Auckland’s Media Design School premieres their science fiction short film ‘The Deadliest Game’
‘Dr Grordbort Presents: The Deadliest Game’ is an inventive and enjoyable ride through a dystopian world where nothing is quite what it seems.The film is based on the richly imagined universe of Weta Workshop Conceptual Designer Greg Broadmore.
The film is directed by Media Design School 3D Programme Leader James Cunningham, with 3D and visual effects by a team of 11 students. It was produced in close collaboration with film industry veterans including screenwriter Nick Ward, cinematographer Simon Riera and sound designer Dave Whitehead.
Says Broadmore: “These guys have brought my Dr Grordbort’s sci-fi world to life, and the results are stunning. Working at Weta for over 10 years, I’ve seen what our film industry can do. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside some of the most ridiculously talented people in film. But it’s an even rarer treat to see up-and-coming film artists from Media Design School showing what the future of visual effects in New Zealand holds.”
Media Design School is running a competition featuring prizes from the Dr Grordbort collection. View the film and details of the competition on Facebook here
Director James Cunningham says the film is the most ambitious project undertaken by the school so far.
Says Cunningham: “There are so many fans of Greg Broadmore’s Dr Grordbort that we had to be very careful how we paid tribute to this world. I am hoping the fans love it, as we really went all out on this one. Knowing that the fans, Greg and (Weta Workshop founder) Richard Taylor would be keeping a close eye on the result – that definitely created a bit of pressure!”
“We are very happy with the end result, which I think stays faithful to the original ideas and concept behind Dr Grordbort, but also showcases the students’ own imaginations and creativity,” added Cunningham.
Frances Valintine, chief executive of Media Design School, says that ‘The Deadliest Game’ premiere allows the students and the school to highlight and share the incredible emerging talent who will continue New Zealand’s tradition of producing world-class computer graphics and exceptional films.
The premiere ties in with the school’s first intake of students for the new Bachelor of Art & Design (3D Animation & Visual Effects) this month. FOR MORE INFORMATION