Zenith - Invasion Map

Hello All,


My map is now available to download on my FileShare.


Please recommend it to your friends if you are a fan of it.


It is built for Invasion specifically but does support Invasion Slayer and BTB. Please bare in mind that if you do Invasion Slayer that you set the vehicle sets to NO Tanks as this map is not designed for tanks.


There are currently 3 videos that I know of displaying the map in action (below). I will be throwing one together myself at some stage.


TBEClanMovies   Intense
GammaShardStudios Epic
Darkshadowcreations Comical
MrTTom Awesome




Please feel free to download and rate. If you are not an Invasion fan then this map is not for you.


Thanks again guys and hope you enjoy the map.


Darknal

Update 18th November

Hello all,

I will not be making any episodes as of yet. Firstly after the efforts went into Part 9, I am just enjoying playing Reach and catching up on family time. I will not be finishing the series until I have done my Reach series which is still TFS.

But, come Saturday or Sunday I will have an Invasion map I have been working on go live on my fileshare.

There will be videos showing the map in action. It is optimised for Invasion, but it also supports Invasion Slayer.

Map name is Zenith. I will release the download link when it is live. If you like what you see then feel free to recommend it to your friends.

Kind Regards

Darknal

Update 18th October

Hello,


Has been a while since an update. At this current time though there is nothing to update. Part 10 will not be made until my Reach Series is complete and my Reach series wont start until they have lifted the cap off the Ranks.


I try to not condone arguing on here. It seems people get a little heated when discussing their feelings. And please try and not post the same message up more than once. It really is difficult to shift through the meaningful messages with blatent spam on my channel. One message will suffice.


I am glad that the episode has been received so well. Machinima got it featured on YouTube as well as their channel and Xbox 360 World in the UK are going to publish the episode on their cover disc after the other episodes have aired.


Plus the thousands of emails rolling in of the love of the episode. Many enjoyed the Halo legend Tribute of Tamerlane's exit. Cosmic's "New" personality has pleased many of you and yes....... Conan is Flood.


I'm glad that so many have emailed with your praise, afterall, it is you that these episodes are made for.


Also to note, that I have now invested in a HD Capture Card, finally been able to afford one after Adult life and children have caused priorities to be..... redirected.


So future episodes will actually be filmed in HD.


Well, at this current time machinima making is at a stand still. But I will be getting onto things once I have milked Reach to a high level...


Take care
Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Discussions [SPOILERS]

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay. Feel free to write anything below about the episode.

Hope you all enjoyed the 30 minutes of extreme pain I spent 8 months doing :)

Can't wait for Reach...

Good Times.

Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 is OUT

Hello all.

The Forgotten Spartans Part 9 is officially out.

I am a little delayed in telling everyone as I was stuck in traffic on the way back from work.

Please do not post spoilers up here once you have watched it.

Thanks

Darknal

T.F.S Part Release Monday 6th September

Hello,

As you know Machinima will be releasing Part 9 today. For UK it will be late. Around Mid day U.S L.A.

Please send, link, copy and get it to as many of your friends as possible once released.

Send a message to all friends on xbox live, get them to do the same, hopefully getting a ripple effect down the line. Lots of you put the effort in, lets get it seen ;)

Be good to leave Halo 3 for now with a bang before the hype for Reach truely starts.

Again, thanks to everyone who helped make this episode. Should be good.

Regards
Darknal

Part 9 TRAILER

Trailer on my YouTube homepage, go check it out.

Peace guys  and Enjoy. Not long now.

T.F.S Part 9 is FINISHED

Hello all,

Yesterday was an amazing day for me.

The Episode is complete and is in the transfer stage as we speak.

What this means is, it has to be uploaded and processed after Machinima recieve it. This could take a day, or a week so all I can say is, watch out for my "ITS RELEASED" update to view it.

The episode has been split into TWO, due to its size. Part 9 A and Part 9 B. Remember when watching that both parts equal ONE episode, so please comment on the whole thing rather than each part individually. And yes, both parts will be released together. Part A is just over 10 minutes long and Part B is just over 18 minutes.

I do hope you enjoy the episode once it is released....

Until then I will try working on a Trailer but doubt I'll be done in time for release.

