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Who's Shane Felux anyway? And why does he think he can make a Star Wars fan film?
At a Glance:
Age: 31
Marital status: wife Dawn Cowings, 19 month-old son Ian
Occupation: Graphic Artist
Home: Bristow, Virginia
Born: San Antonio, Texas
Education: Southwest Texas State; BFA in Directing and Acting
RTOF: Have you always been interested in the performing arts?
SHANE: I've been involved in theater since elementary school ... plays and stuff. I went to college on a theater scholarship and then went to New York City and continued getting acting experience whenever possible -- Good Morning America, commercials, theater pieces like King John, the SoHo Rep. Some movies and television -- Waiting for Guffman, Leap of Faith, Heaven Help Us, The New Detectives. (grins) And I was a detective, not a serial killer!
RTOF: Do you have a lot of directing experience?
SHANE: My senior project was a short film called Inroad. Did pretty well. Mostly, though, I've learned on set. I'd stand next to the Director of Photography or one of the grips and I'd ask, ask, ask. Most people like to share their knowledge and talents if you're interested and ask politely.
RTOF: So why Star Wars?
SHANE: I've always loved the cinema, the total immersion of sitting and watching movies, and dreamed of seeing my name and ideas up on the screen. I've always wanted to make a blockbuster, an epic. And I love Star Wars. That's the kind of movie I've always wanted to make.
RTOF: Why now?
SHANE: The technology has finally gotten to the point where I could do it - editing programs, computer graphics - I just knew it was now or never. Really. You finally figure out that it's never going to be the perfect time and you just have to go for it.
RTOF: How do you balance a job, a family, and a film?
SHANE: It's hard. I mean, a full time job is already stressful and tiring. And so is a full time family. Then to put a project of this scope on top of it all.... I get negative, insecure. The image in my head creates really high expectations, which leads to discouragement when they don't match up with reality. It's never as good as what I've imagined. But I have to remember that I'm the only one who knows the difference.
RTOF: Who or what have been your most important resources?
SHANE: Jack Foley, our Director of Photography, hands down. I'd worked with him before on some commercials and contacted him to see if he'd be interested. Turns out he's a huge Star Wars fan -- I had no idea -- and he was really excited by the scope of this film and how ambitious the productions was. The Virginia Film Office (film.virginia.org) and people I've worked with, they've come up with volunteers and recommendations. People who know people who know people -- you network. Dawn getting the script written. I couldn't move too far along until that was done. Of course, the big, we-can't-turn-back step was purchasing the equipment. Once we spent that much money, either we made the movie or Ian had the most impressive baby films ever.
RTOF: Anybody else?
SHANE: The fans, of course. There's so many really dedicated and talented people out there. And the 501st! You can't have a Star Wars movie without troopers!
(see A Few Good Humanoids for more on the 501st Legion)
RTOF: Why did you ask Dawn to write the script? Why not solicit a script on-line or do it yourself?
SHANE: Dawn's said for years that she could write a good Star Wars story. I basically told her to "put up or shut up." And I knew she could work with the deadlines I gave her. She and Sarah chose where in the Star Wars timeline we were, worked out the basic plot, then wrote the script. And having the writers on hand means that if something isn't working I can get them to fix it right then instead of waiting for e-mail or phone calls or doing it myself when I should be doing other things.
RTOF: Who are your artistic influences? What inspires you about their work?
SHANE: Well, George Lucas, of course. Actually more for his vision, his world building, than his writing or directing. Steven Spielberg for scale, Baz Luhrmann for being on the cutting edge and his unique imagery. Uh, Bertolt Brecht and his bombardment of the senses. And Federíco Garcia Lorca, his poetry and drama had a big impact on me.
RTOF: You've done three big location shoots. What lessons have you learned, what would you do differently now?
SHANE: (laughs) Everything! Probably most important, to have a dedicated continuity person on set. Right now, several of us are juggling that responsibility along with our other jobs and it's not the best way to go about it. Um, time management is critical -- don't waste time or money. Get it right the first time; don't fix it in post. (groans) I don't even want to think about post!
RTOF: What's the best part about making REVELATIONS?
SHANE: Oh, watching it get bigger and better all the time. We've had industry people tell us very good things -- we've had folks who've worked on big-budget Hollywood films tell us our sets are better organized and happier places to be than those movies. Same with our make-up artist and our tech crews. That's always good to hear. And it's great when you dream big and people say, "Aw, you'll never get that location/equipment/whatever" but you do, you make it happen. To see the word of mouth about this project growing, mentions on theforce.net, and to have such incredible fan involvement, people giving their time and energy to make this real -- we get to live the dream.
RTOF: What are your hopes for REVELATIONS?
SHANE: I want the film to be a triple-threat -- a story that grips the audience and fits in with the Star Wars universe, good acting, and high technical standards, from costumes to computer graphics and special effects. Something really well rounded, by fans for fans. I want the audience to feel that they got a real Star Wars experience. I'd like the industry to sit up and see what can be done with dedicated volunteers, hard work, and affordable technology. I want recognition for the talent and passion that everyone involved is putting in. (laughs) I just hope it doesn't suck!
RTOF: And after REVELATIONS?
SHANE: PanicStruck Productions will go on. Star Wars is the hook, it opens doors. People are willing to gamble on that even though we have no track record. REVELATIONS will hopefully be a stepping stone -- we can get talents and skill sets recognized, gain people's confidence for future projects.
RTOF: Any last words?
SHANE: I just want the audience to feel that the only thing missing is George. And the money!
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