Hello all readers!

Man, many questions to answer!  Let’s begin:

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Asked by “Wearethedead”:

Q1.) If I had another question to ask I guess it would have to be….are you going to add a CG fire effect to Firemans head?

A1.) Yes!  His head will light up in flames for elongated periods of time and sometimes briefly.

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Asked by “Icer13″:

Q1.) My question is, will Rush be in the movie or Items 1-3 from MM2 or something like that?

A1.)  Rush will not be in the film.  His presence was saved for the possible sequel.  Those items are also being saved for the future!

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Asked by “KamenRiderGumo”:

Q1.) First, what make and model cameras are you using? Second, what kind of computer and editing software do you use? (I use a Panasonic AG-DVX100B and a PC equipped with Adobe Premiere, myself; tried Canon/Sony cameras and Mac editing platforms and didn’t care for them in the slightest, but I’m interested in knowing what you use.)

A1.)  The film was shot on a Panasonic DVX100A.  Love it!  I use a basic set-up, though.  Windows duo core with a decent video and sound card and 2gbs of ram.  I’m upgrading my entire set up, after Megaman is completed, to a Quad or an Octo-core (if I go Mac)!  I use Adobe Premiere CS3 for personal editing but use Final Cut for gigs when called for.   Odds are, I’ll go Final Cut Pro exclusive once I go completely Mac.

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Asked by “thorgrim105″:

Q1.)  I want to ask when you say all the bosses will copy cat mega man and the yellow devil(big yellow thing) be in the film as well? Just to ask.?

A1.)  I once said every boss of the first game will be in the film so… you be the judge of that answer =).

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Asked by “tyle09″:

Q1.) You said that the music would be mixture of new themes along with classic songs from the games and that the music would be orchestral, right?  Can’t really remember the name, but did Siddhartha, I think it is, actually compose music and conduct an orchestra for you?  Or was the music created on a computer?

A1.)  If I had to take an educated guess, he’s probably doing the score the same way he did the last score he did for me.  A combination of live-recorded instruments he did himself and computer-created tracks.  Either way, this hybrid will lead to an AMAZING score since Sid’s talents and his use of these tools will be the main key to the success of the score.  The man knows how to deliver the goods!

Q2.) Will Megaman use any of the Items like the jetboard from MM2 to get around?  I honestly, don’t understand the whole teleporting thing.  But maybe you’ll explain it very well in the flick.

A2.)  Teleportation will be explained.  In fact, the first released clip touched upon it!  It applies to only inanimate objects and machines.  The skin of Light’s android is a substance that is artificial so it allows Megaman and company to teleport successfully.

Q3.) Will Protoman use any of his aliases, like Blues or Breakman, to cover up his identity.

A3.)  Yes!

Q4.) What did you shoot in?  1080, HD, 24 frames?  You know, the whole film-look enchilada?

A4.)  I shot at 24 frames in standard definition.  This is the last large project I’m doing/will do in standard definition.  Half the film is color corrected depending on the tone I want to go for.  The sequel would be shot in 4K resolution.  The image still looks very filmic so the resolution didn’t make or break the film!

Q5.) How would you feel if someday Capcom and a company like Warner Bros. made a live-action adaptation for theaters with the help of Keiji Inafune?  Would you remain completely loyal to your movie or would you actually enjoy going to see it(if it was done correctly of course)?

A5.)  I’d go to see it just to see what’s done!  Honestly, I would be a bit nervous.  Getting the film done right is a very touchy thing, especially in Hollywood.  Such a film demands a director like James Cameron to remain faithful while still giving us something amazing.  I’m also sure Keiji’s involvement would help in giving us a solid final product but once it goes into the film makers hands, Keiji can only do so much…unless he’s an executive producer.

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Asked by “Mithril97″

Q1.) What happened to the point on MegaMan’s helmet? You know, the one that comes down between his eyebrows. I’m sure I’ll love your movie, but still, the lack of a helmet point is going to grate on my OCD for days after I watch it.

A1.) Another victim of the budget.  With no funds to custom molds, we were limited in such things.  Funny enough, I was REALLY keen in getting that point.

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Asked by “CCharmanderK”:

Q1: Do you think that your movie will outperform the last big-name videogame fan-film, The Hero of Time. HoT had a very successful release, and it’s gonna be hard to top.

A1.)  In terms of production value and visual effects, we may have the upper hand in that department but everything else is up to how we promote this and the fan response.

Megaman and Hero of Time are two different genres but two beloved franchises.  Megaman appeals to the Sci-fi/Action demographic and Hero of Time appeals to the Fantasy/Adventure genre.  I believe Megaman will enjoy equal success.  As stated, it all depends on fan response but I feel this will be a hit with the video game fanbase.