Your long wait is nearly over.

Thanks for all your patience

Regards
Chris

T.F.S Part 9 Update 27th August

Hello All,

Good news... The epiode is only days away from completion. So, translation. The episode should be with you in time before Reach.

Better news...... It'll be with you hopefully, by the end of next week.

Have a good weekend.

Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update 19th August

Hello fans and haters,

I have just over a week left to finish everything ready for the final cut. Everything is cutting it really close and had some technical difficulties earlier this week. All I ask is you "Cut me some slack or I wont release anything" because that is my "Opinion" on the matter, and if you don't like it. F - off!!!! and if you hate me...... I really care, as it makes me sleep at night if you all love me.... Seriously,,,,,, please feel free to comment in the most negative way possible, as it really helps boost morale, and I know that your opinions on my machinima's means so much to me.

Anyway,

To those who actually do give a damn, production is going ok, really trying to get it out for you guys in time so you can just enjoy Reach in the coming months making really bad Forge Maps.

If I can get a final cut done before my release, then I will try my hardest making a trailer.
I await your much needed opinions and responses.

Thanks
Darknal

TFS Part 9 Images

Hi,


As promised on Facebook, some screenshots from the new episode. Enjoy.

T.F.S Part 9 Update 10th August

Hello,


Production moving now. Got three MAIN shoots left then editing time. There's a lot to do and little time but think, I can do it. Release date currently is set for around 10th September LATEST, but I am trying to get it out before then. It wont be finished this month but maybe if I can work hard, get it done in the first week of September. Impossible you say? So do I, but there's a good chance I can pull it off.


But don't be alarmed, it will not be rushed. Just we have a structure and lots of shoots planned. Seniors will be expected to do some bonus shoots to polish it off, then its capturing the 8 hours of videos and editing them slowly and painfully.


Good times.
Speak soon
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update 2nd August 2010

Hello fans...

Production going ok. Animation has been flying by. Only a few shots of Cortana I mean. Now, this is the issue, although TRYING to get it finished by Reach, I think there's a lot more that needs to be done than I think so option is, If it's not finished exactly in time for Reach, shall I delay release of the episode so that Reach doesn't cloud the extremely hard worked episode, or release it anyway during the hype of the best game thats ever going to be made?

Although I have my own thoughts on this, I would like to hear your views. Remember that Reach videos will be flying out, so a Halo 3 Machinima might not go down so well early on, so it might be worth delaying it slightly till the hype calms down.

Your thoughts please.

Regards Darknal

Female Voice Actress Needed

Hello.

Part 9 is coming along. But very difficult editing. Not sure it'll be ready in time for Halo Reach. But hey, who cares, hopefully when it's done, it will be awesome :)

But looking forward, I am looking for an ENGLISH female voice actress for the new series when it starts so if you know anyone, or are interested, please send voice samples to Darknal@ThakeFilms.co.uk

Some examples of lines I need said

"Hey Darknal, Conan and Cosmic, we need Spartans at the ready."
"On my mark....... Now!!"

These are not lines from the series, but please feel free to add to these or use your own.

Kind Regards
Darknal

Fan Made Trailer

Check out this fan made Trailer by molokonopo2 YouTube acoount. Yes it is the 300 Trailer put to my series but I think it is very well put together and cut.


Enjoy rate and comment.
The Forgotten Spartans Trailer

Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update 13th July

Hello...

Sorry about the slow updates, but hey, it's me.

Online shoots are back on and things are moving forward slowly but we are getting there.

I will try and release a trailer at some point but as there arn't any battle scenes properly filmed yet, it would be a pretty basic teaser. Upto you what you want, and it is by no means finished so don't expect too much.

I am trying to aim to release the episode before Halo Reach is released so this is the plan.

Sorry for rubbish update, just so hard to get time.

Kind Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update 7th July

T.F.S Has been on Hold for a while since the World Cup, and will commence production after this time.

A few issues have been hit and production was stopped....

I am working on resolving these issues as quickly as possible...

It doesn't matter what I say, I'll never be able to make a quick episode and I am sorry for this.

All I can ask is your patient, and hopefully enjoy the episode, if ever completed.

Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update 21st June

Hello People,

Long time since update, but have been moving quite smoothly so far. Just got the big scene's left to do which will take a while, and my brother Dave still hasn't started any animation yet so all that to do as well. Basically, the worst stuff till last....


But, getting there with the other scene's, still working on Cosmic's scene which was the first scene started and looks like the one that will take longest. Put it this way it took ONE WEEK to do a 1 second shot. Not there is reasons for this but things I think you will overlook or not think about. Basically you probably wont notice the work involved but seriously is hard.


Well the picture above has nothing to do with Part, just it's always good seeing something rather than a wall of text.


I'll try get something done soon for YouTube as a Teaser... Not a trailer.


Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update June 9th

Hello,

Things are moving, a few online shoots have been done and still a lot to do, but some scene's have been coming together.

Some scenes that were started at the beginning, still haven't been finished due to these little touches (which you wont notice) that give the scene more depth and atmosphere.

Thus, in the not too distant future, I will release some screenshots via here and YouTube.

They will not be interesting as I do not want to give anything away but they will be something neitherless.

Also, on the right of my page is a Donation bar. This is more aimed at rich people that can spare some money but, although I have money, none of it can be spent on the series. I really am using T.F.S money on T.F.S which most goes on licensing etc, it would be a help for some people to Donate to help maintane the high standard of machinima that is made.

Thanks again
Speak soon
Kind Regards
Darknal

Darknal Recruiting for New Body Actors

Hello people.


Over time, people have strayed, gone offline, and some are just a little deluded.


I am now filtering out my friends list for new loyal body actors that can actually body act and respect the shoot.


I am also trying to filter out any individuals that want to be in TFS without actually knowing whats involved, so here's the score.


It is not fun, it is not entertaining, it is very long and boring that obviously will hopefully look awesome in the end but making them is not fun. Shoots are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30pm. Tuesday finishes at 10ish. Thursday will finish earlier.


You MUST have a UK connection and a good one at that. You can't browse the web or family members browse the web during these shoots. If your connection is RED, you will be replaced.


My most loyal subjects to date are MrTom, Handy 3000 and Chrisnepts who have raked in over 45 turn outs together. There are many more, but these guys are top. That is the loyalty needed. One show up wont land you in the Darknal Crew, but loyalty will get you there.


If you have what it takes to listen and walk around like a zombie on my sets, feel free to apply.


Email me at Darknal@ThakeFilms.co.uk with RECRUIT as your subject.


Peace
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update May 19th

Hello.


Some goodish news. My brother is now back on board so things will now slowly start moving forward. Obviously he's not doing anything too AMAZING, but it still takes time. Having tech issues in other departments but I'll get there eventually.


So, just awaiting two more voices so then can start editing some scenes as some offline shoots have been done, just need to capture them. Need to do ALL the ONLINE impossible stuff that will take a while plus editing it all. NIGHTMARE....


But, things are moving now so not all bad in that respect :)


Kind Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update May 11th

Well, the Beta is in full swing and many voices have been returned for TFS.


Huge issue was reached when this "impossible" thing that's going to be unnoticable hasn't even been tested as my brother is still working on his house, so all the important scenes are being left till last, which will also be the longest bit.


So yes, again as always, long waits ahead and with the ever closing date of the Reach release, ending the series on Halo 3, time is running out.


BUT, some offline scenes have been filmed and just awaiting the remainder of the voices, and I can start work on those. Then the online shoots will follow and the difficult things begin. Bad Times..


Ok, sorry for the bad news but what did you expect from me :)


Regards
Darknal

The Forgotten Spartans Reach or Halo 3?

Hello,


I have been getting many messages about whether I am switching to Halo Reach, once the game is released and am I also using the Beta for The Forgotten Spartans.


The answer to this question is NO.


I am finishing the series on Halo 3, no matter how long it takes. Reason being is consistency.
I will play the beta to see my options for a new series I will be making on Reach. But,,, the continuation of The Forgotten Spartans will be completed on Halo 3.


Hope this clears some issues up.


On a note about the series, we are still working on creating the episode. No Chrisnepts, I don't think it's what you think it is, but we are doing difficult things. Things that you probably wont notice :)


Thats all for now.


