News

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Runic Films and Little Empire Productions prescient science fiction short film, Hashtag, will screen as an official selection at the prestigious SCI-FI-LONDON film festival next week, MAY 18, 19, and 21st. SCI-FI-LONDON 2019 brings together the best science fiction and fantastic film from around the world. Hashtag will screen inside “Shorts Programme 3” at the Stratford Picturehouse. Director/co-writer Ben Alpi, and producer Jyotika Virmani will be on hand to enjoy the sci-fi-filled week. »tickets

Alpi says, “We were thrilled when SCI-FI-LONDON accepted Hashtag as an official selection. We often talk about the film as a conversation starter for social media issues and we’re really excited to expand the conversation with all the great cinemagoers and filmmakers at SCI-FI-LONDON.”

Hashtag is a thought-provoking short science fiction drama that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Gigi Edgley), the top online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. The short film also stars Erryn Arkin, Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”, and Simone Alex.

X lives the dream; she’s connected, adored, and instantly validated by her hundreds of millions of followers. The ultimate influencer, celebrities like her are all we watch, all we listen to, all we care about. Yet one thoughtless remark reveals how fragile the tower of public adoration really is.

SCI-FI-LONDON seeks avantgarde films that you may not see elsewhere in mainstream sci-fi film & television. Join us at our mind-bending, brain-fueling film festival. SCI-FI-LONDON tickets are available at https://sci-fi-london.com/production/shorts-programme-three/.

Virmani adds, “Louis Savy and his staff have shown a tremendous amount of dedication to sci-fi cinema and are very welcoming to independent filmmakers. Ben, Gigi, myself, all of us, could not be happier to be a part of SCI-FI-LONDON.”

The “Shorts Programme 3” screenings of Hashtag will take place in the evenings on 18, 19, and 21st of May 2019.

A co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions, Hashtag is an ambitious vision of our possible future in the tradition of classic science fiction storytelling. For more about the project, please visit https://runicfilms.com/hashtag.

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 to return visual storytelling to its roots and uphold the traditions of myth and legend. Today, Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

https://runicfilms.com/
@runicfilms
https://www.facebook.com/runicfilms

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Little Empire Productions is the creative partnership of Gigi and Jake Edgley to create and promote music, comic books, and films that enlighten, intrigue, and rock your world. Spanning the Pacific between Australia and Los Angeles, Calif., Little Empire Productions mission is to create great art straight from the heart and soul.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jyotika Virmani
Runic Films
email
Ph: 747-245-5559

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are proud to announce the UK premiere of Hashtag, their prescient science fiction short film, at the Sci-Fi Ball on 10 February 2019 at 1pm. The Sci-Fi Ball, a unique science fiction convention, celebrates its 25th year raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust from 8 10 February 2019 at the stunning Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton. Star Gigi Edgley, director/co-writer Ben Alpi, and producer Jyotika Virmani are attending the sci-fi-filled weekend and will hold a Q&A along with the premiere.

Alpi says, “Last month, I met the fantastic Sci-Fi Ball host Brett Jones and Anne Lindup, the founder and director of Sci-Fi Ball. It was great to meet them, Brett was a concept artist on Hashtag but we had only ever ‘met’ via video conference. I screened the film for them and I’m happy to say they really enjoyed it.”

Hashtag is a thought-provoking short science fiction drama that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Edgley), the top online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. The short film also stars Erryn Arkin, Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”, and Simone Alex.

X lives the dream she’s connected, adored, and instantly validated by her hundreds of millions of followers. The ultimate influencer, celebrities like her are all we watch, all we listen to, all we care about. Yet one thoughtless remark can reveal how fragile her tower of public adoration really is.

Lindup comments, “In our 25th year of raising money for charitable causes by celebrating sci-fi, we are delighted to offer our first UK premiere of such a remarkable science fiction short. Furthermore, it feels like we’re supporting our own family as Brett Jones worked on the film. Whilst we have a long history and association with sci-fi of the past, we are always looking to champion new futuristic tales that address vital issues of today.”

The Sci-Fi Ball is held at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton. Sci-Fi Ball tickets are available on https://scifiball.com/sfb-2019/tickets.

