Epic Films

Halo Machinima

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this page?

Quite obviously, this page contains several questions that Epic Films staff receive a lot, and so here so you can find most of your answers easily and without taking our time. However, if your question is not answered here, feel free to ask it at the forums or find us on the contact page.

Simply click on the question to go to the answer.

Q: What is machinima?

Q: What is Epic Films?

Q: What kind of movies do you make?

Q: What is the history behind Epic Films?

Q: Can I join Epic Films?

Q: I'm the leader of a Halo group, can we affilate with you?

Q: Can I help you make movies?

Q: Can you film my movie?

Q: Can I send you a Friend Request on Xbox Live?

Q: Will you add me as a friend?

Q: What does QuickTactical film and edit with?

Q: What kind of site is Epic-Films.net hosted on?

What is machinima?

A: In a nutshell, machinima (pronounced mah-shin-eh-ma) is the use of video games in order to make movies. Now, in a more accurate sense, a game's characters, scenery, vehicles, etc., help shape a story, whether that be of the action, comedy, horror, or even drama genres. Generally, via online friends, actors use the environment, someone films, and then that filmer edits the footage on their home computer and uploads the finished video to the Internet.

What is Epic Films?

A: We are a machinima production group that uses the Halo games to produce our movies. Although only a few people are active at times, we still consider ourselves a team.

What kind of movies do you make?

A: Hence our name, we mainly focus on the creation of action movies. However, since comedy seems to be the most popular genre in machinima, we have quite a few funny movies as well.

Every few months, we also create a short update video to entertain and inform our fans and the community of our inner-workings.

What is the history behind Epic Films?

A: You can find out all about our beginnings and past on the About Page.

Can I join Epic Films?

A: To be blunt, no. We don't accept new members unless they have a particularly good history of working with us or we specifically ask someone to join. In the past, we had a recruiting and application progress, but unfortunately that never worked out very well.

I'm the leader of a Halo group, can we affilate with you?

A: As of this posting, we have no affiliates or partners that we work with in the creation of movies. We're pretty neutral on the idea because in terms of man-power, we don't have much to offer, and have done great in the past without help from others. So, you can offer and it will be considered.

Can I help you make movies?

A: Absolutely. You can help out whenever we need more actors or extras (especially in action movies), and you can continue helping if you are cooperative during filming sessions. Meaning, don't disrupt the filming by destroying the set or killing actors, following directions and moving your character as instructed, and not being talkative. All of these put you higher on the good list.

Can you film my movie?

A: Generally, no, because QuickTactical (the most active filmer) works only on his own projects. As for other Epic Films members, personal inquires may be needed if you wish for Epic Films to produce your movie. But don't count on anything, your best luck is just finding another film maker.

Can I send you a Friend Request on Xbox Live?

A: Feel free to send a friend request to anyone here at Epic Films if you wish to help out or just play together. However, QuickTactical, who receives several a week, asks that you include a message so it's more likely you'll be accapted. Being inactive or not helping with movies when extra actors are asked for is the fastest way to be removed.

Will you add me as a friend?

A: No; if you want to work with us, take it upon yourself to take a minute to do it yourself.

What does QuickTactical film and edit with?

A: Filming is done with a DVC 90 Capture Card, which costs about $80. Editing is done with Windows Movie Maker, with support from Audacity and Vegas 6.0.

What kind of site is Epic-Films.net hosted on?

A: The site was created, is hosted and maintained with the Freewebs.com website creator. We have considered for a long time switching to a HTML-based custom website, but for now this website builder functions well for our needs. You may also see the template change from time to time for fresh new looks.