Judge Minty Fan Film

Mick McMahon!

2011-11-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I attended Thought Bubble, the Leeds comic book convention. I took a long a couple of Judge uniforms for the members of The Galactic Knights costume group to wear along side their superb Batman and Star Wars characters. However my main reason for going was to meet a hero of mine - artist Mick McMahon.

I was also picking up an amazing commission he'd created for me. It was great to collect it in person, so that I could let him know how delighted I am with it. Mick kindly signed a bunch of Prog 147 2000AD's which I've been picking up here and there (147 is the Judge Minty issue).

My plan was to give him the 'Judge McMahon' badge which we had produced as a prop for our film. Unfortunately I forgot it on the Saturday and I was busy being a Stormtrooper on the Sunday, so a friend kindly gave the badge to Mick. Though I did manage to loom in to view in my Imperial ensemble, sadly it's not really designed for chatting.

Here's a great picture of the man himself. Thanks again!

It's a wrap!

2011-11-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

August saw Team Minty arrive in Dorset at Portland Sculpture Quarry, to film our last three live action scenes and a couple of pick ups. The weather curse didn't desert us as we were handed the continuity hell of rain followed by sweltering sunshine.

We would like to thank Hannah and Paul at Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust for allowing us to film in their quarry and also providing accommodation and storage facilities.

Cool 'Making of Star Wars' type location pictures by Eerika Holm

The location itself was excellent, unfortunately the Cursed Earth seemed to be a hotspot for ramblers and picnickers, not a Helltrekker in sight. As usual the cast and crew found themselves up against it for time, but somehow we managed to get some great shots!

The project has now entered post production 'stage 1' - rough cut, first draft.

Dredd meets his maker

2011-10-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

At last Dredd manages to track down the guy who burnt him alive, gouged his eyes out and shot him through the head - Dredd co-creator, John Wagner!

Back in June, Judge Minty cast regular and Dredd costumer Darren Beddows asked if he could use a Judge Costume to attend the twentieth anniverasy of his local comic shop 'Infinity and Beyond' in Shrewsbury. I said, sure, I'll courier it to you, but when he said John Wagner was attending, I immediately offered to bring it personally!

Darren did his usual great job as Dredd (he's probably spent more time in the costume than anyone, apart from perhaps Edmund Dehn). Hassling the crowd and handing out beatings is always popular, but by far the highlight was meeting John Wagner, sharing a little about our project and receiving some words of encouragement.

Thanks again for this cool photo!

Return to Magna

2011-10-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

In May we returned to Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, near Sheffield. The location is based in a disused steel works and is superb for filming. We'd previously used their car park for a city bottom scene. This time we utilised their vast storage area and cooling pits to film two scenes based in the Cursed Earth, for once it was nice to get undercover.

Photo by Barry Renshaw

It was a productive, if some what hectic, couple of days, with everyone having to pull together to get the required shots filmed in such a short space of time.

Highlights included, young actor, Matthew Beddows in a new character created especially for him, a purely visually roll, which he embraced and breathed life into. Model Integra Fairbrook produced a very touching performance which allowed us to dwell on a few very important shots, which we were originally concerned may be a problem. Thanks to her work the shots will probably be some of the best in the film.

As well as a very energetic death scene, which nearly maimed two crew members (including myself), John Burdis provided invaluable technical advice. After only a brief appearance in North Wales, Steve Longdon had the opportunity to flesh out his slightly disturbing character and it was great to finally call on Mark Watson's physical acting abilities, even if it did have to be done at breakneck pace!

As always we are eternally grateful to the remaining 'Minty Players' - Peter, Jenny, Guy, Simon, Darren, Dale and Jason. Just a few of the cast regulars, who traveled from the four corners of the country to reprise their roles, often for only a few seconds of screen time. I don't mind repeating myself when I say that their enthusiasm is often what keeps us going.

Again, Steve Green produced some amazing shots, with very little time to prep, I think the general reaction when reviewing the footage was "F**K YEAH!" Story board artist Barry Renshaw, also proved invaluable for continuity as well enjoying himself with the smoke machine. Daniel Carey-George was kept insanely busy assembling four new costumes and rigging two sets, completing in hours what should usually take days.