Alpi adds, “We are truly honored to be holding our UK premiere at the Sci-Fi Ball to help raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Its very special for Gigi, Jyotika, and I to be there and to share our film with such sophisticated sci-fi fans in person.”

The UK premiere will take place on Sunday 10 February 2019 at 1pm, the third day of the event, and afterward, special guests Gigi Edgley, Ben Alpi, and Jyotika Virmani will discuss their short film, its themes, and answer questions from attendees.

A co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions, Hashtag is an ambitious vision of our possible future in the tradition of classic science fiction storytelling. For more about the project, please visit https://runicfilms.com//hashtag.

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 to return visual storytelling to its roots and uphold the traditions of myth and legend. Today, Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

https://runicfilms.com/
@runicfilms
https://www.facebook.com/runicfilms

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Little Empire Productions is the creative partnership of Gigi and Jake Edgley to create and promote music, comic books, and films that enlighten, intrigue, and rock your world. Spanning the Pacific between Australia and Los Angeles, Calif., Little Empire Productions mission is to create great art straight from the heart and soul.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jyotika Virmani
Runic Films
email
Ph: 747-245-5559

###

JUST ANNOUNCED: Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are thrilled to announce the World Premiere of Hashtag at Dragon Con!

Accompanied by a panel with star, Gigi Edgley, director/co-writer, Ben Alpi, and producer, Jyotika Virmani, the Kickstarter-funded science fiction short film, Hashtag, will be seen by non-backers for the first time at Dragon Con, one of the largest pop-culture conventions in the US.

The panel is scheduled for Sunday, 2 September at 7pm in Hyatt Regency International Ballroom North.
Dragon Con is August 30 – September 3 in Atlanta, GA. For membership, please visit http://dragoncon.org/!

ABOUT DRAGON CON
Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe!

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 to return visual storytelling to its roots and uphold the traditions of myth and legend. Today, Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Little Empire Productions is the creative partnership of Gigi and Jake Edgley to create and promote music, comic books, and films that enlighten, intrigue, and rock your world. Spanning the Pacific between Australia and Los Angeles, Calif., Little Empire Productions’ mission is to create great art straight from the heart and soul.

Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are very happy to release the trailer for their short science fiction film Hashtag.

Hashtag is the latest film from director Ben Alpi. A thought-provoking short science fiction drama that examines a future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Edgley), the top online celebrity finds the true cost of her popularity. The short film also stars Erryn Arkin, and Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”. Alpi co-wrote the script with Kevin Rubio and Jyotika Virmani produced the fifteen minute film.

A co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions, Hashtag is currently in post-production. For more about the project, visit https://runicfilms.com//hashtag.

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 to return visual storytelling to its roots and uphold the traditions of myth and legend. Today, Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

https://runicfilms.com/
@runicfilms
https://www.facebook.com/runicfilms

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Little Empire Productions is the creative partnership of Gigi and Jake Edgley to create and promote music, comic books, and films that enlighten, intrigue, and rock your world. Spanning the Pacific between Australia and Los Angeles, Calif., Little Empire Productions’ mission is to create great art straight from the heart and soul.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Calif.,  Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are proud to announce their first Hashtag convention panel at Dragon Con, the premier pop culture convention held every American Labor Day weekend. Star Gigi Edgley, director/co-writer Ben Alpi, producer Jyotika Virmani will appear on the panel along with composer Joseph Terrana and editor Jeff Handy.

Hashtag is a thought-provoking short science fiction drama that examines a future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Edgley), the top online celebrity finds the true cost of her popularity. The short film also stars Erryn Arkin, and Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”. The panel is Saturday 2 September 2017 at 7pm at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, International Ballroom North. Dragon Con memberships are available on http://dragoncon.org.

At the panel, Gigi, Ben, and Jyotika will reveal how they met at Dragon Con and share their filmmaking journey and, with the help of Joseph and Jeff, will answer questions about fundraising, producing the film, post production, and visual effects. They will also premiere the trailer for the film, which has only ever been seen by members of the cast, crew, and Kickstarter Backers, and will explore the future of social media.