Kind Regards
Darknal

Life of a Gamer 2

Hello Guys,

Stormray/ Adam Parker has done another short based on his life which you can find here.

Again early on, his legendary voice and written skills shine especially seeing some nice art work as a screensaver.

Enjoy.

Darknal

First Looks

Hello people,

Leading up to the long way away release of Part 9, a first look at the trailers for the episodes will now be shown to subscribers first before Machinima get the trailers.

So subscribe for first looks.

Obviously nothings coming out for a while but you get the idea.

Good times.

T.F.S Part 9 Update

Hello,

I am attempting the impossible and its taking its time.. The script is finalised and the lines have gone out to all the voice actors. Just a matter of filming as I go, something which will not be easy, we are planning big things and are not entirely sure if we can pull it off.

BUT, if all goes to plan hopefully it will be a good episode. As it's the last episode of war before the story continues, we are trying to go big, not like we haven't already but you get the idea :)

So, please be patient and I'll update you as new things progress.

Kind Regards
Darknal

Armour Accounts - Halo 3

Hello,

My brother is still sorting a few things out. I have also been experimenting with some effects that will now cause HUGE problems coz now I've gone for a more, quality in each shot I'm going to make causing each scene to take a while, you'll understand when you see it.

Anyway, rambling, what this post is about is, I need accounts that you will freely let go of that contain all of the Halo 3 armours (Not Recon) as I need as many accounts avaliable to shoot offline scenes.

This would mean giving your extra accounts to me in exchange for credit on the episode, so not your main account as you will not get it back.

If you know anyone or have extra accounts you do not need anymore that contain all amours such as 'Security shoulders' etc then please email me on directordarknal@gmail.com

Or email me to discuss it if you would like more information.

Kind Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update

Hello.

I have finished the first draft of the script, which is basically final but will be tweaked as things go on.

As I am still waiting for my brother to get settled, plus the fact he has a baby due today also, I will be concentrating my efforts on offline shoots at the moment. Then once everything is finalised, be moving onto the more challenging online shoots.

I will get things in motion soon.

Good times. The Red Spartans name in Part 8 is Tamerlane (Voice actors choice, as all voice actors choose their own name to an extent).

Regards

Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update

Hello,

It has been a while since an update and I am sorry for this. I have all the requests in about coming to mine for a shoot. The selected will be notified at a later date.

My brother Dave who does my animation e.g. Cortana - Space, has moved house and wont be up and running for at least a month. This is annoying as even once he gets started, it takes ages from there.

I will do my best trying to do everything I can and hope that Dave can do all the things I need him to do, otherwise I'll have unusable footage...

Either way, it's a set back for me also so I know it's annoying but soon we will have something to show you.

If you haven't already seen it, T.F.S has some new artwork. I will upload a higher quality version soon.

Regards
Darknal

Meeting Darknal

Eight selected people will be able to meet me, Darknal, at my house along with Conan and Crippled Corpse (My brother who invented the character Librius) to participate in the filming of an offline shoot where Recon Armour is required. You will recieve a FREE DVD of T.F.S up to certain episode. You will need to bring a controller, headset and your gamertag, either by hard drive or memory card so that you will be able to use your Recon Armour.

As those who are selected may be young, your parents are welcome to come along and stay throughout the short shoot. I will talk to you about some of the making and answer any questions you may have. Autographs, although slightly weird, will be given to those that actually want one.

This will not happen for a long while but I need to get the eight selected before it does so that everything is ok and sorted.

Location you'd need to get to is Southend-On-Sea in Essex UK so do not enter if you are unable to attend or do not have Recon Amour unlocked.

People in my T.F.S Crew will get Priority.

Send who you are, and why you should be selected to directordarknal@gmail.com

Remember this will be happening when filming the last episode of the series, so not anytime soon.

Good hunting.

Regards
Darknal

T.F.S Part 9 Update

As someone has rightly stated, I should be updating you.

Current update is the script is half complete but I know whats happening, just have to put it into film format :)

Another issue is that Battlefield has just been released and is an AWESOME game which makes things very difficult :) Also, videos such as wedding videos, football videos I need to edit for people also take a lot of my time and unfortunatly need to get that done.

