News

Help Support Hashtag’s Kevin Rubio

Help Support Hashtag’s Kevin Rubio

We’re sorry to let you know that our good friend Kevin Rubio, the co-writer of Hashtag, has been diagnosed with cancer. He is now undergoing treatment and, as many of you know, it is a bumpy and expensive road. Given this occurred after the pandemic and film industry strikes, this is an especially hard hit for Kevin, a freelance writer in film and television. If you have the ability to support him while he fights this, please consider contributing to his GoFundMe.

From Charlotte Fullerton McDuffie…

This is Charlotte, raising money to cover Kevin’s medical expenses & general life while unable to work.

Any of us freelancers who have gone for long periods of time working at non-union jobs—or with no job at all—have a frighteningly clear idea of what it’s like to get sick with no insurance coverage. Bad enough when you have bronchitis or a sprained wrist—terrifying if you have cancer.

Thank you for your consideration,
The Hashtag family

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Now Available: Joseph Terrana’s ‘Hashtag’ Soundtrack

Now Available: Joseph Terrana’s ‘Hashtag’ Soundtrack

Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are delighted to announce the release of the original Hashtag short film soundtrack by composer Joseph Terrana. The atmospheric and thumping electronic album is available wherever you get your music.

Including…
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
and more!

And, be sure to also check out Joseph’s other great work.

 

 

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 DUST
DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.

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

###

 

‘Hashtag’ Smash: Surpasses 1 Million Views

‘Hashtag’ Smash: Surpasses 1 Million Views

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are thrilled to announce that Hashtag, their prescient science fiction short film, has exceeded a total of 1 million total views. Hashtag premiered May 28th exclusively on DUST, and is now available anytime on their online channels including YouTube:

 

 

Alpi says, "With all the upheaval these days, what a great gift for the holidays! With 50 production crew and 30-plus visual effects artists from 10 countries (including two studios), 1,000,000 views is a real testament to all the hard work that was put into this film. It’s also a nice feather in our caps as we look to expand Hashtag into a feature film or series."

 

Hashtag is a short science fiction thriller that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and "X" (Gigi Edgley), the supreme online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. It also stars Erryn Arkin and Juliet Landau as the voice of "Te'a".

 

Edgley adds, "A million views! We’re really honored that so many people have seen Hashtag. It’s an important message as well as a beautiful film.”

 

Hashtag has been honored with four festival awards including the top shorts prize "Best Short Film" at Gen Con Film Fest, “Best Sci-Fi Short” at FilmQuest, “Best International Sci-Fi Short” at New Renaissance Film Fest, “Best Social Media Story” at Sydney Indie Fest, an "Honorable Mention" at Dragon Con Film festival and Heroes Film Festival, and has been nominated for another 14 awards. Hashtag has been accepted to 18 film festivals and has screened on 4 continents at some of the most prestigious festivals including HollyShorts, LA Shorts, Comic-Con International, Sci-Fi-London, and Blue Planet Science Fiction Film Festival in Nanjing, China.

 

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 DUST
DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.

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

###

 

‘Hashtag’ Hits 500,000 Total Views

‘Hashtag’ Hits 500,000 Total Views

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are honored to announce that Hashtag, their prescient science fiction short film, has exceeded a total of 500,000 views. Hashtag premiered May 28th exclusively on DUST, and is now available anytime on their online channels including YouTube:

 

 

Alpi says, “It’s quite a journey to go from a concept all the way to completing a film. It’s another to have half a million people see it! 500,000 views is fantastic. We have had a great festival run, meeting film goers and filmmakers from around the world, so this is icing on the cake. DUST has done a wonderful job and it would not have been possible without a great cast and crew, the support of our Kickstarter Backers, our families, friends, and fans. I like to think with the upheaval we’re all experiencing right now, Hashtag is a nice get-away.”

 

Hashtag is a short science fiction thriller that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Gigi Edgley), the supreme online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. It also stars Erryn Arkin and Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”.

 

Edgley adds, “We had a wonderful time chatting with viewers on launch day back in May. It’s always lovely to speak to audience members to hear not only what they think about the film, but what they think about the questions Hashtag is asking. I think a lot of us feel like “X” as we work from home and try to stay connected on social media. I’m glad we have movies to keep us company, too!”

 

Hashtag has been honored with four festival awards including the top shorts prize “Best Short Film” at Gen Con Film Fest, “Best Sci-Fi Short” at FilmQuest, “Best International Sci-Fi Short” at New Renaissance Film Fest, “Best Social Media Story” at Sydney Indie Fest, an “Honorable Mention” at Dragon Con Film festival, and has been nominated for another 14 awards. Hashtag has been accepted to 17 film festivals and has screened on 4 continents at some of the most prestigious festivals including HollyShorts, LA Shorts, Comic-Con International, Sci-Fi-London, and Blue Planet Science Fiction Film Festival in Nanjing, China.

 

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 DUST
DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.

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

###

 

‘Hashtag’ to Premiere Online on DUST May 28

‘Hashtag’ to Premiere Online on DUST May 28

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are proud to announce that Hashtag, their prescient science fiction short film, will premiere Thursday, May 28th at 7AM PT exclusively on DUST, the premium science fiction brand. Director/co-writer Ben Alpi, star Gigi Edgely and producer Jyotika Virmani will be on hand to chat with viewers in the comments on YouTube.com/WatchDUST from 10-11AM PT.