“I’d like to thank our team of tireless artists and craftspeople, including Joseph, for their work helping me put this trailer together,” says Alpi who continues post production on the film itself. “I’m really proud of the work we’re doing and am really glad to get to share a sample with the world.”

Edgley, who is also a co-producer on the project agrees, “I can’t wait to share the teaser! It’s sensational and I can’t think of a better place to premiere it than where it all began, at amazing Dragon Con.”

A co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions, Hashtag is an ambitious vision of our future and that of social media. The short film is currently in post-production. For more about the project, visit https://runicfilms.com//hashtag.

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 to return visual storytelling to its roots and uphold the traditions of myth and legend. Today, Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

https://runicfilms.com/
@runicfilms
https://www.facebook.com/runicfilms

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Little Empire Productions is the creative partnership of Gigi and Jake Edgley to create and promote music, comic books, and films that enlighten, intrigue, and rock your world. Spanning the Pacific between Australia and Los Angeles, Calif., Little Empire Productions’ mission is to create great art straight from the heart and soul.

Contact:
Robert Alpi
Runic Films
email
Ph: 810-771-8065

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A chance meeting between director Ben Alpi and Anibrain, Los Angeles’ Executive Producer Mark de Sousa has led to some beautiful imagery for Runic Films’ short science fiction film Hashtag.

“Mark and I met on a plane, [laughs]” says Ben Alpi, the director and co-writer of Hashtag, a science fiction short film about “X”, played by Gigi Edgley, a celebrity in the darkening future of social media. The film also stars Ethan Arkin, and Juliet Landau. “I was traveling to Montreal and just happened to sit next to two eminent visual effects artists; one of them was Mark.”

Mark de Sousa is the Los Angeles-based Executive Producer for Anibrain, an award winning visual effects and creative studio specializing in creating stunning visuals for Film, TV, and Mobile.

Mark adds, “What Ben didn’t know was that the flight was filled with attendees for a Visual Effects and Animation conference. [laughs] He told me about Hashtag, which had just finished physical production, and I was immediately drawn to the story. And he said it was full of futuristic visuals so I wanted to see how Anibrain might get involved.”

When they returned to the U.S., the two met with visual effects supervisor Deke Kincaid. “When Ben introduced me to Deke,” says Mark, “we immediately felt a connection and quickly formed a clear understanding about the needs of the film. I was thrilled that Ben had envisioned such a key role for visual effects and that he did not limit himself in order to bring his vision to life.”

Ben adds, “We were impressed with the work Anibrain was doing in feature films and we were hoping they might be interested in tackling one of the more complex sequences in the film.”

Specializing in everything from animals to environmental effects like digital fire, Anibrain was up to the challenge. In less than a decade, the studio has gathered visual effects credits in over 100 international blockbusters, ranging from North American to Asian cinema. Founded in 2006 by leading VFX Supervisor Jesh Krishna Murthy, Anibrain has become a leading destination for high-end global VFX in India.

Jesh, Anibrain’s founder, recalls, “When Mark and I reviewed the various sequences in Hashtag, one sequence popped out as particularly interesting and different where floating robots spray clothing and jewelry onto X. We worked with Ben to flesh out the look of the robots and the effects of all the elements building out.”

And the spectacular results speak for themselves. Check out this visual effects demo put together by Anibrain and Runic Films.

“We could not be happier that Ben invited us to collaborate and help realize his vision for Hashtag,” notes Mark. “He has a great artistic sense and clearly explains his directions. We are looking forward to working with him for many years to come.”

“Anibrain did amazing, detailed work,” Ben says. “These effects help make this film something special for our Kickstarter Backers and viewers around the world. I’m really glad Mark and I sat next to each other. I definitely recommend Anibrain to anyone in need of sophisticated, photo-realistic visual effects.”

A co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions, Hashtag is an ambitious vision of the future and is currently in post-production. For more about the project, visit https://runicfilms.com//hashtag.

