The Thief

The Thief

For many people, gaming is a passionate, strong hobby. I would say the same for myself. My career ambition is to end up in the film industry doing what I love, and what better way to express my ambition and hobby than to combine them both together?

My name is Chris Wood, and this is what I did. I took my new favourite video game Skyrim and I used its fantastic canon and universe to create a visually exciting, interesting short film.

The Thief is the story of an attempted peace-treaty gone awry. Thrown in are the two most interesting sections of any Elder Scrolls game - The Thieves Guild and The Dark Brotherhood.

The History

This film has been in progress since January. Without a doubt it was the most monumentous task I have ever decided to take on. I have received praise and many words of encouragement from my University, Friends and Family. This is all my own project, but I have had help from certain wonderful individuals:

Sam Kearns - Your story ideas and initial scripts were amazing and really gave me the motivation to push the project forward. As soon as I could see the words on screen, the film really started to take shape.

Mayto Sotomayor - Your editing skill has pushed my film far beyond what I could ever do. Many thanks for taking the time to edit and then re-edit my film

Jamie Walsham - You, sir, are my audio hero. Brilliant work, and totally dedicated. A director couldn't ask for better.

Robert Karban, Matthew Bennett, Scott Pulling and especially Ben Hampton - For putting up with my numerous and annoying requests to drive me all around England. It was extremely kind and considerate of you. And a little section for Rob who helped me from 8am to 2am the following day. Props to you!

The Budget

While I have been extremely smart with the way I handled my money, the film still cost a heck of a lot more than I was expecting. Nearly £1,000 in total, which is something in the region of $1,600. I've set my target to an optimistic $1,100 which should help me recoup the majority of the expenses. Obviously nothing comes in life for free, which is a lesson best learnt young.

If donations happen to exceed my set budget, I can promise that any overflow will be driven straight into my next film project. If people have donated to see a film get off the ground, then they will. Who knows, if I get enough, maybe I'll do "The Warrior" ;)

Gifts straight from Ulfric Stormcloak's back pocket

I've tried to pick 'Thank You' gifts that would appeal to any donators. If you donate up to $25, I am extremely grateful. If you give $25, I'll find a special place for you in the credits. $60, and you get credits + a smart-looking DVD. If you can get $100 Septims to me, then you get credited as a Producer in both the intro sequence and forefront credits at the end, you also get a DVD sent to you worldwide. Finally, $150 nets you all of the above, plus either a Stormcloak or Dark Brotherhood flag (though the Dark Brotherhood one has been bought already!)

The Buzz

I've been in contact with numerous Gaming News websites and already have a feature on the very nice 'Lo-Ping'

http://www.lo-ping.org/2012/05/16/the-thief-interview-with-skyrims-most-promising-fan-film-creator/#comment-2922

I also have a front-page slot on www.rockpapershotgun.com, once I get a trailer ready (soon!)

Thank you to all current donators

You guys and gals have been terrific to me. I cannot describe how thankful I am (I'll give it a shot - veryveryveryveryveryveryveryveryvery) for all current donations. As I said, any overflow i receive will be fuelled directly into my new film, it could be "The Warrior" ;)

 - Chris