Impressive ARCHETYPE Short Film! EXCLUSIVE Interview with Aaron Sims
The Incredible Hulk and Green Lantern concept artist Aaron Sims branches off into directing with this fantastic short film about a robot that inexplicably has memories of being human.
RL7 is an eight-foot tall combat robot that goes on the run after malfunctioning with vivid memories of once being human. As its creators and the military close in, RL7 battles its way to uncovering the shocking truth behind its mysterious visions and past.
Directed by Aaron Sims
starring Robert Joy (Land of the Dead, CSI:NY) and David Anders (Heros, 24).
Interview with the director Aaron Sims
I'm quite impressed with the quality of the special effects for a short film. What is it that you're doing so well that allows your visual effects to look so impressive as compared to some big budget Hollywood films?
My background is effects, both makeup and VFX. I've been in the business since 1985 and because of that I've learned lots of tricks on how to get the best out of what we create. Another plus was that I didn't have a studio demanding last minute changes; which can happen on a lot of larger Hollywood projects because of the intense deadlines they have to work within.
You mention that your goal with this short was to have the audience become emotionally invested in a non-human character. Which films do you think achieved that same goal, and were they an influence for Archetype?
Yes, I'm a big fan of films that use nonhuman characters to tell a human story. Some of my favorites that do this well are Toy Story, Wall-e, Monsters Inc. and Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. These films are definitely an influence for me.
You also said that Archetype was originally conceived as a full feature film. Do you plan to explore that option? If you were able to make a full featured film, what other aspects would you like to explore?
Yes, the plan is to create a feature using the short as a teaser. I've been working on the story for the feature and all I can say is its a lot bigger and there's lot of surprises for the feature. I'll keep you posted as things develop.
Is there a deeper meaning behind the title, Archetype? How did you decide upon it?
When coming up with the title for the film, I wanted something that had many meanings. Specifically referring to the robot of this story and his connection to humanity.The definition of Archetype is a pattern or model that all things of the same are copied or based on and that resonates with me.
Which skills from your work as a conceptual artist were the most helpful in bringing this film to life?
Being an artist and working in effects, my professional career made it easier to see the film before we started shooting. I think this helped me convey my vision threw verbal cues but more importantly visual cues as well.
When do you expect the full short to be online?
The short will be releases online this friday 1-20-12 and we're all very excited for it.
Where can people go to see it?
It can be viewed on youtube, or you can go to the Archetype website http://www.archetype-movie.com/