Edmund Dehn's performance, as always, was a highlight when viewing the rushes and provided the required presence to ground our story.

What's happening with Minty?

2011-10-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

First off I'd like to apologise for not updating this blog recently. I've been stacked out with work and have only just had time to post snippets of stuff on facebook and twitter, but this blog has become very out of date. So, over the next few days I will be trying and bring it up to date, with what may be old news to some.

Kapow memories

2011-04-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Old news now, but as we were gearing up for our next location filming session, we thought we'd take some time out for a trip to Kapow Comic Convention in London. Nothing official, though cast regular John Burdis did agree to spend most of Saturday on patrol as a Judge, dishing out beatings and chatting to 2000AD creators about the project.

A brief chat with Pat Mills was very encouraging and allowed us to present him with one of our customised prop badges and get this nice photo with Dredd.

One of the main reasons to attend was to meet fellow filmmaker Matthew Giffen, who has agreed to come on board and help with the project. Welcome aboard Matthew!

Blog catch up part 3 - Interviews

2010-11-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of months we've been fortunate to be asked to do a few interviews. It's just occurred to me that I didn't post them here! Thanks again to Fan Film Follies and Escapist Magazine. There are a couple more in the pipeline, which I'll make sure to post once they're online.

Fan Film Follies Interview

The Escapist Interview

The 'catch up' trilogy is complete.

Blog catch up part 2 - Judge Ezquerra!

2010-11-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

We recently sent our hero, and co-creator of Judge Dredd, Carlos Ezquerra one of Dan's prop badges as a thank you for... well.. being Carlos Ezquerra!

"Hey, Steven, thanks for the fantastic shield, I love it! it brightened my last session of chemo... by the way, do I look a bit like "Him" ?? ;))"
Carlos.

Great guy that he is, he sent us this superb photo AND in doing so put to bed the question of what Judge Dredd looks like under his helmet! Needless to say all the team got a huge thrill from the picture. Thanks again Carlos and get well soon.

Blog catch up part 1 - Jonathan Ross at BICS

2010-11-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

A quick catch up of things which have been posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Although we didn't attend the British International Comic Show in an official 'Judge Minty' capacity, we did ask the help of our friends at Hollywood Heroes costume group to get this nice photo op with Jonathan Ross, who was there to promote his comic 'Turf'.

Daniel Carey-George put together a nice Judge ROSS presentation badge and when he stopped by the Hollywood Heroes stand 'Wossy' was presented with it by two Judges. He was very friendly and stayed for ages. Lots of people got photos as he chatted about nerd stuff.

Well done Dinorwic cast & crew!

2010-11-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

I'm extremely overdue with this latest update. So, like double decker buses, expect a few more to come along soon after it. First off a massive thank you and well done to everyone who came to help us in North Wales (quite a while ago).

The shoot represented the bulk of live action filming for the project and was quite a task, logistically, mentally and physically. Four days and three nights in Llanberis, filming Cursed Earth scenes at Dinorwic slate quarry. The location has had it's fair share of film crews and was recently used for the remake of 'Clash of The Titans'.

We had a great deal to and fit in if we were to make the most of this superb location. Thanks again to the people at First Hydro Power Station for allowing us to film on their private property.

The day before the main cast arrived we scheduled a couple of simple scenes, to warm us up. The mountatin gave us a tiny taste of it's fury, but we naively thought (probably just me) that we'd hopefully seen the worst of it. The next day we were given a boost by the arrival of the 'Mutants'. After first calling off at the 2000AD Nerve Centre "to show them what they needed to be doing", John Burdis arrived along with a number of cast regulars.

We had some rough ideas for the Mutant Gang, but we were completely reliant on the actors who arrived on the day. This was possibly the only bit of good luck we had, as all the actors quickly found a character to fit with their costume and began adding depth and history to the gang. So when 'action!' was eventually called most people already had an idea how their character would act without the need for detailed direction.

Conditions for the next couple of days were grueling with regular wind and rain showers. Despite this we were completely blown away by the professionalism and enthusiasm shown. I couldn't get over how 'happy' everyone seemed hanging around for hours, to spend only a few monents in front of the camera, usually whilst freezing cold and wet. The majority of people had also traveled a great distance for the privilege.

