie, I'd like to think that those figures are reasonable, but what do you think? Keeping in mind this is AGS' first feature film, how should I go about this?

a) Another kickstarter to meet those final funds
b) Wait a few months until I have the money myself to finish it
c) Ask close friends to help fund the final stage?
d) Release it unfinished and just admit defeat
e) Release it in its current state and let people decide if they want it finished via a few more funds

One important part of these final funds is for a couple of PC troubles I'm having but can't afford to rectify, the largest being the HD with all the project files on is currently out of operation. But there's also one final scene to shoot which needs some petrol and prop costs covered, and of course, there's a good 50 hours or so left of post-production.

Ideas and opinions are most welcome. I've done everything possible to avoid it needing further funding (hence why you haven't seen it for a good 2 years) but that time has come to an end. It didn't reach its goal initially, and looking back, I wish I had made it about a $2000 campaign due to the work involved. I am mentally and physically beaten by the amount of work this movie has required - yes, that is no-ones fault but my own :P But I don't want it to go to waste. As I said before, it won't 'never exist', but without any more funds it'll just have to be delayed another half year. If people aren't particularly bothered about seeing it then that isn't a problem, but I know some are keen to have a watch and in the same way I WANT to have it out in a week or so.

Ideas, motivational messages - anything would be good right now. I'm extremely pleased with it, and even have something epic to announce once this one is out, but yeah, just struggling with this last bit. I honestly could spend another 2 years making it better, but it's time to wrap it up, that either comes at a small cost now or another wait. I've put in personal funds into things that have been needed yet not specifically direct funding of film elements, for example, getting a new car (helped go to locations), new PC (helped edit it), etc etc. And of course all the help I've received from my acting companions, team members and AGSers who have been roped into the production - their efforts are priceless. Comments appreciated :)

Trailer:

The first 20 mins (early edition, watch on youtube to see the video comments)

* Meaning it'll be free to watch

PS All perks from the previous campaign will still be met, don't worry! No problems there.

Nice, is that Deepak Chopra at the end? wtf.

Quote from: Khris on Tue 04/09/2012 20:29:50
Nice, is that Deepak Chopra at the end? wtf.

Hm, some random Sky News video audio...but it could be! I've added the first 20 mins video that I put on YT a little while ago above. I'm going to run a new campaign, and try and convince the people from my town who are constantly asking me where the movie is to put some goddamn money into it.

It is of course, also open to AGSers:

http://www.indiegogo.com/bjmd
(IndieGoGo doesn't allow campaigns under $500, so that's where it's set, but doesn't need to reach that amount)

Thanks to an Anon contributor (and a less anonymous one!) the target is in sight - great to know a couple of people are interested in seeing the production :) Just $95 from the proposed target!

If you'd care to help please head on over to http://www.indiegogo.com/bjmd

Furthermore, the targets for 2 announcements have been met, so I guess I better give them :)

Announcement #1. Depending on the interest in BJ:MD, I intend to have 2 more Ben Jordan movies made over the next five years. The first one, hopefully by 2014 will be the final part of "my" trilogy. Filmed in a similar style to Chateau and upcoming BJ:MD, using AGS folks & friends for cast, and a riveting location as always. It'll be free to watch, it'll return to follow the same style as Chateau meaning it will focus entirely on Ben, as BJ:MD is two stories intertwined. This production however is completely dependent on interest and will require medium funding as I hope to film it away from Mittens, when those involved can concentrate purely on filming a Ben Jordan movie. Estimated budget - $3-5000

Announcement #2. The big one! Depending on the interest in BJ:MD and the above production, Ben Jordan could hit the silver screen in the next five years. If a KS campaign can fund a game production, it can certainly form a basis for a Hollywood movie. And before I die, I'd like to give it a shot, pulling in all the talent I have contacts with, and of course (with Francisco's permission) using an IP that's already established and enjoyed by many. Discussions have already begun on this one. Whether it reaches the silver screen or not is another matter, but the idea is to write a brand new, fresh and completely independent to my trilogy BJ movie - one that kids and families can enjoy. Ben would of course still be played by Gonzalez ;)

But what makes this one interesting is this: With a successful campaign, it will be written by a Hollywood screenwriter. SS Wilson, who co-wrote Tremors, Batteries Not Included and Short Circuit (and Wild Wild West) has agreed to write the movie. He'll work on creating a self-contained storyline, turn Ben into a likeable on-screen character and such (and fear not the original creator will be involved in that process!). Mr Wilson is game for it. Also, I'll be hiring a composer and orchestra to provide the soundtrack for this one - quite possibly the London Symphony Orchestra if we reach our goals. I've also got an expert film editor and production team ready and waiting for the chance to film it. If the budget is met, we'll also get a well known actor or two on board (I really want Christopher Lloyd to play Ben's grandfather, hehe). However, this is a big bucks production, estimated budget $300-500k. Though that's actually lower than some KS game campaigns going round at the moment.

All this depends on whether BJ:MD gets finished or not, whether there's still interest in Ben Jordan in a few years and of course a hundred other things (such as the success of Screen 7 and what kind of funds I can put into it). Of course both those projects stretch beyond the realms of just AGS, and naturally if there isn't much interest, won't come to light. But thanks to the support behind getting BJ:MD finished, I thought I'd write about these possible future projects now. In the meantime, please help me/us finish this one!!

Thanks for reading!