This project was screened at ConQuesT 38 in Kansas City, and it received by far the most positive response of all the indie work at the convention. It's innovative, and has a fantastic premise and completely believable mythology. The effects were outstanding, given the limitations of being independent. This is the kind of work that deserves attention and further development. It's my understanding that a feature length film is being planned, but it's my opinion that a series would be much more effective. There is a lot of story to tell here, and I'm not sure it could be told in a couple hours. Just my opinion. Search this out, find it, and watch it. Odds are, you'll dig it.
8 Reviews
Interesting concept, but fragmented and flawed
cookie6662 October 2009
I'm a true sci-fi buff. It's my favourite genre of film, literature, even music. So, I was quite excited when I stumbled upon this short film, which seemed quite promising.
Sadly, I was disappointed. There was nothing about this short film that would have made it memorable or exceptional -- the script came off paranoid and most of the actors were very stiff and didn't carry out the scenes. I also felt a bit let down. With this sort of a concept that would tickle every sci-fi fan's imagination, the story didn't offer any answers, dilemmas or explanations. It just sort of threw this half-baked and rather implausible idea out there and just let it sink.
Now don't get me wrong, I can fully understand this film had strict budgetary restraints, which naturally limits its story-telling abilities, but even story-wise it offered nothing original.
I do, however, sincerely hope the idea itself won't be lost. Meanwhile, I recommend everyone who have the same there-is-something-about-the-Moon thoughts rather read "Who Built the Moon" by Christopher Knight and Alan Butler. I can guarantee you it'll be more interesting and thought-provoking, and - most importantly - it doesn't use quotes by American presidents as its source of inspiration.
Sadly, I was disappointed. There was nothing about this short film that would have made it memorable or exceptional -- the script came off paranoid and most of the actors were very stiff and didn't carry out the scenes. I also felt a bit let down. With this sort of a concept that would tickle every sci-fi fan's imagination, the story didn't offer any answers, dilemmas or explanations. It just sort of threw this half-baked and rather implausible idea out there and just let it sink.
Now don't get me wrong, I can fully understand this film had strict budgetary restraints, which naturally limits its story-telling abilities, but even story-wise it offered nothing original.
I do, however, sincerely hope the idea itself won't be lost. Meanwhile, I recommend everyone who have the same there-is-something-about-the-Moon thoughts rather read "Who Built the Moon" by Christopher Knight and Alan Butler. I can guarantee you it'll be more interesting and thought-provoking, and - most importantly - it doesn't use quotes by American presidents as its source of inspiration.
Thought-provoking
Snicker10 March 2008
In the years bereft of any truly stand-out epics, we are forced to look harder and harder for the smaller gems-in-the-rough. First World is just such a gem. Somewhere between Close Encounters and Stargate, First World doesn't overwhelm you, it sort of sneaks up on you. I screened it first at ApolloCon 2007 (and we'll be showing it again this year), and enjoyed it very much, as did our audience. It's not an action-packed laser-fest, it's a thought-provoking what-if in an alternate universe. If you're looking for oozing aliens and screaming space battles, this is not what you want. If, on the other hand, you want to think about "what's out there" (and just how close "out there" might really be" catch a screening of First World.
Brilliant concept and I want to see it realized
planktonrules22 February 2009
This short film really would make a terrific full-length movie. The plot idea is brilliant and original and would make a darn fine film.
On the eve of a Chinese moon landing, something is amiss--something out of this world. As the film slowly unfolds, you see that some of the people around us are not humans at all, but are from some unknown outside source--some distant planet perhaps. Why these outsiders are all now planning something big isn't exactly known nor are these plans. What is certain is that life on the planet will never be the same again and the film does a great job of creating tension and a sense of dread in the audience.