Dale Jackson and David Rigby produced some very convincing work allowing us more freedom with their characters. Mark Watson's measured body language and movement worked perfectly with his character. In contrast Guy Robbins' performance was a real scene stealer. After a stressful couple of days I honestly hurt myself laughing so hard at his disturbingly funny performance. Without exception every actor produced something great for the camera.

Dan created some superb 'hero' props especially for the shoot and put together some crazy costumes for the Mutant gang. John Burdis also gave some very useful military advice on weapons props as well as doubling for Minty in some of the more 'dangerous' scenes.

As usual Edmund Dehn's performance was faultless in some very uncomfortable conditions. Catching a glimpse of Edmund's work on the playback was a real tonic. Amazing work from Steve Green under some ridiculous weather conditions and a very stressful schedule. I was amazed by the footage he managed to capture under the circumstances. A number of people commented on how harsh the landscape looked on the dailies. No CGI - just good old fashioned 'orrible weather.

Once again, well done everyone.

Work in progress teaser

2010-08-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

We've noticed a nice increase in internet chatter about the project, so Steve Green has roughly cut together this short sequence of work in progress. This is just a few snippets of stuff, which hopefully gives an impression of what we are doing. Some elements are simply for this trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2JhQXCjTLY&feature=youtu.be

Steve Green's showreel

2010-08-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Steve Green is the Digital Artist for Judge Minty (as well as Director of Photography). He's just uploaded his new Showreel on vimeo. Amongst his superb work there are a few quick glimpses of some Minty work in progress.

2005-2010 3D Generalist Reel from Steve Green on Vimeo.

Location, Location, Location

2010-07-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

We're beginning to gear up for Cursed Earth filming. First I'd like to apologise to everyone who has kindly offered to help out as extras. Sorry that I haven't replied, I will be doing so this week. I was waiting for a few details to be confirmed and I wanted to avoid drip feeding information across a numerous emails.

Also, we have decide to move a couple of key scenes from our North Wales location for dramatic and logistical reasons. This means that we will be scheduling another smaller shoot later in the year. This will require fewer cast and will not be overnight.

We have a couple of locations in mind for this. However, if you own, or know the owner of a particularly derelict piece of land or building, please feel free to let me know.

There are plenty of good locations around the country, but getting permission from the correct person is always the difficult bit. The things we are looking for are - easy access, safety, lack of vegetation, derelict or barren appearance.

Progress report

2010-07-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

Quite a bit to talk about in this post. First up, July's studio shoot.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped out as extras and crew. The shoot was a great success, in that the footage looks amazing, despite one or two technical hitches. If the mark of a good cast and crew is the ability to adapt, then we all rocked!

Once again Edmund's performance was superb, bringing a real depth and emotion to Minty. Domino Burlesk was also excellent as the ceremonial Judge. We got what we needed on the first take, though we took a couple more just in case. Both the main scenes were beautifully lit and captured by Steve Green and Daniel Carey-George's props and costumes looked awesome, as always. As the scenes were completely green screen, Barry Renshaw's story boards were essential to help the day run smoothly. I've seen a glimpse of Steve Green's CGI work for one scene and well, let's just say it's very convincing.

Despite hours of hanging around in a hot studio, on one of the warmest days of the year, all the extras seemed to enjoy themselves. Everyone managed to get a chance at playing a Judge. Though with only two sets of leathers and nearly twenty actors taking it in turns, it was very much a blessing in disguise.

The Mega City citizen footage was the most fun to shoot, with lots of ideas being made up on the spot. We were too busy to take any official photographs, but luckily plenty of other people took some snaps to remember the day (all images are the property of the respective photographers).

This represents the last of the live action filming for Mega City One (apart from a few pickups and perhaps some more CCTV). Onward to The Cursed Earth!

Next up, a big thank you to Michael Molcher and Comic Heroes magazine, for their double page article on Daniel Carey-George's work bringing the props and costumes of Judge Minty to life. The only reason I haven't been shouting about this on the blog, is because I didn't want to knock the casting call from the top spot.

The article is brilliant. It's a massive piece of promotion for us and we're in excellent company as the rest of the magazine is packed with good stuff.

CASTING CALL!