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 to return visual storytelling to its roots and uphold the traditions of myth and legend. Today, Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.
https://runicfilms.com/
@runicfilms
https://www.facebook.com/runicfilms

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Little Empire Productions is the creative partnership of Gigi and Jake Edgley to create and promote music, comic books, and films that enlighten, intrigue, and rock your world. Spanning the Pacific between Australia and Los Angeles, Calif., Little Empire Productions’ mission is to create great art straight from the heart and soul.

ABOUT ANIBRAIN
Anibrain is an award winning visual and creative studio specializing in creating stunning visuals for Film, TV, Apps, VR, AR and Mobile. No matter how complex the work, we get it done! With credits in over 100 international blockbusters, we are passionate about telling your story through breathtaking visuals that dazzle audiences the world over.
http://anibrain.com/
@anibrainVFX

Contact:
Robert Alpi
Runic Films
email
Ph: 810-771-8065

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Calif.,  Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are very happy to announce that Juliet Landau has joined the cast of their forthcoming science fiction short film Hashtag. Juliet will be the voice of “T’ea”, the omnipresent computer system in the Hashtag world. A superlative actress on screen, on stage, and in animation, video games, and audio dramas, Juliet has appeared in some of the biggest films, series, and franchises.

“Juliet is a truly fantastic addition or our already excellent cast. A few years ago, I saw Juliet in a staged reading of A Streetcar Named Desire and was struck by her Blanche”, says Ben Alpi, director and co-writer of the film. “Fate would have it that I was listening to her voice-over demo reel one day and introducing her to Hashtag the next. Itss quite incredible!”

Juliet is known for many roles including “Drusilla” in Joss Whedon’s Emmy and Saturn award-winning series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and “Loretta” in Tim Burton’s Oscar winning Ed Wood. She has also supplied the voices for numerous animated films including several in the DC Comics universe, and TV series including Ben 10, Justice League, Green Lantern: The Animated Series and more. Juliet also voiced several memorable video game characters including the “Little Sisters” from the award-winning Bioshock series. Doctor Who and audio drama fans will also know Juliet as “Romana” from Big Finish’s The Companion Chronicles and Gallifrey ranges.

Juliet shares, “I am very excited about working with Ben and joining the Hashtag universe. The film is a wonderful comment on our times and the use of social media. T’ea should be a lot of fun to voice!”

As a director and producer, Miss Landau has been working on a duo of feature documentaries about vampires, A Place Among the Undead and A Place Among the Dead. She is currently gearing up an IndieGoGo campaign for Undead, a “first of its kind” gathering the Who’s Who of the genre. With an impressive list of interviewees never seen together in one film, you can sign up to be notified about the campaign at http://www.aplaceamongtheundead.com/.

Ben remarks, “Juliet has a unique voice and builds such indelible characters. I can’t wait to hear her breathe life into T’ea!”

Neither can I enthuses Juliet.

Juliet joins Hashtag stars Gigi Edgley, Erryn Arkin, and Simone Alex in The Twilight Zone-like short film about a future dominated by social media and technology. Hashtag, from co-writer/director Ben Alpi, producer Jyotika Virmani and co-writer Kevin Rubio, was successfully funded on Kickstarter.com in December 2014 and is currently in post-production. Hashtag is a co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions.

For more information visit:
https://runicfilms.com/
http://www.gigiedgley.com

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to upholding the traditions of mythic storytelling. Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Gigi and Jake Edgley are the co-founders of Little Empire Productions. They have been certain every step of the way to create music, comic books and films that enlighten, intrigue and rock your world. They are internationally based as Jake is currently located in Australia and Gigi resides in Los Angeles. Little Empire Productions mission is to devise creations straight from the heart and soul.

Contact:
Robert Alpi
Runic Films
email
Ph: 810-771-8065

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Filming has begun! At an undisclosed location deep in the heart of Hollywood, Runic Films and Little Empire Production’s Hashtag science fiction short film has started filming. The film is being directed and was co-written by Ben Alpi, produced by Jyotika Virmani, and stars Gigi Edgley.

“Many thanks to the amazing team there who are working with us to make this happen. Hashtag is beginning to take shape!” says Jyotika Virmani, the producer of Hashtag.

