Behind the Scenes

Some of the contributing influences for Luke's ideas were all the "Behind the Scenes" special features that we often watch on DVDs. It was here that he learned initially about storyboarding, special effects, filming, and more. In this spirit, he decided that "Swords & Shields" should also have a "Behind the Scenes". We have filmed Luke in 6 ~5 minute segments discussing such topics as: story concept, pre-production, making & buying props, filming, editing, and other interviews. While this didn't make into the Premier DVD, you can have a copy of the "Behind The Scenes" if you will reply to this entry with a comment with your contact info..

Proceeds to help children have clean water

Luke has decided that all proceeds from the movie are to be donated to Playpumps International. Water-related diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and are also responsible for 80% of all sickness in the world! I've personally met children in Tanzania who travel hours each day to collect water for their family on the same muddy shorelines where the cattle drink and 'bathe'. Playpumps is a life-changing and life-saving invention to pump water from deep below the surface. Installed near schools, they are powered by children at play. These pumps provide safe water to communities, allow children some play and laughter, and encourage economic, health and educational development in rural African communities. Click on the link to learn more! (be sure to watch the 2.5 minute UTube clip)
NOTE: Donna has communicated with a representative at Playpumps International who is excited about Luke's movie and has shared the blog with all the international staff. They are already discussing how to promote the movie to individuals and organizations as a creative way to do fund-raising for Playpumps.

Editing and Post-Production

The almost 2 hours of footage is now in editing! James Leagre, the Executive Director of The Children's Theatre Institute here in Indianapolis is serving as our editor. James and Luke have already spent over 11 hours together editing the footage and adding sound effects and music. Luke is keeping James directed with what all he wants included in the film. He really "took" to the role of Director in editing and keeping the integrity of the film. We look forward to seeing the final flow of the film.. and how it will come across with a music score and with voices enhanced. We expect "Swords & Shields" to be about a 15 minute movie, plus some bloopers and commercials. How exciting!

Investors for the Premier

As Luke's dreams for the Premier developed, we realized the need to increase the movie's budget. So, we drafted a list of potential investors; businesses who relate to Luke and his world. Together, we approached a number of these businesses, with amazing results. It seems many want to support an 8 year-old in his dreams of a worthy project. These businesses have offered cash or gifts-in-kind in exchange for listing in the credits, or an actual filmed endorsement by Luke! He has had fun with this extra project.... pictured here is Luke with his Pediatricians during filming of their "commercial".

Premier Dec 9

The Premier of "Swords & Shields" is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2:30pm. Investors have helped us to underwrite the costs of renting The Cinema Grill movie theatre in the Greenbriar Shopping Center at 86th & Ditch. Cast, families, investors, and movie-lovers are all invited to the Premier. We will feature pictures of pre and post-production. Luke will tell his story and we will have a few surprises. There will be a display of props and related items. Following the premier events, we hope to also show a full-length feature film for everyone, "Night at the Museum."

Production & Filming

We began filming in Sept. 2007 with the great battle scene as the first scene shot. This scene was with the full cast of 20+ of Luke's peers from 1st and 2nd grade. Donna shot footage as she climbed trees and ladders, and filmed from the tree house. She even lay on the ground as swordsman fought above her. Too fun. Our friend, Christa Shoot who works for Children's Theatre Institute served as the co-director of the shoot. The kids were focused and amazingly patient as they awaited their particular scenes. Frankly, I believe the parents who were involved had as much fun as the kids; they got in the act when they got to squirt movie blood on the kids during the battle scene. They almost enjoyed that too much!

The IDEA and Pre-Production

Luke first had the idea for "Swords & Shields" in January, 2007. He writes many stories, but S&S was first envisioned and "written" as a movie production. His parents thought it was "a nice idea" but didn't do anything with it for awhile. Luke, however, didn't let it go. He continued to talk enthusiastically about creating such a movie and in the spring we began to explore ideas together. Over the summer, he wrote out all the storyboards for filming, polished the ideas, and began planning for costuming. Donna and Luke (with some help from Dad) made all the costumes. Funding for costumes and props was provided by some family members who responded to a pre-production "investor letter" written by Luke.