But rest assured, working on the episode and CONAN (brother) is sitting with me on our TFS nights discussing battles etc. My other Brother Dave who does the animation, Cortana and space scenes, is moving house so cant work on anything till he's settled, another set back.

I promise I'll do my best to get on it.

Trust me, I want to make it too :)

I'll keep you posted.

Darknal

Stormray's Short

Hello all,

My good friend and character in The Forgotten Spartans, Stormray has created a short film about life of a gamer. If you like well directed little shorts, go check this out on the link below.

Thought it was very well made and as a huge fan of his character in T.F.S, go hammer those Elites to death ;)

Life of a Gamer

Good Times
Darknal

Chrisnepts on Machinima

Hello people.

Slow progress on the T.F.S front, blame the Bad Company 2 and Alien Vs Predator Demo for that one..... Awesome times, although hope AVP is better in the full version.

As one of "Darknal's T.F.S Crew" a young member of my crew who has been loyal in turning upto shoots etc has been moved to Machinima and are showing his "Spartan Squad Alpha" series which Chrisnepts has based off my series 'The Forgotten Spartans'. Although this series is not linked directly to my movie, as he can only use the story I have already shown, I have done some voices for him for all his hard work in my episodes. Remember it's his story, not mine, and I do not work with him on his series, but am happy if he chooses to use my current story if it helps him become more successful in the Machinima world :)

As far as I'm aware, part 1 is up on Machinima's channel but I'm sure he'll comment this post and so you can click on his blog from here.

He is a much younger Director than myself and bare in mind his first episodes are mainly first attempts and his more recent episodes get better as he learns and improves his skills so I would ask for your support and I'm sure he'll be able to take on board critism and good feedback for taking the time to entertain Halo fans as I do.

Kind Regards
Darknal

Latest Statement

This is a recent statement I made to a question "Why don't you listen to people who criticise and acting on things people don't like, taking out things that shouldn't be there and adding things people do like?"

For those who know me and those who don't the statement below does not imply I'm a horrible person but just how far things have gone with the whole haters situation.

Statement:

"My last post is based exactly on that. As much as you might not think it, previous episodes have been made based on comments by fans. I have tried listening and implementing things to make people happy, just to come to the conclusion that not everyone will ever be pleased.

This is why I have made the decision of doing it my way as I watch my episodes for my entertainment, if people hate it, I don't care, as I really have given up on caring on critics opinions when it's obviously one of the "TOP" Halo Machinima's out there. The fact that OXM, Official Xbox 360 Magazine says its one of the most impressive machinima's means jelous kids who criticise without knowing anything mean nothing to me.

They will be made how I want them to be and follow the story I want.

People who wish to follow me and enjoy them for what they are can do so. Can't be bothered with the haters, waste of time.

Regards

Darknal"

T.F.S Part 9 2010 Info

Hello,

A little late but a new year, sounds almost futuristic, 2010 :)

Anyway, I will start work on the script in February for T.F.S Part 9, as you may have already guessed, the Spartans have joined the battle against the Elites in order to reach the Elites Command base on the other side of the ice wall.

So Part 9 will be another battle, but not just any battle, a battle based around the main characters of T.F.S. Every battle scene will have a purpose and it'll mean a lot more coming from the characters who you have tuned in to watch fight. This episode will also end the current story and a new story will take hold. Comsic has disappeared in a Hornet (not to escape the ring) but to commence his slightly shaken mind journey to do what 'he has to do'.

The filming for Part 9 will start when I have the script finished so I will start filming in March.

Don't be alarmed, it was only to be expected. The episodes completion is not a date I can set as it's purely based on the free flowing script writing and filming. As you know Post Production is the longest part, plus voices being returned in time so a lot needs to be done and if I only start filming in March, there is a lot to wait for.

But it is only fair that I give you this information as I know many of you want to know what's happening.

I will always say if I will not be making any others so if there is not a "To Be Continued" then the likely hood of me making another episode is slim, but there always is one (Apart from Part 3) so I will contine until the series stops how I intend it to be. If I am still making T.F.S by the launch of Halo: Reach, then the series will move over to that game.

I will be in touch with further information as of when I know myself.

Kind Regards
Darknal
Chris Thake