New short film exploring love in the modern age to finalize filming in Elbert County, Colorado

Last month a new film production began in Elbert County. The short film (title to be released later this year) takes place five minutes into the future and explores the theme of love in the modern age. The film will be produced using a combination of live and virtual production technologies and techniques. Everything that takes place in the protagonist’s virtual story will be constructed using computer graphics resources and animated with motion capture and the VFX Unreal Engine game / software engine, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic juxtaposition of worlds.

The live-action scenes were all shot in Colorado, helping to propel this juxtaposition. This film project supports the local content creation workforce that includes opportunities for executive producers, handles, local actors and more. The project has an estimated expenditure in the state of $ 244,434 for a total economic impact estimated at approximately $ 440,000 through expenditure on crafts, transportation and accommodation services.

The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) has worked with Denver-based Emmy-nominated producers Patrick Hackett and Jake Sally, and writer and director Emma Needell, who hails from rural Colorado. Hackett’s films have been screened at leading film festivals around the world including Tribeca, Rotterdam, SXSW and AFI. Sally’s work has appeared at Super Bowl LII, textbooks and cultural festivals including the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Sheffield and others. At just 24, Needell caught the eye of Oprah Winfrey, who came to produce her breakup screenplay, The Water Man. The Water Man premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival with positive reviews and hit theaters in May this year.

“There’s a special kind of expansive sunset that I only experienced growing up in Colorado. It captures the tone of this film perfectly – intimate, but lonely, beautiful but austere, ”Sally shared. “We were fortunate to get film locations in Colorado with a fantastic crew who delivered above and beyond with incredible commotion.”

For this project, Needell filmed some scenes on his parents’ ranch. “I feel like I have come full circle as an artist, making a film in the very place where I have spent years dreaming of making films,” she said. “I also want to thank the amazing Colorado team. Our Colorado-based producer Patrick Hackett bought an incredible team who were immensely talented, always willing to go their own way and solve problems, and generally lovely human beings. I can’t wait to make more movies that showcase the beauty and talent of Colorado. “

“This project will showcase new technologies and center Colorado as a potential location for future similar projects,” said Donald Zuckerman, cinematography commissioner at COFTM. “We are proud to support the native Colorado filmmakers and look forward to the film showcasing the natural beauty of our state.”

The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media attracts and facilitates the creation of content in Colorado to generate economic growth through the Colorado Film Incentive. The incentive creates jobs for Colorado residents and provides an average 35: 1 return on investment for the economy while showcasing Colorado’s unique rural landscapes.