The Force is strong with local filmmakers

In a galaxy not too far away two local filmmakers decided they could put their skills to the test, drawing inspiration from one of their favourite film franchises.

Stunt performer James Eddy, and local filmmaker Corey Guilbault teamed up to produce a short film set in the Star Wars universe, just in time to benefit from the massive success of the franchise's seventh film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“We're both Star Wars fans, and we figured we would make a little Star Wars short,” Eddy said. “It was a passion project.”

With a core team of eight collaborators, they developed a story and planned their shoot over the course of a month.

After a day of shooting, Guilbault spent more than a month editing the footage, and creating his own digital effects to bring the seven-minute film's spaceships and lightsabers to life.

As a fan film, the story does not tie into the official Star Wars canon, now owned and controlled by Disney, but Guilbault said its story takes place before the events of The Force Awakens.

The short film, called Star Wars: Tremors of the Force, follows a young force-sensitive woman, played by local actress Jen Black, as she makes her way to a deserted planet.

“There's been news of this sword that's made of light, that's protected by some evil guardian,” Guilbault said.

Once she lands, she must face off against that “evil guardian” in a lightsaber duel, which allowed Eddy and Guilbault to showcase their stunt- and special effects expertise.

The movie will also help launch their new studio: VDO Entertainment.

“We're trying to do something bigger than a lot of people have done in Sudbury,” Guilbault said.

While Disney appears to be supportive of Star Wars fan films, Guilbault said they cannot profit from the movie.

But that won't stop them from uploading the film to YouTube so they can share their labour of love with Star Wars fans around the world.

VDO Entertainment will host a release party for the movie at the SRO Nightclub, located at 93 Durham Street, on Friday, Feb. 5, starting at 8 p.m.

They will collect $5 donations to help support future film projects. The event will also be a good opportunity to network with like-minded movie lovers, Eddy said.

Guilbault said he's working on a television series, called 14 Keys, he would like to pitch to networks.

To learn more about Star Wars: Tremors of the Force and VDO Entertainment, visit their website.