2010-06-28T04:20:00.000-07:00

'VIRTUAL' CASTING CALL!!!
PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE THE ACTUAL FILMING DATES!

LONDON STUDIO SHOOT

Saturday July 10th and July 11th - London SE5
MEGA CITIZENS WANTED
Hopefully we will be shooting a selection of background shots of Mega Citizens, which may be used in CGI sequences etc. Actors would only need to be available for 1 (either) of the days.

Sunday July 11th - London SE5
JUDGES WANTED
We require extras to play Judges in Judge Minty's 'Long Walk' honour guard. Actors should look reasonably fit and of an appropriate age. It would be very good to get a mix of ethnicities for the Judges.

NORTH WALES SHOOT

Thursday September 16th to Monday 20th (5 days) - North Wales, Llanberis
MUTANTS WANTED
We need 10 extras to play members of a Mutant Gang.
Accommodation and meals will be provided.

If you would like to play a part in our project, please send an email with your name, sizes (height, chest, waist) and a photograph, as well as any relevant experience (if any) to Steven Sterlacchini.

film@judgeminty.com

And just so this isn't a boring all text post... here's a picture of Judge Dredd having a pint!
Greg Staple as Judge Dredd, photography by David Lindsay.

Still trucking

2010-04-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

A short update. We've just finished filming the Chroma Key shots for Minty on his Lawmaster bike, which completes the footage required for Mega City One 'city bottom'. Everything went very well. Edmund Dehn looked superb and we even had a chance to take a few snap shots of him in costume.

This just leaves two more scenes to shoot, before we can get Minty out in to the Cursed Earth. We should hopefully be trying to schedule these for early May.

IMPORTANT CORRECTION!

2010-03-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Props & Costumes by Custom Creations

Just a quick post, to correct a mistake in the 'Comic Heroes' magazine article.

All the props and costumes for the Judge Minty film are in fact created by Daniel Carey-George of Custom Creations, NOT by Termight Replicas.

The Judge Helmet, pads, badges and Lawgiver are all designed and scratch built by Daniel especially for the project and are NOT licensed for sale.

Support your local Judge

2010-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

It's been great to see people spreading the word about Minty. So we've created these Minty banners at standard sizes. Feel free to use them on your website, blog or forum signature to help promote interest in the project. Images can be linked to http://www.judgeminty.com. Thanks again for all the support.

N.B. the long horizontal banner is reduced in this post, if you click on it, it should appear in it's own window at the correct size.

If you've got a special request for a specific banner size let me know and I'll see what I can do.

A successful first day's filming

2009-12-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we had our first day of location filming at Magna Science Museum, Rotherham. A big thank you to the museum and its staff for allowing us to use their very dramatic car park for the 'city bottom shoot out' scene. We were extremely lucky with the weather and although it was cold it remained dry, so we were able to complete all the required shots on the day.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew involved. I was expecting enthusiasm, but was blown away by the professionalism and commitment shown by everyone. Edmund Dehn's performance looks amazing in the footage. Greg Staples also looked great as Dredd and Matthew Banwell was excellent as Minty's shooter.

In all, there was some excellent acting from everyone, which changed the dynamic of the scene for the better. I was tempted to go into details, but it would only mean anything if you were there. Needless to say there were some dramatic deaths and some superb part building. Everyone managed to give their own character an individual personality, which really shows in the footage.

If it wasn't for the fact that everyone was pitching in we never would have managed it in time we had. A MASSIVE thank you to all involved. At no time did anyone say a word about the cold, lying on the floor for ages or the number of retakes.

Dan's costumes and props looked spot on in the final HD footage and Steve Green's camera work is excellent. Barry Renshaw's suggestions and eye for continuity were essential and his story boards were a joy to work from.

David Lindsay took two roles on the day, as both stills photographer and Second Unit Director for some other 'special' footage. I've loaded a selection of his stills in this post.

Judge Dredd is cast!

2009-11-20T03:14:00.000-08:00

The first day's filming is less than a month away, so we're very busy getting everything together for the shoot.

Renowned Artist and Judge Dredd favourite, Greg Staples has kindly offered to play the part of the man himself in our film. Although Dredd will only be making a small cameo and will only be shown in shadow, blurred or extreme close up, we are lucky that Greg has the correct look for a young Joe. It's also a nice touch for fellow fans.

