World's First Truly Collaborative Movie

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23 Sep, 2013, 11:15 BST

LONDON, September 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Have you ever dreamed of making a movie, of seeing your work up on the big screen? This new groundbreaking film project could be your chance.

Launched on 1 July 2013, Project EpicUs (projectepicus.com) is a unique collaborative moviemaking project that invites you, the public, to be a part of the filmmaking process at every stage of production. From script, storyboards and concept art through to visual effects, scoring and editing, as a member of the EpicUs team you will have input into what ends up on the screen. With expert tutorials provided by Hollywood experts throughout the course of production, this is also your chance to learn from the professionals and get a chance to learn how to full express your filmic creativity.

This isn't a Kickstarter project, we're not after your money - we're after you. Project EpicUs' aim is to demystify the production process on a professional feature film. You could see your design realised as a full-scale set that you can visit during filming, design costumes that will be worn by the actors, compose an orchestral score to be used as the film's soundtrack, or, for the technically-minded, you could even create the film's special effects. This is not an amateur project. You can be a part of a real movie.

And that movie is an up-to-date adaptation of Jules Verne's epic science fiction adventure, From the Earth to the Moon. Not only did Verne's classic novel become cinema's first sci-fi movie in George Méliès' silent masterpiece A Trip To The Moon, but it has incredible relevance to current developments in space travel, events that are too good to pass up with this new version of Verne's beloved story. With the full backing of Jules Verne's great grandson, Jean, the EpicUs project is the first time the Verne family estate has supported a movie version of his work. "This project has the same spirit as the novel," says Jean Verne. "And it shares my great grandfather's sense of ambition." That spirit will see From the Earth to the Moon be created and crafted in a genuinely interactive way by you, the public, and the EpicUs project. No movie has ever been attempted like this before. The sky is the limit.

Project EpicUs is the brainchild of UK-based BAFTA award-winning commercial and broadcast production company, Fin London, with top Hollywood professionals leading each department. Heading up the project is Dan Constantinou, a veteran of more than 250 international commercials, including striking films for Aston Martin and Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. It was the subject matter and the unique timing that gave Constantinou the initial idea. "Over 100 years ago, Georges Méliès produced the first science fiction film," says Constantinou. "One hundred and fifty years ago to the date of our projected release, visionary author Jules Verne wrote the epic story that inspired Méliès film. It seemed perfect that we should celebrate this by continuing Verne's ambitions and the group endeavour of the story by releasing a movie made in a pioneering way in 2015. "The story was about inspiring the world to come together and create something amazing to benefit all of humanity. We're looking to create the same excitement, the same inspiration with this film. There is some amazing talent out there, and we want to give everyone a chance to show it."

Whether you studied film at college, are a retired industry professional itching to use your skills again or just feel inspired and want the chance to work in the movie industry, Project EpicUs is the chance to show the world who you are and what you can do. Imagine being able to put a feature film on your CV! There are so many areas that you can get involved with - and, remember, it's open to anyone. We're not going to lie - it's going to be a mammoth undertaking, filled with blood, sweat and likely some tears. But at the end, we'll have a movie we can ALL be proud of.

If you want to be in film… you don't want to be out of this. Shoot for the moon - join Project EpicUs.