Over the last two decades, perhaps some of the most prolific innovations of the art of film have been in visual effects. Photographic, hand-animated and practical trickery laid the groundwork for today's digital effects explosion. Now, through a combination of all these methods, fantasy has become a reality on the screen with greater brilliance than ever. Lending a hand to some major film and video projects, Runic Films strives to expand the limits of film imagery with digital effects.





eScape v1.0
Executive Producer Michael Feurstein
Co-Executive Producer Ben Alpi
Directed by Michael Feurstein
Producer Carlos Pedraza
Co-Producer Jody Wheeler
Written by Michael Feurstein. Carlos Pedraza, Ben Alpi (select episodes)
Director of Photography Shawn Schaffer
Visual Effect Supervisor Eric Feurstein. Joël Bellucci (select episodes)

The summer camp counselors have disappeared leaving the young campers to survive on their own. What they don't know is they're now trapped in a video game!

Runic Films is providing visual effects for eScape the Series. Watch episodes, trailers, extras and more online at http://eScapetheSeries.com.




Star Trek: Phase II
"Blood and Fire" Parts 1 & 2
Directed by David Gerrold
Written by Carlos Pedraza
Starring James Cawley, Ben Tolpin & John M. Kelley
Guest Starring Bobby Rice & Evan Fowler
Director of Photography David Berry
Second Unit Director Ben Alpi
Visual Effect Supervisor Joël Bellucci
Visual Effects Artist Matt Jolly
Official Website

"The Trouble with Tribbles" scribe David Gerrold returns to Star Trek to direct his famous unproduced script, "Blood and Fire." The two-part episode was rewritten for Phase II by Carlos Pedraza with cinematography by David Berry, visual effects by Joel Bellucci and Matt Jolly and second unit direction by Ben Alpi. Part 1 released in early 2009, has had over 1 million downloads. Part 2 was released in November 2009.


Silver Lining
Written and Directed by Ben Alpi
Executive Produced by Thomas Mercer, Daniel Allen, Jr.
Official Website
© Runic Films

Silver Lining's post process included editing, digital color grading and two visual effects shots. This narrative drama features mood enhancing color and textural modification as well as other special visual effects. Sound Design was completed by Jon Manning at MetaSonic Studios.


Uncivil Liberties
Written, Directed and Produced by Thomas Mercer
Edited and Produced by Tony Grocki
Official Website
© Mercer Films and Digital Productions

Uncivil Liberties is a deep political drama of intrigue and conspiracy in post 9/11 America. Aiding the Art Department for this short film was Runic Films' Ben Alpi. As a Prop Artist, Ben is creating interactive digital props for talent to use live during filming including a complete operating system design and complimenting software that was designed specifically for this film.


American General: Benedict Arnold
Directed by Chris Sterns
Director of Photography Christopher Cheng-Rossiter
Visual Effects Supervisor Jeffery Long
Trailer opens in new window.
Official Website
© Talon Films

American General is a documentary detailing the life of General Benedict Arnold, one of the greatest heroes of the American Revolution and, to some, the greatest villain. Runic Films' Ben Alpi provided Visual Effects Consultation during filming. Visit the great folks at Talon Films for full details about the film.