Fan films are an ultimate expression of appreciation from fans. Be it a tribute to a favourite video game series, television show or film, a fan film usually displays work from fans which builds upon the foundation and world evident from the original.
Like any film, the writing, special effects and acting ability are key factors which govern the success of the end product. However, an increase in budget has a notable significant impact on the quality of fan films, which is why we continue to see Kickstarter projects for the development of them again and again and again.
There have been some incredible efforts made by fans relating to their favourite video game series’ and I invite you to enjoy them with us as we take a look at our Top 5 Video Game Fan Films (with a Spotlight Mention at the end).
Video Game – Dead Island: Riptide
A couple find themselves running from a horde of zombies through a forest. With limited supplies and ammo, they take refuge in an abandoned building, but quickly learn that the undead are not their only danger. With excellent zombie makeup, gun special effects and acting (notably from YouTuber Toby Turner AKA ‘Tobuscus‘) Dead Island: No Retreat is an impressive fan film with a rather touching ending reminiscent of the emotional ending from the original Dead Island: Riptide trailer.
Video Game – Watch_Dogs
Watch_Dogs protagonist Aiden Pearce receives a message on his iPhone 5 smartphone advising him that a fellow hacker associate is in trouble. Using his hacking skills and brutal baton abilities, Pearce rescues his hacker associate and effectively deals with their enemy pursuers. The smart thing about this fan film is that it focuses on the well received elements which the game is known for – hacking and brutal baton take downs – whilst also paying tribute to the story surrounding Aiden Pearce. The fight scenes are skilfully choreographed and the smartphone hacking effects are impressively executed; both of which mirror those evident within the game.
Video Game – Skyrim
After a fight with a vampire, Dovahkiin is cursed by vampirism. As he wanders struggling with the effects of the curse, he is captured by the Dark Brotherhood, who offer him a cure for vampirism in exchange for his help in rescuing one of their members from a group of necromancers. The special effects in this fan film are probably the most impressive within the list. The necromancer’s magic and the visible effects of vampirism are executed to a high standard; allowing you to fully appreciate the effort which has gone into the film. The fight scenes are choreographed well and the acting, on the whole, is very well carried out by well chosen actors who portray their characters effectively.
Video Game – Tomb Raider
A Lara Croft-esque hero battles numerous mercenaries in the mountains to rescue a captured girl. Croft features highly on the list due to the level of quality in the execution and presentation of the film. It is shot and edited incredibly well and matches the quality of action films you would expect to find at the cinema today. The choreography of the fight scenes is excellent and by far the best of the fan films here. Each fight feels brutal enough for you to almost feel the pain from the protagonist and is very reminiscent of the hell which Lara experiences in the latest Tomb Raider game. This is credit to the performance from the hero, played by Cassandra Ebner (AKA YouTuber NerdzRL) who gives a Lara Croft portrayal worthy of recognition.
Video Game – Portal
Chell finds herself running through Aperture Laboratories in an attempt to escape further ‘testing’ and possible incineration from the building’s artificially intelligent computer system GLaDOS. We cut between the pursuit of Chell and flashbacks to the demise of Aperture Laboratories employees as GLaDOS floods the enrichment centre with a deadly neurotoxin. Portal: Survive! tops the list for one simple reason – it does it all and it does it all well. Filmed with a budget under $500 at the YouTube Space facility in LA, the McGuire brothers have perfectly captured the world, setting and overall feel of the first Portal game. The attention to detail is commendable – from the signage visible on the walls, the portal gun and portal effects, the costumes on Chell and Aperture employees, the GLaDOS prop and soundbites from the game – the McGuire’s have given a fully realised fan film worthy of Hollywood standards. I give a special mention to Monique Blanchard, who perfectly embodies the protagonist Chell. If you are a fan of the film, check out the details of the McGuire’s fully funded Kickstarter project Portal: Secrets of Aperture which intends to give fans more Portal action of the same high standard.
Video Game – Left 4 Dead
Bill has fallen and now Francis, Louis and Zoey must continue to survive and seek rescue on their journey between safe houses. Just as they begin to feel overwhelmed during their next pursuit, the three survivors are aided by a few familiar faces from the gaming world. Yes, the film is shot and edited extremely well. Yes, the special effects on the zombies and guns are excellent. Yes, the actors are perfectly chosen and portray their characters well. But why did I feel the need to give this particular fan film a spotlight mention? Because (without including spoilers) it does not take itself too seriously and is very much a guilty pleasure in terms of fan service. If you consider yourself to be a gamer, you are bound to get a smile out of this fan film at the very least.