Posts with tag short-film

Tonight is the premiere of /afk, a short film that tells the story of a single WoW player with a dream to solo Onxyia before he quits the game for good. Earlier this week, WoW Insider spoke with Benjamin Dressler, the director of /afk, and got the scoop on some of the origins of the film. Today, I'll be following up that interview with a review of the film and a few more words from Dressler on the more detailed aspects of the production.

/afk is a short comedy that combines live-action footage with in-game animation and machinima. The story follows Piet (Martin Schnuerch), a student whose parents want him to take control of his life and break his gaming habit. He is unwittingly submitted to counseling, where he meets with the brutally honest psychiatrist (Eva Spott.) Piet is cooperative to an extent, telling his in-game friend Nippi (Bill Dean) early on that he intends to quit the game, but as the story progresses, it's apparent that he's very torn on the matter. He questions whether he is addicted and what he wants to do with his life.

To make the decision harder on him, Piet has always wanted to solo Onxyia in the game and liken himself to a mythical dragonslayer, like Beowulf or Siegfried, a task he has not yet fulfilled. The film takes place during Piet's final days in the game, when he spends his time with friends and preparing for his face-off with the dragon.

Update: /afk is now available for viewing.

I don't normally check out videos with no thumbnail preview or mid to high quality streams. However, World of Warcrack seemed to be garnering high ratings and comments. What I discovered was a really humorous take on WoW addiction. This video is a must see in my book!

Filmed at a University of Texas campus, the portrayal of college stereotypes are pretty spot on. Bryan Canatella also did a good job of illustrating that the pot shouldn't be calling the kettle black, as was the case with the heroin addict that felt his friend was addicted to Warcraft. Definitely check out the hilarious fight scene. You won't regret it.

[Via Warcraftmovies.com]

Previously on Moviewatch ...

Oh my. The folks from The Guild have assembled this short montage of holiday songs refitted just for your (you Warcraft players) enjoyment. If you're a huge Guild fan, you'll probably love it, and if not, you'll probably be a little turned off by the awkward singing in the beginning.

But I have to say: stick with it. Because the last song parody is pretty much golden. If you've ever spent a major holiday playing World of Warcraft, you'll know exactly what he means. Happy holidays to you too, Guildies!