Greg also managed to call by when we were blocking the a scene at a Sheffield location. We also had time for a quick costume check, see picture above.

BICS update

2009-10-05T04:12:00.000-07:00

The Birmingham International Comic Show went very well for us. A big thanks to the people at the Galactic Knights costume group who brought our costumes to life over the weekend and also thanks to the Hollywood Heroes group for appearing in some cool shots as well.

It was a bit of a rush, but we managed to have some quick chats about Minty and show a few people some work in progress. Steve Green went snap happy so we've got a bunch of cool images, which can be found here, BICS pictures on Flickr.

Birmingham International Comics Show 2009

2009-09-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say that Team Minty will be attending BICS this year. Not in any official capacity, but we will hopefully be bringing a couple of Judges along, with the help of the Galactic Knights costume group.

It should be a good opportunity for some nice pictures and perhaps discuss the Minty project with fellow fans. If you see us feel free to stop us for a chat. We should be hanging around the Judges.

At last a proper announcement

2009-08-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

CASTING CALL FOR:
- Filming on Monday December 14th at a Sheffield Location

CAST
- Required, 6 Mega City One Criminals (The Kovaks Mob)
- Please provide a simple picture of yourself for reference and rough measurements (to tailor the costumes)
- Please let us know any relevant experience (amateur dramatic, futuristic criminality)
- We would like to keep your details on file as other parts will become available later
- Plus there will be a chroma key studio session in London, scheduled in 'pencil' for January Saturday 16th.

CREW
- Make-up
- Wardrobe
- Grips and other location personnel
- Crew will not need to commit to the London studio shoot

Please send your details to: steves@thespiritof.co.uk

Hopefully we will not have to reschedule, but if we do, we will understand if you can't re-commit.

I am also delighted to announce that main role of Judge Minty has been cast. Edmund Dehn has generously offered to help us out (real proper paid work permitting). It will require us working around his schedule, but it's worth it, as he's perfect for the part.

A minor update

2009-08-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

At last we have penciling some dates in the diary for filming. Nothing confirmed yet, but at least a loose deadline to aim at. Hopefully we'll be able to put out some requests for help within a couple of weeks.

I don't like posting without a nice picture of something, so I thought I'd upload this quick comp using a test shot with a CGI Lawmaster, created simply to double check proportions.

A couple more pages

2009-05-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post these two pages from our project document. Nothing new, but some nice pictures all the same.

Full on Dredd!

2009-03-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of putting together a document to help entice the perfect Minty actor. I thought I'd post this page as it shows a nice full image of Dan's Judge costume.
>

Last cover recreation for a while

2009-03-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

It's been fun recreating these covers using the images from our costume reference photo session, but I'd better stop and concentrate on some work for the film itself. Just time to finish this Cliff Robinson inspired cover.

Based on the artwork of Cliff Robinson

Colin Wilson cover

2009-03-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quicky to post another costume photo session cover image.

Based on the artwork of Colin Wilson

You're Next Punk!

2009-03-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

We recently took the costume into the studio for some test shots. A Minty aged model was unavailable, so we decided to use a younger character. Couldn't resist creating this image, just for fun.

Based on the artwork of Mick McMahon

New Mick McMahon Judge Minty portrait

2009-02-20T02:35:00.000-08:00

For those that missed it, just a quick update to post the excellent new image that Mick McMahon created of Judge Minty. I think it's pretty obvious that we are heavily McMahon influenced with this project. So it was great when Mick agreed to produce the sketch, which was a prize in the official HI-EX! raffle in aid of Children 1st. I have to admit I had a little trouble letting it go.

Illustration by Mick McMahon.

Because of all the help and encouragement from the HI-EX! organisers, we decided we didn't really want to turn up empty handed, regards stuff to give away. Dan made a duplicate Judge Minty prop badge as a prize for our free draw, from which we would hopefully gain some email details to add to our database.

Steve Green also created a beautiful Mega Cityscape, which we printed on canvas and added to the HI-EX! raffle.

HI-EX! Minty is go!

