Tuesday, September 7, 2010

It’s About Time: Casimir Effect’s New Teaser

A couple of weekends ago Blue TARDIS in Orlando held a Torchwood night, featuring the new comic, my new book with Captain Jack on the cover, and some of our favorite Torchwood episodes. Of course, I thought it would also be a good time to inflate my ego a bit more (yes, it’s possible) and share some stills from independent time-travel paradox film, Casimir Effect. I had visited the set in Cardiff and immediately fell in love with the whole process of making a movie. Well, watching immensely creative, talented artists work very hard making one.

Anyone who’s ever loved a TV series even peripherally involving time travel will be intrigued by the film’s premise. So Who better to be a receptive audience on a Saturday night? Casimir Effect blends science, science fiction, passion, time travel, and impending doom. What's not to love? It’s time to let more people see Casimir Effect.

Last Saturday, back at the Coal Exchange (one of the film's locations), Gabriel Strange did just that. He and Lydia Wood, whose story came to life back in March, shared some footage overlaid with a snippet of Blue Gillespie’s soundtrack. Although the Sex, Wales and Anarchy crowd got first dibs, the teaser is now on YouTube. The minute-long trailer invites us to follow a mysterious figure into an abandoned building. Then . . . running, slapping, pacing. Anger, fear, desperation, determination. Even a few longing looks. Before all goes dark. Time’s up—for us. But is it up for those characters we’ve so briefly seen on screen?

Casimir Effect’s teaser intrigues me, and I have an idea of what’s going on in those all-too-brief scenes. The soundtrack matches the mood perfectly. The trailer lacks dialogue—but what is left unspoken creates a powerful impression. It’s cryptic—but I think it works, if posts on YouTube, Facebook, and even fanfiction sites are any measure.

But time is running out for Casimir Effect. The teaser is only up this week on YouTube.

Casimir Effect--Scenes from the Film

As I’ve written this, the teaser has received its 1,141st hit on YouTube. Go make it 1,142.

Post-production is obviously in progress, but the film needs additional support. I’m a believer in the importance of independent film, and this one could make it into those vaunted film festivals we always read about but seldom, if ever, know someone whose film makes it in. If you like what you see, maybe you’ll next visit the film’s web site to donate a little bit.

Next Tuesday, September 14, I’ll be talking about (but not spoiling!) Casimir Effect as one of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Tuesday’s Treasures. If you’re on or near campus at 12:45, come explore the Casimir Effect. IC 104.