Q2.)  Also, what programs did you use for special effects? And what type of camera and tape format did you use (MiniDV, Btamax, etc.). I’m getting into independent filming myself, so I want to know for future reference.

A2.)  The special effects were done with Adobe After Effects, 3d Studio Max, and Maya.  As stated, we shot on the Panasonic DVX100A!  That’s a MiniDV camera.

Q3.)  And, also, how long do you believe the finished film product will run for. Judging from the trailers, I think that 90 minutes is a little bit of a squeeze.

A3.)  90 minutes is indeed kinda of a squeeze…since the final film may be 110 minutes!

It’s worth noting we have been hiding A LOT.  Hell, the last 30 minutes of the film haven’t even been touched upon in any promo material.  I’m still cutting some scenes out so we may go down to the 95-100 minute mark.

Q4.)  Also, if you could give this movie an MPAA rating (G, PG-13, etc.), what would it be and what would the content descriptor be (for sequences of action violence and breif nudity, for example).

A4.)  If all the scenes are kept in tact, PG-13 but based on the cuts I want to make, PG for sequences of action violence and language.  The initial cut of the film had one scene that was pretty dark but I eliminated it because I think it crosses a line.  I’m all for dark stuff but it just seems….off.

Q5. In a percentage split ratio, how much action and fighting is there going to be in contrast to talking and conversational scenes? This seems to be an action film, so I’m expecting a roughly 70/30 split.

A5.)  Best way to explain is this:  The first half of the film is a sci-fi adventure film while the second half is a sci-fi action film.  The film is what it is when the story calls for it.  Both halves are EQUALLY entertaining and enlightening since it all boils down to the characters and how lively and fleshed out they are.

Q6.) How are the fights going to be portrayed? Will there be heavy special effects and stunt-doubles (game-like fights), or is the fighting going to be more hand-to-hand, with Robot Mastet abilities used for tactical purposes? (like in the 90s cartoon)

A6.)  In short, a combination!  The fight scenes are a very interesting hybrid which allows things to always be interesting and fresh.

Q7.) Could you post a few excerpts from the film’s soundtrack for us to listen to so that we get a feel for what you’re going to be offering in the final product? I’d love to hear an orchestrated version of the Wily Castle theme from Mega Man II, if you wouldn’t mind.

A7.)  Soon enough!  Stay tuned!

Q8.). How much of the film is complete in terms of percentage? I’d imagine that you would’ve gotten a fair bit farther than the 70% estimate you gave us a month or two ago.

A8.)  Indeed!  We’re about to hit the 80% mark so at this rate, we are on a very nice schedule.  The rate is about 10% a month!

Q9. What sort of special features do you plan to include on the DVD release? Maybe a blooper reel and deleted and extended scenes? Or maybe including the alternate ending you said that you filmed? That would be incredible to each, seeing how you portrayed the ending originally.

A9.)  A making-of featurette and audio commentary will be included as well as deleted and extended scene.  The alternate ending will probably work it’s way into the DVD as well!

Q10.) . Will Proto Man’s whistle theme be included in the film.Proto Man is obviously in the movie, and it simply won’t be the same without the whistle. And also, where will the whistle be placed? Will you use it as music that lays over the ending of the film and carries over into the credits as a BGM?

A10.)  The whistle shall be.  Where it will be placed is a surprise!

Q11.) Do you plan to release the full soundtrack for the film when it is complete? A lot of us would be thrilled to death for that sort of thing.

A11.)  Yes!

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Asked by “12thBattalion”:

Q1.) When writing the script into a feature-length production, how did you find out what needed to go, or what needed to be added in to appeal to both fans of the original game and general film audiences?

A1.)   Before going into the script, I think as a fan.  What NEEDED, as a fan, to be in the film.  What aspects I could NOT live without.  From there, I would keep adding and adding.  Then, as a film maker, I would think of how, in the world of the game, could these aspects be explained logically and not seem like fan service.  From there, I would keep molding and fine tuning and eliminating what can work under any circumstance.  Surprisingly, logic can be added to any aspect or situation just as long as it works within the film’s world and doesn’t seem forced.  Luckily, Megaman has a lot that can appeal to film audiences so that made things easier for me!

Q2.) In terms of a budget, did you pool in investments from friends, family, etc., or borrow a loan from a bank, or did the Capcom representative chip in some money?

A1.)  It was all me and a few family members.  I remain hopeful Capcom helps with the sequel!

Q3.) How did you find all the members for your cast and crew? Did you advertise your project somehow, and if so, where? Did you go to local colleges or schools to find help?

A3.)  We posted a casting call!  Aside from that, some roles were filled with actors I worked with who I felt would fit perfectly with selected roles.  The crew was pretty small, consisting of peers who I was either friends with or worked with in passing (who are also friends, haha).  As for the VFX team, it was a combination of people I met through other films and individuals that I either emailed to ask to join the film or who emailed me first.