The film gets kudos for an exceptional story, wonderful pacing and decent CGI shots. It's obvious that this independent film was made on a shoestring budget though they generally did a good job--with one notable exception. A few times, there were a few scenes that should have been re-shot. I am not talking about expensive or difficult scenes, but little ones where the actors stumbled over their lines. You can't blame the actors, as every actor flubs a line. But it's the director's job to re-shoot scenes--especially the one on the beach early in the film. It's obvious that the actors are having trouble with their lines and this somehow made it into the film. This sort of mistake won't help in securing financing for bigger pictures and wonder if they might still want to redo this one particular scene. Especially because otherwise, it's a brilliantly imaginative film--one I desperately want to see on a bigger scale and budget. It has the potential to be something big--something profound.
Good luck with the film and I really look forward to seeing more from these people. On a tiny budget, they did wonders. Imagine what they could do with more money and time.
On the eve of a Chinese moon landing, something is amiss--something out of this world. As the film slowly unfolds, you see that some of the people around us are not humans at all, but are from some unknown outside source--some distant planet perhaps. Why these outsiders are all now planning something big isn't exactly known nor are these plans. What is certain is that life on the planet will never be the same again and the film does a great job of creating tension and a sense of dread in the audience.
The film gets kudos for an exceptional story, wonderful pacing and decent CGI shots. It's obvious that this independent film was made on a shoestring budget though they generally did a good job--with one notable exception. A few times, there were a few scenes that should have been re-shot. I am not talking about expensive or difficult scenes, but little ones where the actors stumbled over their lines. You can't blame the actors, as every actor flubs a line. But it's the director's job to re-shoot scenes--especially the one on the beach early in the film. It's obvious that the actors are having trouble with their lines and this somehow made it into the film. This sort of mistake won't help in securing financing for bigger pictures and wonder if they might still want to redo this one particular scene. Especially because otherwise, it's a brilliantly imaginative film--one I desperately want to see on a bigger scale and budget. It has the potential to be something big--something profound.
Good luck with the film and I really look forward to seeing more from these people. On a tiny budget, they did wonders. Imagine what they could do with more money and time.
Nice work
jrizzotti8 March 2008
Regardless of whether or not you are a science fiction enthusiast, First World,takes you in a whole other direction in that genre and makes the viewer think of "what if's" instead of "what should be's." For this first time film maker, his vision and "thinking out of the box" attitude, really made this short movie enjoyable. Regardless of length and budget, "First World," is a breath of fresh air, especially when most movies these days reveal the beginning, middle and end, all in their trailer. This has the potential for multiple sequels, all leaving the viewer asking what might happen next. The mix of political and science fiction was a good blend of imagination and fortitude, seldom seen in first attempts at a film. Good work.
Original!
wynd_raven19 August 2008
I really enjoyed First World. Often, for me, the Sci-Fi and Action genres are the hardest to follow because of the number of relationships, and subplots that arise, but I was very happy to see that First World keeps things uncomplicated yet thought-provoking. I loved, loved, loved the music score. I also enjoyed the way the historical and Biblical quotes were incorporated, as if there were some timeless, universal understanding that there could be something more out there. I'd love to see the full-length feature but agree with one of the comments left below regarding how effective it would be as an on-going series with suspense building up episode after episode! Good luck!!
Very Interesting and Nicely Made.
akharestan6 March 2008
First World is an interesting short film filled with mystery and intrigue. I have been to three screenings of this short and they all have been filled with inquisitive sci-fi fans loving every minute of this movie. At the end the crowd enjoys getting involved in a discussion about the events in the movie with Mark Lund, the creator /writer/ producer of this project. First World has a great plot, superb acting especially by Lindy Nettleton and Angelina Spicer, an exciting film score and killer special effects considering the movies budget. Over all I enjoyed watching First World at the various screenings I have been to and am looking forward to the long version of this exciting short film.
Pretty darn good
remike-16 March 2008
I have viewed this film a few times and (as an actor and film school graduate), I think this project, considering the subject matter,and the use of special effects on a very small budget is pretty good. There are some moments in it that are actually better than some of the multi-million dollar blockbusters out there. The acting is believable, the cinematography has some excellent moments and the music is perfect. Great editing keeps the story moving and doesn't confuse the viewer (which can happen in a short film that needs to get out a lot of information). The Producer/Director seems to have caught the intent of the story in a short film and I am sure that with the feature length version they will have an exciting final product.
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