Saturday, October 1st was the Los Angeles premiere of the Star Wars/John Hughes fan film Hughes the Force, and we've got a write-up about the premiere and the film from our friends on the production team. Be sure to check out the included pictures as well.
On the red carpet, L-R: Ruark Dreher (Producer), Catherine Taber (Padme), Justin Okin (Henry), Steve Koistinen (Producer/Writer/Cinematographer), Jame Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan), Nathaniel Weiss (Simon), J.C. Reifenberg (Producer/Director/Writer), Shannon Mary Dixon (Jennifer)
Commander Jet and his Shadow Ops Troopers flanking the red carpet.
L-R: Steve Koistinen, J.C. Reifenberg, and Ruark Dreher, discuss the making of Hughes the Force during the post-screening Q&A session hosted by James Arnold Taylor.
Hughes the Force (website, Facebook, Twitter, IMDB) - a short film directed by J.C. Reifenberg combining the universes of Star Wars and John Hughes premiered to a packed audience Saturday October 1st in Hollywood, CA. Commander Jet and his Shadow Ops Clone Troopers caused passing traffic to stop while welcoming guests to the red carpet. Cast, crew, and attendees had their photos taken with Boba Fett, Han Solo, and other members of the 501st and Rebel Legions. The screening also benefitted Catherine Taber?s www.gamesforsoldiers.com, with guests bringing video game and comic donations. The film ended with a standing ovation and a Q&A session moderated by James Arnold Taylor. Everyone left the premiere with a gift bag that included a movie poster and a copy of the prequel comic.
The occasion marks the culmination of a year-long effort to bring a passion project to the screen for a group of professional filmmakers and friends who are not only huge Star Wars fans, but also many of whom grew up in the same home town as John Hughes. An homage to Star Wars, Weird Science, and all things John Hughes, the film seeks to relate to hardcore and casual fans alike. Hughes the Force started years ago when it received an Editor's Pick for Best Pitch in the Atomfilm.com Operation Olivia contest. Soon after, it became apparent that this movie needed to be made on a larger scale.
The story focuses on Simon and Henry, two teens tortured by jocks and rejected by girls, who are invited to the epic end-of-senior-year party, but there's a catch. In order to get in, they need to bring just one hot girl. Unable to attract any female attention, they decide to take matters into their own hands and create the perfect woman from Simon's prized Slave Leia action figure. Armed with a fully operational lightsaber and blaster, the two set out with their self-appointed mentor to do what they have never done before: fit in. On their journey, they encounter stormtroopers, aliens, and even a Dark Lord of the Sith in the most unlikely of places. But even with the Force as their ally, some things are not meant to be...
In addition, James Arnold Taylor and Catherine Taber (the voices of Obi-wan and Padme on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) can be seen in cameo appearances as their Clone Wars characters, in costume, on camera, for the first time. Furthermore, Director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) provides a crucial cameo role to help the boys along on their journey to self-confidence.
Principle photography began at the end of February, with additional filming in April, as well as additional shots here and there throughout the summer. Post-production consisting of editing, musical score composition, visual effects, and other finishing work continued throughout the summer leading up to the Premiere.
The Hughes the Force team also brought in up-and-coming artist Joe Hogan, no stranger to the TF.N website (page banner of the carbonite freezing chamber during SWCV last year), to create the film?s one-sheet poster art. In addition the team embarked on a companion comic book that tells the prequel story of how Simon and Henry obtain their prized Slave Leia action figure.
Upcoming screenings of the film include Saturday evening October 8th at the Fan Days in Irving, TX as the feature event kicking off the convention after-party. The film will next screen back in Los Angeles at the ComiKaze Expo November 5-6th.
Hughes the Force has attracted attention from many within the world of Star Wars. The result is a short film different from anything you've ever seen before...
Rebelscum Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Patch Posted By Philip on November 25, 2014: Thanks to everybody that ordered patches. I sent a check for $1,600.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Monday. While it's not as much as I hoped for, it's still very much appreciated. They will remain for sale in the store for anybody that still wishes to purchase them. Details after the jump.