2009-02-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

The Highland Comic Expo (HI-EX!) represented a symbolic 'start' point for our project. Although we have been working behind the scenes for quite a while, on things like the script, costume and CGI, we haven't shown much progress recently.

We set HI-EX! as an internal deadline to get certain key elements finished, namely the first draft of the script and more importantly a 'working' costume. These elements allow us to begin the task of finding the right man to play Minty. Once Minty is in place we can work around the actor's schedule to plan filming. We can refine elements as we progress, but we are keen to start getting some dates in the diary.

Of course HI-EX! also represented a golden opportunity to show our progress and gauge opinion. It was great to chat with people about the project and Judge Dredd in general.

We also hired character model/actor Harry T. Docherty for the day, to perform a walkabout and pose for some costume reference images. Stephen Green has enhanced the 'snapshots' taken on the day. Harry did an excellent job and the images have come out brilliantly. They have already increased interest in the project.

One last thing. I'd just like to welcome Barry Renshaw to the project. Barry has been creating storyboards for the film. As well as bringing the script to life they create a 'bible' for everyone involved with the project to work from. I usually like to storyboard myself, but Barry's work far exceeds my own, he has brought an extra dimension and fresh set of eyes that is improving the story telling.

Why Minty?

2008-12-22T03:56:00.000-08:00

Judge Minty only appeared twice in 2000AD, the first time over eighteen years ago.

It's a classic Judge Dredd tale, written by creator John Wagner and illustrated by the definitive Dredd artist Mick McMahon. It stood out at the time, because it showed a Judge with feelings. In a few pages Wagner and McMahon managed to create a fully formed person. Also, a number of issues are touched upon in this story, which will be mirrored in Judge Dredd's life much later on, namely doubts (about the 'justice' system) and 'The Long Walk.'

Illustration by Mick McMahon.
Copyright of Rebellion.

In the story, Judge Dredd is assigned to assist an older Judge in the routine arrest of a gang of criminals. During the tracking down and apprehension of the 'perps' Dredd remarks on a number of flaws in Minty's methods. Eventually Minty is wounded when he hesitates to shoot one of the gang.

As Minty recovers in hospital, Dredd informs him that he had to file an adverse report and that Minty is going to be retired from the streets. Minty gives a poignant response, "It had to come... I -I always knew you were on this case just to watch me... When you get old, you start gettin' strange notions... like maybe people aren't so bad. Maybe if we treat 'em with kindness, the good in them will come out! I guess that's when it's time to quit."

Dredd explains that due to his excellent record Minty is eligible to become a Tutor at the Academy of Law. However Minty declines the offer "I've been on the streets too long, there's only one way for me... The Long Walk!"

After Minty recovers there is a small ceremony, as he leaves Mega City One to enter the radioactive wastes that surround it, "there to take law to the lawless - until death."

One thing that always struck me, in the final panel of the story Minty almost appears to be smiling as he walks out in to the 'Cursed Earth'.

Minty's second appearance came in the 1982 Judge Dredd annual, in a written story by Jack Adrian called 'Desperadoes of the Cursed Earth' with illustrations by Dave Gibbons. The tale follows a gang of criminals escaping from Mega City One in to the Cursed Earth. They crash land in a frontier town and immediately begin intimidating the inhabitants and pushing around the local, elderly, sherif. Of course the sherif turns out to be Minty, who has settled down and become even more of a pacifist. He tries to settle the situation peacefully, but when it becomes clear that there is no other alternative, there is a gun fight in which he despatches the gang with ease.

Our story will take place directly after the first appearance, with Minty setting out in to the Cursed Earth and his initial experiences there.

Minty's strength of character and reluctance to resort to violence, made him a very interesting contradiction for a Judge. The quiet, unassuming, Henry Fonda style, lawman of Minty, juxtaposed against the totally confident, black and white, Clint Eastwood, tough cop of Judge Dredd (at the time).

The Judge Minty story is available to buy as a reprint in Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files 03.

Going public?

2008-12-19T06:53:00.000-08:00

By the time we had assembling the bones of our project, we started thinking about discussing it with other like minded 2000AD fans. Despite the fact that is was going to be a slow build up to the production and people may begin to get bored, we decided to share our ideas.