 

UPDATE: Watch it right here:

 

Alpi says, “It is fantastic to be releasing Hashtag into the world and we are honored to be a partnering with DUST to do it. I’m dedicated to unlocking perspectives and provoking thought with my work. So, we are thrilled to be launching on DUST because their global reputation is built on that same concept of exploration. I intended Hashtag to be a conversation starter about social media and DUST is the perfect place to expand that discussion. Their audience is an amazing, vibrant community and we’re delighted to be sharing Hashtag with them and the rest of the world.”

 

Hashtag is a short science fiction thriller that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Gigi Edgley), the supreme online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. It also stars Erryn Arkin and Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”.

 

Edgley adds, “Hashtag is very near and dear to me. Ben has put so much of himself into it, as have many others in the cast and crew, and it was so great to see it getting the recognition it deserves at film festivals. And it’s just phenomenal that now it’s going to be available on DUST for anyone to see. It was lovely to play beautiful “X”, such a complex and troubled soul, I can’t wait for more people to meet her and the world of Hashtag.”

 

Hashtag has been honored with 17 film festival acceptances and won the top shorts prize “Best Short Film” at Gen Con Film Fest, “Best Sci-Fi Short” at FilmQuest, “Best International Sci-Fi Short” at New Renaissance Film Fest, “Best Social Media Story” at Sydney Indie Fest, an “Honorable Mention” at Dragon Con Film festival, and has been nominated for another 14 awards. ‘Hashtag’ has screened on 4 continents at some of the most prestigious festivals including HollyShorts, LA Shorts, Comic-Con International, Sci-Fi-London, and Blue Planet Science Fiction Film Festival in Nanjing, China.

 

Hashtag premieres exclusively on DUST Thursday, May 28th at 7AM PT across their YouTube, Facebook, and IGTV.

 

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 DUST
DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.

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

###

 

‘Hashtag’ Wins Best Social Media Story at Sydney Indie Film Fest

‘Hashtag’ Wins Best Social Media Story at Sydney Indie Film Fest

SYDNEY, Australia, Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are proud to announce that Hashtag, their prescient science fiction short film, has won BEST SOCIAL MEDIA STORY at Sydney Indie Film Festival!

 

Alpi says, “We would really like to thank Festival Director Shailla Quadra, staff, and judges of the Sydney Indie Film Festival for this honor awarding Hashtag Best Social Media Story. We really hope that our film can encourage health research and education into the effects of social media onto ourselves and our society as a whole. And this is a nice feather in the cap of our cast and crew, not to mention our Kickstarter backers whose support made this film possible!”

 

Hashtag is a short science fiction thriller that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Gigi Edgley), the supreme online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. It also stars Erryn Arkin and Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”.

 

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

###

 

Film Threat Scores ‘Hashtag’ 9/10!

Film Threat Scores ‘Hashtag’ 9/10!

The reviews are in! FilmThreat.com gives our short sci-fi film Hashtag a score of 9 out of 10! Check out Bobby LePire’s incredibly thoughtful review of Hashtag!

 


Hashtag was a huge labor of love so we’re very glad you appreciated it.

-Ben
Director/Co-Writer, Hashtag

 
 

‘Hashtag’ Wins Best Sci-Fi Short Film at FilmQuest

‘Hashtag’ Wins Best Sci-Fi Short Film at FilmQuest

FilmQuest Poster Featuring Hashtag Gigi EdgleyPROVO, Utah, Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are excited to announce that Hashtag, their prescient science fiction short film, has won BEST SCI-FI SHORT FILM at FilmQuest film festival! Director and co-writer Ben Alpi was on hand to accept the award.

 

Alpi says, “Many thanks to Festival Director Jonathan Martin, Assistant Director Jonna Jackson, and the Filmquest staff and judges. It is a massive honor for Hashtag to win Best Sci-Fi at FilmQuest. With three years of work, this is a great award for all the cast and crew and their outstanding performances and craftsmanship. And thanks to our Kickstarter backers for their support!”

 

Hashtag is a short science fiction thriller that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Gigi Edgley), the supreme online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. It also stars Erryn Arkin and Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”.

 

Hashtag‘s next screening will be in Rhode Island for our premiere in that state at the Flickers’ Vortex Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Film Festival, October 21 & 26, 2019. Don’t miss it on the big screen!

 

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

###

 

‘Hashtag’ Wins Best Short Film at Gen Con Film Fest

‘Hashtag’ Wins Best Short Film at Gen Con Film Fest

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Runic Films and Little Empire Productions are honored to announce that Hashtag, their prescient science fiction short film, has won BEST SHORT FILM at the Gen Con Film Festival! Director and co-writer Ben Alpi and producer Jyotika Virmani were on hand to accept the award.

 

Alpi says, “Many thanks to Festival Director Chuck Budreau, staff, and judges. We are truly honored that Hashtag has won the top short film prize at the Gen Con Film Fest. Science fiction films don’t often win awards outside of their genre so I think this really speaks to the story Kevin Rubio and I wrote, Gigi Edgley and the other actor’s performances, and the craftsmanship of all involved in production and post with making this film a reality.”

 

Hashtag is a short science fiction thriller that examines a looming future where social media dominates our lives and “X” (Gigi Edgley), the supreme online celebrity, finds the true cost of her popularity. It also stars Erryn Arkin and Juliet Landau as the voice of “Te’a”.

 

Virmani adds, “We’d also like to thank our wonderful Kickstarter backers! Hashtag would not have been possible without their support. We would also like to thank Gen Con for your support of the film festival.”

 

Hashtag‘s next screening will be its Hollywood Premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival, at the historic TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on August 11, 2019. Don’t miss it on the big screen!

 

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

###

 

‘Hashtag’ Anibrain Visual Effects Featurette Released

‘Hashtag’ Anibrain Visual Effects Featurette Released

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

 

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