The cast and crew comprise of over 35 individuals including stars Gigi Edgley and Erryn Arkin as well as a new addition. Joining the cast of Hashtag is the lovely and talented Simone Alex. Find out more about Simone on her website, http://www.simonealex.com.

“Everything is going very well so far. Everyone is prepped and ready. I’m really excited to finally see all the pieces coming together,” added Ben Alpi, director.

All hands on deck! Joining Ben on set will be production designer Meg Savage, cinematographer David Berry, visual effects supervisor Deke Kincaid, art director Steve Karman, editor Jeff Handy, composer Joe Terrana, and line producer Erik “Gooch” Goodrich.

Jyotika said, “We’ll also have three of our ‘Invite Level’ Kickstarter Backers join us on Saturday to check out movie-making in action!”

Hashtag was successfully funded on Kickstarter.com in December 2014 and begins principle photography later this month. The film is a though-provoking science fiction short starring Gigi Edgley from co-writer/director Ben Alpi, producer Jyotika Virmani and co-writer Kevin Rubio. Hashtag is a co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions.

For more information visit:
https://runicfilms.com/
http://www.gigiedgley.com

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to upholding the traditions of mythic storytelling. Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Gigi and Jake Edgley are the co-founders of Little Empire Productions. They have been certain every step of the way to create music, comic books and films that enlighten, intrigue and rock your world. They are internationally based as Jake is currently located in Australia and Gigi resides in Los Angeles. Little Empire Productions mission is to devise creations straight from the heart and soul.

Contact:
Robert Alpi
Runic Films
email
Ph: 810-771-8065

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are thrilled to announce that actor Erryn Arkin will join Gigi Edgley on the cast of Hashtag. A short science fiction drama, Hashtag explores the future of humanity and celebrity in a world dominated by social media and technology.

“We’re really excited to have Erryn join the cast. He’s a superior guy and a very nuanced actor,” says Ben Alpi, director and co-writer of the short science fiction film going into production soon. “I can’t wait to work with Erryn, he has a unique job ahead and it will be great to see him bring his character to life.”

Erryn has appeared in a number of television series, including Home and Away (in Australia) and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (in the US). Erryn got bit by the acting bug performing Shakespeare in local stage plays. He went on to graduate from the University of New South Wales and continued his training at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Also catch Erryn in the upcoming ABC Sci-Fi drama series Stitchers (2015).

Erryn adds, “When I first heard about the concept behind Hashtag, it sounded like something I’d really like to dig into. It’s a great opportunity to work with Ben, Gigi and the rest of this awesome team. I’m glad to be a part of bringing this incredibly layered script to life.”

Hashtag was successfully funded on Kickstarter.com in December 2014 and begins principle photography later this month. The film is a though-provoking science fiction short starring Gigi Edgley from co-writer/director Ben Alpi, producer Jyotika Virmani and co-writer Kevin Rubio. Hashtag a co-production of Runic Films and Little Empire Productions.

For more information visit:
https://runicfilms.com/
http://www.errynarkin.com
http://www.gigiedgley.com

ABOUT RUNIC FILMS
Runic Films is a Los Angeles-based film production and entertainment company developing original properties for film and television. Runic was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to upholding the traditions of mythic storytelling. Runic Films harnesses cutting-edge technology and visual effects to create amazing worlds for dramatic tales grounded in humanity.

ABOUT LITTLE EMPIRE PRODUCTIONS
Gigi and Jake Edgley are the co-founders of Little Empire Productions. They have been certain every step of the way to create music, comic books and films that enlighten, intrigue and rock your world. They are internationally based as Jake is currently located in Australia and Gigi resides in Los Angeles. Little Empire Productions mission is to devise creations straight from the heart and soul.

Contact:
Robert Alpi
Runic Films
email
Ph: 810-771-8065

###

Dear Backers and supporters,

On behalf of the entire Hashtag cast and crew, we would like to thank you for all the love and support you’ve sent our way over the past 30+ days. To help express our gratitude, here are a pair of thank you messages– one from myself and Jyotika and one from Gigi (who is on top of the world– literally!). You guys are the greatest!

Sincerely,
Ben Alpi & Jyotika Virmani
director/co-writer & producer