Indie Game: The Movie arrives in Indy
Gaming culture has been an upward-trending phenomenon for years, with popular developers and independent programmers alike competing with Hollywood for American entertainment dollars. The different art forms have met at the box office with mixed success; big budget interpretations mingling with scrappy, underdog documentaries.
The same critical eye that has been laid to film is now finding its way into video gaming. Indianapolis-based site Horrible Night has turned its attention to the editorial, focusing on the personal connection between gamers and the nuts and bolts of the product rather than being the first to review the latest blockbuster or pouncing on the latest rumor. This attention to detail, and a desire to bridge the gaming world with other entertainment platforms, was the catalyst that found the site’s editor-in-chief, Justin Lacey, in the hunt to bring the independent film, Indie Game: The Movie to Indianapolis.
The A.V. Club caught up with Justin Lacey about the trials and tribulations of bringing Indie Game: The Movie to the Indianapolis Film Festivalfor a May 23 screening at the Indianapolis Museum Of Art.
The A.V. Club: How were you first introduced to or made aware of Indie Game: The Movie?
Justin Lacey: Back in January, we found out that the Sundance Film Festival was going to be screening a movie about independent game development. In the last few years, the indie game scene has exploded as digital distribution has made it easier, cheaper, and faster for developers to deliver their games directly to players, so the timing for the movie couldn’t be better.
AVC: What made you work to bring a screening to Indianapolis?
JL: Not only does Indie Game: The Movie promise to be an entertaining film, but it focuses on three pivotal game developers that represent the type of artistry behind the video game industry that deserves to be upheld. Horrible Night is always looking for ways to promote the positive aspects of gamer culture. We are based in Indianapolis, and having traveled around the country to other gaming industry events, we know that there are passionate gamers and game developers in the Indianapolis area. We hope that by bringing this movie to Indianapolis, it will expose the creative breadth and depth of game development to people who were unaware and allow them to come together with local gamers and local game developers.
AVC: Did you see the film before deciding to work on hosting a screening in Indianapolis?
JL: I have not seen the film yet, but I have played all three games featured in the movie (Braid,Super Meat Boy, and Fez). Some of my co-workers were able to see the film at SXSW and reinforced to me that I should keep trying to bring the movie to Indy.
AVC: What obstacles did you encounter in bringing Indie Game to Indy?
JL: Our challenge was purely funding and connections for a venue to screen the film. We weren’t sure of our chances when we reached out to the filmmakers, but we did know that if the screening came through, we could help promote the event to get locals to come to show. It was just something we knew we had to try to make happen.
AVC: When did you make contact with Indy Film Fest in regards to showing the film? Who else did you involve in trying to schedule a screening locally?
JL: When we realized it was going to take more resources, we reached out to Sara McGuyer and Lisa Trifone at Indy Film Fest for help. We knew they have had plenty of success at bringing great independent films to the city, and luckily for us both their gamers and non-gamers on staff were interested in the film. We worked together to try and find potential sponsors and a location for the screening and they really came through. Thanks to Indy Film Fest, the Indianapolis Museum Of Art, and the sponsorship of the Canadian Consulate for making this happen.
AVC: For non-gamers, what is the appeal of the film? Are there any universal themes and/or tropes that will attract a non-gaming audience?
JL: Really, it’s about witnessing great artists overcome the trials of tribulations of perfecting their work. These are designers and developers who have dedicated years of their lives to one project. The sacrifices they make and the hurdles they overcome are relatable to anyone who has ever wanted to or has pursued his/her dreams. The added uniqueness is that while it is a familiar story, it will allow people who were intimidated by the concept of game development to finally see the humanity behind the industry.
AVC: Now that the movie is coming to Indy, what is Horrible Night’s role in the screening?
JL: Horrible Night is offering promotional support for the event. We will be running a few contests on our site and through our live video streams and podcasts to give away tickets to the event. In addition, we are going to feature editorial articles focused on indie games through the month of May. Before the event itself, we will be having a meet and greet at the IMA at 6 p.m. for those that would like to meet our writing staff and get involved with more of our community projects.
AVC: Is this a sign of things to come from Horrible Night? Are more movies and/or community-involved projects in the works?
JL: Absolutely. We will be reaching out to local game developers more in the future to get them involved with future events from game jams, to educational events and social game nights atNetHeads. We already are planning our next 24-hour gaming marathon for charity with A Call To Gamers. Anywhere we see a chance to bring together people for positive gaming events, we will be there with extra controllers.