Q4.) Although my project requires a different company, how did you contact (or how were you contacted by) the person from Capcom to have them come down and view your production?

A4.) The hype behind the film caused a rep from Capcom to contact me and say they loved what I was doing and that they support fans that take it upon themselves to do something like this.  I never contacted Capcom myself and aside from that, they never been on set physically.  It’s just nice to know we won’t get sued!

Q5.) Would you recommend the process of the previous question, or contact the company and send in a script or demonstration trailer to ask them whether or not they approve. Or would you recommend some different method?

A5.) Depends on whether you what to make a profit or not.  The universal fan film law is to just make the damn film!  As long as it’s non-profit, most studios and companies don’t care.  If you are nervous, try contacting a representative, tell them you’re a fan and what your intentions are.  If you don’t plan on making a profit, they could be cool with it!  Only thing is you properly won’t be recognized as an “official” film of the gaming property.

Q6.) Was everything shot on-location? Or was some shot in a studio? If in a studio, how did you come about renting/purchasing one?

A6.)  90% of the film was shot on location.  The rest was shot on green screen, half of which was shot in a small studio in Manhattan.  We rented the space for 8 hours and set up a green screen I bought!

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Asked by “Dastari”:

Q1.) Will the magnet beam be in the movie?

A1.)  Sadly, no.  During the screen writing process, I was more focus on the more profound and major aspects of the game and certain powers couldn’t make it into the film for logistic and budgetary reasons.

Q2.) Have you come to a final decision on music and will you incorporate at least some of the Mega Man 1 music in the movie? Personally I’d like for the Elecman, Cutman, Iceman, and ending theme music to be in the movie somewhere and I still think that incorporating the stage select into the DVD menu would be awesome.

A2.)  That’s now in Sid’s hands.  I gave him my major directorial points and which cues I felt NEEDED to be in the film.  He has a lot of amazing ideas and I want to hear his various other themes before I throw in even more influence from the game.  As he says, he wants to go with the mentality that the composer of Megaman 9 went with which was to not rely too much on other themes but create a new soundtrack that would fit it with all the others just perfectly.

Q3.) How much is Roll in it? From the trailers she seems incredibly hot and I’d love to see A LOT of her in the film.

A3.)  Haha, she’s indeed a cutie!  She is in the film quite a lot.  Pretty much whenever Light and Rock/Megaman are around!

Q4.) How soon after your premiere would downloads and the DVD’s be available?

A4.)  About a week to 2 weeks, it will be online.  2-4 weeks after that, a limited amount of DVDs will be available with special features.

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Asked by “Stryks”:

Q1.) Will the Wily Machine make an appearance?

A1.)  Surprise, surprise!

Q2.) Any chance you can give us a little clip of the music you’re gonna use? I’d love to heard some of it, more so if you used Dr wily stage theme from MM2

A2.)  A future online preview or “TV Spot” will feature some of the music so stay tuned!

Q3.) Will E-tanks appear in the movie? I think they always portrayed the E-tanks as energy drinks or something.

A3.) They are mentioned but aren’t shown visually.  We are doing pick up’s in 2 weeks for shots to put into the final edit so that MAY change.

Q4.) Will the origins of Protoman, and why he’s always the ‘lone wolf’ (lack a better term) be explained?

A4.) Yes!

Q5.) Is there Any firm release date for the movie? I cannot wait to see this.

A5.)  Still uncertain, all we know is it will be sooner rather than later!  I COULD say an August premiere is in the works but nothing I can promise.

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Asked by “nguarhoth1″:

Q1) Do you hope to make a sequel in the future?

A1.)  Unsure if I will but, the truth is, I hope to do a sequel!  Hope the first is successful enough…

Q2) If not a sequel would you do a short film that features the Megaman Powered Up cast?

A2.)  Hmmm, don’t know if I would.  If not a sequel, I’d LOVE to do a Megaman X short!

Q3.) Are there a ton of easter eggs?

A3.)  Haha, toooo many to count…

Q4.) Have ALL the characters that you have been shown to the public?(I might have a classic-fied picture made of them if you have)

A4.)  Many characters have been hidden and kept hush hush.  Got to leave something for the actual film!

Q5) Are Mettools in the movie?!

A5.)  The models are completed but we are still discussing upon whether to put them in or not.  It’s mainly a time thing since we want the film done soon but efficiently.

If anyone noticed any unanswered questions, then they were either answered in another question or in the previous Q&A.  Wow….so many questions.  Still just as fun!  Thanks a lot guys!  Now, I shall return to finishing this action sequence….

Eddie