Mortal Kombat Gets Gritty with "Rebirth"
Jul 1, 2010
Recently a teaser film for a re-inspired Mortal Kombat made its way online. Since then speculation has been running high on who’s involved and how long before it hits the big screen. The eight-minute trailer was shot in less than a week as a pitch to Warner Brothers for a movie franchise reboot. The Mortal Kombat franchise has been popular since the early 1990’s when the series of fighting games was first released. While the first feature film in 1995, Mortal Kombat, became an instant fan-favorite, the sequel titled Mortal Kombat: Annihilation was widely panned when it released in 1997. One reboot of the franchise had already been rumored to be in the works since 2009. Tentatively titled Mortal Kombat: Devastation, it was slated for a release in 2010. When asked on whether or not Devastation was meant to be a sequel to the prior two films, the director said to Moviehole, “the project isn't so much a sequel as it is a "re-envisioning of the Mortal Kombat franchise from top to bottom. Today’s audience is a savvy involved group so the film must be A plus plus in every area in order to capture the magic of the first film." ... [more]

Casting Calls & Auditions: Going for An Open Call
Jun 2, 2010
People often dream of an opportunity to attend the casting call that changes their life. They envision showing up, broadcasting their best attributes and getting recognized by that influential someone who just so happens to be at the audition. Sometimes, it actually unfolds this way. More often than not perhaps, you’ll show up and be one talent among fifty or even a hundred. That being said, we've listed a few essential elements to consider before attending an audition. Make a note of them and get squared away to reach your dreams with style and class. Have you thoroughly understood the requirements of the role or opening? If a particular background is specified, do you have the requested background and can you demonstrate it convincingly? If not, you’ll have a hard time convincing the casting professionals that you can do what they need. When casting calls specify requirements, it’s usually because it's required for the performance. Have you planned and prepared ... [more]

Can Martial Arts Films Go 3D? True Legend
Apr 26, 2010
With the mega-success of Avatar, the 3D blockbuster which continues to break records worldwide, some have already started to think about how to translate 3D technology to martial arts films. Director Yuen Woo Ping, best known for handling the action sequences in the Matrix, Kill Bill and Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, recently introduced Chinese audiences to the first martial arts film in 3D. The film called “True Legend” is based on the story of a wealthy man, Su Qi-Er, living during the Qing Dynasty who loses his fortune and reputation as a result of a conspiracy against him. After being forced out onto the streets, Su dedicates his life to martial arts and reemerges as a patriotic hero known as the "King of Beggars." Yuen Woo Ping picked the two most important action scenes to be in 3D. Nevertheless, it took more than 10 months to create the fight scenes in 3D. The process required more than 100 digital artists in post-production who worked layer by layer ... [more]