Halo Wars is a real-time strategy video game being designed by Ensemble Studios and set for release on the Xbox 360. The title was revealed at Microsoft’s X06 and a pre-rendered trailer was officially released:

For more details on this game visit Wikipedia

Aint it Cool News is back again with another interview, this time they talk to Peter Jackson. Indeed it is a five part mammoth – part 3 refers to the progress of the Halo Movie.

This interview covers a number of important topics that are on the minds of those following the film’s development.

Neill Blomkamp

First and foremost Jackson discusses why Neill Blomkamp was chosen as director even though he has not produced a feature length movie until now. To paraphrase, Jackson comments on Blomkamp’s brilliant visual eye and storytelling ability – as apparent in his short films.

- He is an absolute Halo fan (and is thus not in it for the cash or publicity)

- He can provide a unique out-of-the-box approach as far away from current video game-movie adaptations as possible.

- He was chosen over many other applicant directors because his visions and plans are exciting and entirely new and the potential is great: Believe me, he’s doing something that is very, very different from what people are imagining, from what people have seen before. … It is original and new and has not been seen before on the screen. It’s not Ridley Scott, it’s not James Cameron, it’s not what we’ve seen before, but it’s something new and fresh and it’s cool. (Jackson states that Blomkamp has already spent 2 solid months working with Weta on every aspect of design).

Script

Secondly, the script. It is not currently ready and at the moment Blomkamp is focusing on his vision of the Halo universe. We are slowly tugging away at it, getting it there.

Since Garland’s draft two new scripts have been written. Jackson states it is coming along nicely and although he, Fran and Philippa are not personally involved in the writing they are keeping a close eye and stringently policing its quality. Filming will not start until the script is “really great”. The time needed to develop the Halo world, the props and the physical realisation of the dream also allows time to perfect the script. There will be Covenant, Warthogs, Ghosts and Scorpions and even the Pillar of Autumn.

PG-13?

This topic has not yet been discussed, states Jackson. Though he imagines the studio will insist on PG-13 given the budget. He then goes on to discuss the possibility of a “hard R rating DVD” and the gruesome hardcore flood designs – pulsating, throbbing [and] oozing.

The key quote is:
[They all say] “You can’t make a good film out of a game.” Well, that’s all crap. Good films just need good characters, good storyline and a great director to bring it to life and make a film that you’ve never seen before.

This all sounds too perfect. Our favorite video game is being brought to life in the best possible manner – a revolutionary visionary (Blomkamp), crisp and unique visual effects (WETA) and a master at the helm (Jackson). The foundations are set and the building plans look hellacious – let’s just hope the studios don’t contract shoddy workmen – we dont want everything to fall down with the first tremor.

Thanks Giorgio_C | AICN Read the rest of this entry »