Machinima Short / HMV - Body Acting

Hey, guys.

I’ve recently begun work on a few different Machinimas. The one I’m currently working on is a Machinima short / HMV set to the song “Resistance” by Muse. I tend to avoid songs that are popular, but damn it, this song is great. The short is to be titled “Of Capulets and Montegues”, and I hope to finish it within the month.

Here’s my problem. Normally, through the common tricks, I can make 3 controllers on my local console work. Unfortunately, this project contains several scenes that I just can’t shoot alone.

Time for body actors!

I have a couple simple things I’d like to ask of anyone who wants to provide some body acting.

- Please have a microphone. It’s difficult to issue directions to multiple people. It’s even harder when they’re mute.

  • But please don’t use it too much. I love having fun and laughing while recording; It’s half the fun! But if we need to get some directions issued, or a shot completed, it’s important that we don’t have people talking over each other.

  • You need to be able to just wait, sometimes for a while. A lot of body actors don’t realize that the jumping, jittery movements and firing they do off-camera can still have a negative impact on the final result. Sometimes body actors are placed in a specific spot just to act as background scenery. It’s great to have actors who can be patient.

  • Have a decent connection. Some parts include vehicles, and we all know how terrible vehicles can look when lag seeps in. I know this isn’t always controllable, so unless someone’s jittering becomes a problem, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

I think that’s pretty much it. I need about 6 body actors, plus my own 2 controllers, to shoot the majority of the project. For a couple short shots, I may need a few more people, around 12.

No special armor permutations are required to help, but you may need to change a couple pieces/colors. More info on that if you contact me.

So, after all that, if you’re still interested in sacrificing some of your time, let me know. The easiest ways include:

  • Replying here
  • PM’ing me
  • XBL Messages (MH Mimic Hat)
  • Carrier Pigeon

Thanks for reading, I hope to talk to some of you soon.
-MH

PS; The short initially focuses on two families that dislike each other, but a child from each loves the other. The families are represented by the colors red and blue. Obviously, Capulet and Montegue. Now that you know that, what do you think of it’s alternate title, "Of Capureds and Monteblues? Opinions?

If you’d like any more information on this project, just let me know, I’m more than happy to share. And just throwing this in here; I’m always looking for new people to brainstorm Machinima and other project ideas with. Hit me up.

sounds cool. I’d definitely like to help.

> sounds cool. I’d definitely like to help.

Awesome. I’ll send you a FR on XBL, and we can talk more.

Yeah I can help out, but sometimes I may not be there due to personal issues. But if you must know: I already have body acting experience, my own mic, and my own Hard drive with HD PVR to record videos (but I guess you will record the films on your own).

> Yeah I can help out, but sometimes I may not be there due to personal issues. But if you must know: I already have body acting experience, my own mic, and my own Hard drive with HD PVR to record videos (but I guess you will record the films on your own).

Great, sounds perfect. I’ll send you a friend request.

I’d like to set up an acting session for tonight at 8pm EST. I’ve already sent you a message on XBL, but I thought you might be here more often. Let me know if you can make it, and if you can’t let me know when is a good time. Also, do you have any spare controllers that could be additional bodies?

Thanks.

Double posting / bumping is poor etiquette, but this won’t be seen otherwise. Sorry.

Update: This project has been forced to remain virtually untouched due to how difficult it is to find actors with matching schedules. The framework has been laid, (Storyboards, “script”, all that jazz.) I just need one day to get it all captured and a few to edit it.

I am still looking for anyone willing to help, and will continue messaging the individuals I’ve found otherwise. Thanks again.