Any homemade D&D/fantasy movies?

[rushlight]

Anyway, doesn't look like there's anything like this out there, which is surprising.

Well, I wish you luck! The problem you're going to run into is that no matter what you do, it's going to look corny, or worse. Hollywood had millions of dollars to spend on it, and their movie was a joke. It's generally best to embrace what you've got - and when you're making a D&D movie, what you've got is "corny". However, if you take that and run with it, you'll get a marvelous product! (Go get the Gamers DVD now!)

I just don't see taking some yahoos in their Ren Fair getup talking all about their spells seriously. You'd need some killer writing to pull that off. And acting. Cast Vin Diesel and perhaps you'll be on the right track...

I am interpreting you correctly, aren't I? You're wanting the opposite of The Gamers, right?

 

[Slife]

Well, I wish you luck! The problem you're going to run into is that no matter what you do, it's going to look corny, or worse. Hollywood had millions of dollars to spend on it, and their movie was a joke.

But even so, they're trying again.

 

[rbingham2000]

So basically, you're looking for a low-budget fantasy short.

All I can say is that you'll be fairly hard pressed to find one, especially one with the kinds of flashy magic and monsters that populate your typical fantasy world.

And even if a low-budget fantasy filmmaker were to take out the special effects budget and use basic camera and "telekinesis" style effects for your magic like they did in the old-school fantasy movies, he or she also has costuming (which can be done on the cheap) and set design (which is a whole other animal) to consider, as well as how he or she is going to obtain or build the weapons if it's an action-oriented piece.

 

[Gruns]

Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt!

So basically, you're looking for a low-budget fantasy short.

Exactly! I want Lord of the Rings, with a budget of about $20million dollars less.

And even if a low-budget fantasy filmmaker were to take out the special effects budget and use basic camera and "telekinesis" style effects for your magic like they did in the old-school fantasy movies, he or she also has costuming (which can be done on the cheap) and set design (which is a whole other animal) to consider, as well as how he or she is going to obtain or build the weapons if it's an action-oriented piece.

Actually, I expect the special effects would turn out much better than old school camera tricks. Computers are good. Costuming also wouldn't be much. Set design, well, "outside in the woods" would be free. Weapons would be easy enough. The hardest part expense-wise would be makeup. Orcs, goblins etc... Unless simple masks and low lighting is used. I've watched just about every Star Wars fan film on theforce.net and all of these things turn out surprisingly good. The two things that usually suck in these films: Acting and voice sound/editing. The effects sounds are usually great, since they're mostly done with computers (lightsaber sounds, for example). But the acting... Oh the acting...
I guess I'll start writing a story and get on this then! Or better yet, anyone have one written? I remember an old Story Hour that was written (very well) in screenplay format...

Later!
Gruns

(I suppose I'll have to order this Gamers movie, too, just to see what I'm missing...)

 

[Baron Opal]

OK, I thought you are looking for the fantasy versions of Hardware Wars or the stormtrooper COPS episode. The Gamers is about it. I haven't been able to find anything either. And The Gamers budget was about $500, IIRC, so it should be about right as far as fan-movies go.

You would think that there would be more, but there isn't the spark. People aren't making sci-fi movies, they're making Star Wars movies. With Lucas' blessing, I might add. If Jackson and a couple of New Line execs say that people can make Lord of the Rings fan movies without fear of reprisal, there would be a lot popping up, I'd wager.

 

[Gruns]

Ordered a copy...

Ok, so I went and watched the trailer for The Gamers. Half of that looks like what I'm looking for. (The obvious half.) But the parody part was funny enough that I went and placed my order for a copy. "SHUT THE **** UP!!!" -The girl
Anyway... Thanks for the tip on this movie. Hopefully it lives up to it's high praise from here.
...and I'm still looking for any known homemade fantasy genre movies!
Thanks
Gruns

 

[sniffles]

'The Gamers' does have portions where the actors are in character as the game PCs, and they don't talk in gamespeak. It's obviously not entirely serious, but it's about the closest thing I can think of.

A couple of friends of mine appeared in a low-budget fantasy film a several years ago that might vaguely fit your description, Gruns, but I can't recall the title. If I can find out I'll post it.

[Edit] It's called "The Westender". It even has an imdb entry. However, I hear reliably that it stinks.