As well as allowing us to promote interest in the film, it also gave us an opportunity to gauge what fans would really like. However one completely unexpected outcome was that as well as the huge interest we received, we were also contacted with offers of help and support.

These offers ranged from people wanting to be extras (which is great) to professional composers, writers, assistant directors and storyboard artists.

The final advantage of this was, with so many people getting involved, we would have to see it through or be ridiculed at every convention I ever attended after that. I'd have to join the 501st, so that I could attend incognito.

Enter the 'Green' Dragon.

2008-12-19T06:19:00.000-08:00

We started keeping the project in the back of minds. Later that year Dan attended 'Monster Mash Exhibition 2008, An exhibition of artwork from the creative talents of the UK creature FX industry". He took a selection of his 2000AD related portfolio pieces, which attracted the attention of CGI artist, Stephen Green.

They discussed 2000AD and other projects, Steve showed Dan his breathtaking showreel, and Dan mentioned the Minty project in passing. Steve was interested and offered to join the cause. It would be a good piece for his showreel, using chroma key technology and interacting CGI with live action. Plus it would be fun bringing Dredd's world to life, in the comic style.

No sooner had Dan told me the good news, than Steve started modeling a KICK-ASS Lawmaster motorcycle! We started discussing our plans and with every suggestion made, Steve began to expand the story telling possibilities, inspiring Dan to produce new ideas to work with the CGI world. The standard was totally professional and I was feeling a little inadequate with my half finished Mini DV project.

Ways and means.

2008-12-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

A year or so ago I was searching the web for a item that I'd always wanted, but had eluded me for many years - a Judge Dredd helmet. The comic book version of course. I wanted one so badly I couldn't understand why no body made them.

Then for the first time, I spotted one on the web site of a professional Model and Prop Maker. It was part of his portfolio and not for sale. It was perfect, it didn't look like a plastic hat, it looked like the real thing. On browsing the rest of Dan's site I discovered a wealth of 2000AD related pieces, including a Lawgiver (Judge Dredd's side arm).

It was probably then that the idea started to hatch, "Wow, these are amazing, you'd only need a 'few more' bits and you'd have all you need to make a Judge Dredd film!"

I contacted Dan regards another item on his site, a classic Porsche 356. At the time I also had a nice example of the mark and it turned out we were in the same car club. Ironically, I have since sold my Porsche to help finance my other hobbies including the making of the film.

I managed to help Dan out with some graphic design work (my day job). I started discussing my 'filmmaking', as I called it, the fact being that I had only made one film and that was far from complete. We knocked around the idea of making a Judge Dredd based Fan Film, where we concentrated on a secondary (or even tertiary) character and that way avoided having to use Dredd.

I suggested one of my favourite characters Judge Minty. An aging Street Judge who is forced retire, seemingly because he has become too compassionate in his old age. Judge Minty takes 'the long walk' in to the radioactive wastes that surround Mega City One (we'll discuss him in more detail later). "We can shoot it in North Wales!" I said, "There are some areas around there that scream drama."

I was already trying to work out, in my head, ways we could make it cheap and simple, trying to learn from the lessons I had experienced on my first (current) project. However, with Dan's experience in prop & model making and being a fellow 2000AD fan he was soon expanding the idea far away from the smaller project I had first imagined.

The cogs were grinding into motion.

I guess that's when you know it's time to quit.

2008-12-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

I think it's about time I started a progress blog on the Fan Film I am making with Daniel Carey-George and Stephen Green.

I have always been interested in filmmaking, but the idea of actually doing it just seemed way out of reach. I remember hearing a Director, I think it was John Waters, answering a question about how to get in to filmmaking. His response was something along the lines of, "you buy 'some many' thousand meters of film stock, you hire a camera and get your friends together and make a film". This always stuck in my head.

With the birth of the digital age in cinema, the cost of 'professional' equipment began to drop and the idea began to grow. Until the means to make some kind of project finally came within reach.

So armed with a high end Mini DV camera and a bunch of friends dressed up as 'space soldiers' we started making our first film. Galloping around the forests and moors of Northern England, we made our short stories about 'The Boys and Girls of SAC22'. This project is tantalising close to completion and is the main reason for the delay in progressing with 'Minty'.