New Zealand's Michael Andrew wins the POW for "A Last Stand"

"Once, mankind was free to pursue his own dreams. But when those dreams began to consume him... ...little did he know that they would consume his entire world. After the disaster at Black Mesa, Earth was swiftly invaded by an alien race known as the Combine. In seven hours mankind was overrun and surrendered itself to the Combine regime. In seven hours mankind lost it's ability to dream. Until now."

And thus, we set the stage for this week's winning project, "The Last Stand", a romantic survival horror by New Zealand native Michael Andrew. I caught up with Michael to find out more about him, his project and what inspired the idea for his film. Here's what he had to say....

'I'm a Graphic Designer and have been working for a printing company for the past three years. This year I left my job to study Interactive Web Design. I live in beautiful New Zealand, where the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy was filmed. Living here is a real privilege – we have access to an array of amazing scenery and locations. I am based in Auckland City at the moment with modern urban centres, industrial areas, mountains, forests and beaches are right on my doorstep.

I discovered Celtx about twelve months ago on a screenwriting website while working on another screenplay. Celtx's rich feature-set and integrated pre-production features made writing the screenplay so much easier. The added ability to publish projects directly to the internet to share with potential stakeholders, actors and crew makes Celtx stand out from the crowd.

I've always had a fascination with film and storytelling - every time I go to the cinema I find myself dissecting what's on the screen in front of me: How have they positioned the lighting and cameras? Does that shot use a dolly or a crane? Why did the editor decide to cut the film in that specific way? I pull apart the themes and characters in my mind and see the plot lines being weaved throughout the film... It's kind of creepy actually!

"A Last Stand" was an idea I came up with in early February 2008, after visiting an abandoned freezing works that our Airsoft club was using as a playing field for combat games. The grungy torn-up look and powerful natural and artificial lighting in the building was very appealing - a perfect location for a film.

I posted up the idea on our club forums and several people were interested in being part of project as actors or extras. They were able to provide their own guns and combat gear which would allow us to produce the bulk of the film without having to buy expensive costumes. Other people volunteered equipment such as a RC helicopter for aerial footage, batteries, smoke machines and lights.

When my lead actress and co-writer, Gretel Thompson, came on board it took the creative flow of the pre-production process to a new level. With fresh ideas going back and forth between us we were able to start weaving a tale of survival, romance and high emotion. Our Celtx project page is a reflection of these ideas and provides an intimate insight into our thought-process as we shape the film into its final
form.'

Apart from this project being representative of the many, many things to be considered during the pre-production phase of filmmaking, it was also that intimate look inside the thought process while developing the storyline that tweaked our interest in this project... That, and having access to the Audition Test Script, Tutorials and Resources that were used, which provides those who are learning the ropes with some great teaching tools. Also of note are the FX Notes and the wonderfully disturbing Headcrab Zombie costume!!

"The initial idea for the film was to base it on the world and storyline of Half-Life 2. However, to save dealing with legal hassles down the track, Gretel and myself have decided to remove references to the Half-Life franchise in further versions of the script and production. We however will continue in the spirit of the Half-Life storyline – and it will remain a large artistic influence in this project. The film will be about 20 minutes long, directed, produced and co-written by myself.

We plan on holding auditions for supporting roles and shooting some promotional footage for the film in Auckland, New Zealand at the end of March 2008. So if you're in the area then and would like to audition for a role in this project, feel free to contact Michael Andrew at HAZARDU5@gmail.com.
Principal photography will begin in July 2008 and finish in early August 2008. "

So remember, if you're in Michael's neighborhood and you want to try out for a part, be sure to make contact ... soon!!

In the meantime Michael, keep us posted on your progress. We'll be rooting for you back here at Celtx HQ.

Cheers!
Sheila and The C Team