I came across this video on YouTube titled Escape From City 17, based around the Half Life 2 computer game which was a pretty big release a few years back. I was such a fan I even bought the special DVD edition that came with the Half Life 2 logo on a black t-shirt.
So what’s Escape From City 17 about you ask? The Escape From City 17 short film series is an adaptation based on the Half Life computer game saga by Valve Corporation. Originally envisioned as a project to test out numerous post production techniques, as well as a spec commercial, it ballooned into a multi part series. Filmed guerilla style with no money, no time, no crew, no script, the first two episodes were made from beginning to end on a budget of $500.
For a $500 budget, I found the result pretty decent. I especially like how they integrated sound effects from the game and the way they did the blood spatter, it looks pretty much like it was lifted right out of the game. I’ll be keeping my eye out for the future films. Check it out here: Escape From City 17 – Part One. Don’t forget to press the watch in HD button to see it in the best quality!
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