Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Story by Chris Spice (Darth Spice)
Photos by Jason D. Meyers (Dead Hero, Ret.)
FROM
GYROS TO HEROES For
several months we’ve heard about the production of the Star Wars fan
film Forgotten Realm that is being directed by Darren
Crawford. Today Dustrho and I made ourselves available with many
other members of the Midwest Garrison as volunteer Stormtroopers for
the shooting of some of the action scenes. I recruited the services
of our old friend Jason D. Meyers to provide a little extra “ground
support” for this mission. We landed our crafts around high noon on
the high prairie of Batavia, IL, which was a nice 75 plus degrees by
the time we arrived. I was pretty impressed once again with the
amount of effort put into fan made productions. I was astonished
when I learned the first thing we’d be doing would be eating lunch!
We were provided with pizza, gyros and Italian beef sandwiches that
we all enjoyed. There was enough food to feed a regiment of Vader’s
finest and I don’t think anyone went into the rehearsal with a
growling stomach. I was also very impressed they had a massage
therapist on hand to help get the cast and crew ready to go the
distance. It is a shame Mrs. Jan DiMasi couldn’t make it to every
501st function, as that was truly a gift from the maker!
The
film is set seven years after the events of Revenge of the Sith,
which opens the door of that gap in time many of us as fans would so
much love to see and hear more about. I do feel they did bridge the
gap well between Episodes III and IV but there is so much more the
world of Expanded Universe has to offer us. It was a good thing the
crew ran us through the scenes a few times to get everyone
comfortable with what they were doing. There were so many people
that responded to the call, we even had an extra Trooper but we all
know you can never have too many. There were several props assembled
for us to work with, but I have to say the terrain was a bit
difficult to walk around without feeling a little uneasy. Our team
of Stormtroopers, Officers and there was even an Imperial Scanning
Crew technician on hand to prevent any sort of breakdowns! In fact
our biggest enemy, very similar to the prequel films, was the
weather conditions. I guess you could say we all welcomed the first
sunburn of the year but the wind was ripping pretty good and I found
myself having trouble simply standing at times.
Our
S.C.A.L.P. Weapons Supplier found himself cast in a major role,
complete with dialogue! Even Fox news Chicago was on hand to see
what all the hype was about. I won’t reveal too much of the plot
lines, but a Jedi named Web Mallick gave the Vader’s Fist all they
could handle. Another fascinating aspect of the shoot was the
willingness of the Troops to hit the ground after taking fire! While
I personally didn’t have to hit the deck, they did a job of making
it look like they took a shot. We filmed into the late evening and I
was very impressed with the dedication, professionalism and
commitment on a volunteer project. I can honestly say I can’t wait
for 2009 for what is said to be a two-hour plus film. Stay tuned to
Sandtroopers.com for further updates, and thanks again to the
Midwest Garrison and
Darren Crawford and crew for allowing us to participate in this.
Even Sandtrooper Jason took one for the team as he twisted his ankle
just as we were leaving on the rough terrain I spoke of earlier. It
was a bit strange to see a Sandtrooper receiving the pain instead of
delivering it! Overall I can say I enjoyed the experience and
wouldn’t hesitate to do something like this again if given the
chance.
PHOTO GALLERY To see the photo gallery
containing 53 photos click
here.
For
several months we’ve heard about the production of the Star Wars fan
film Forgotten Realm that is being directed by Darren
Crawford. Today Dustrho and I made ourselves available with many
other members of the Midwest Garrison as volunteer Stormtroopers for
the shooting of some of the action scenes. I recruited the services
of our old friend Jason D. Meyers to provide a little extra “ground
support” for this mission. We landed our crafts around high noon on
the high prairie of Batavia, IL, which was a nice 75 plus degrees by
the time we arrived. I was pretty impressed once again with the
amount of effort put into fan made productions. I was astonished
when I learned the first thing we’d be doing would be eating lunch!
We were provided with pizza, gyros and Italian beef sandwiches that
we all enjoyed. There was enough food to feed a regiment of Vader’s
finest and I don’t think anyone went into the rehearsal with a
growling stomach. I was also very impressed they had a massage
therapist on hand to help get the cast and crew ready to go the
distance. It is a shame Mrs. Jan DiMasi couldn’t make it to every
501st function, as that was truly a gift from the maker!
The
film is set seven years after the events of Revenge of the Sith,
which opens the door of that gap in time many of us as fans would so
much love to see and hear more about. I do feel they did bridge the
gap well between Episodes III and IV but there is so much more the
world of Expanded Universe has to offer us. It was a good thing the
crew ran us through the scenes a few times to get everyone
comfortable with what they were doing. There were so many people
that responded to the call, we even had an extra Trooper but we all
know you can never have too many. There were several props assembled
for us to work with, but I have to say the terrain was a bit
difficult to walk around without feeling a little uneasy. Our team
of Stormtroopers, Officers and there was even an Imperial Scanning
Crew technician on hand to prevent any sort of breakdowns! In fact
our biggest enemy, very similar to the prequel films, was the
weather conditions. I guess you could say we all welcomed the first
sunburn of the year but the wind was ripping pretty good and I found
myself having trouble simply standing at times.
Our
S.C.A.L.P. Weapons Supplier found himself cast in a major role,
complete with dialogue! Even Fox news Chicago was on hand to see
what all the hype was about. I won’t reveal too much of the plot
lines, but a Jedi named Web Mallick gave the Vader’s Fist all they
could handle. Another fascinating aspect of the shoot was the
willingness of the Troops to hit the ground after taking fire! While
I personally didn’t have to hit the deck, they did a job of making
it look like they took a shot. We filmed into the late evening and I
was very impressed with the dedication, professionalism and
commitment on a volunteer project. I can honestly say I can’t wait
for 2009 for what is said to be a two-hour plus film. Stay tuned to
Sandtroopers.com for further updates, and thanks again to the
