TFG (The_Family_God)

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We had the opportunity to publicly "opinionize" TFG one of the most admired CS film makers, as you will find out below. Even though he is not as involved in the community as he used to be, he gives us the perspective of any ordinary CS player. TFG also provided us with some exlusive details on his upcoming projects as far as CS movie making goes.

1) How long have you been in the gaming/movie making scene and what's your background?
I've been in the gaming scene since DOOM. I've only recently started working in the movie industry, though I've been making my own projects for about 8 years.

2) What are some of your most popular works?
My most popular movie is Militia II (machinima animation), because of its strong counter-strike fan base. I have two films here in Toronto that are popular among the film festival circuit - Uniforms (action film), and SuperWurst (stop-motion animation film).

3) Most of the people probably know you by the militia series. Militia2 is still currently the most downloaded CS movie (www.cscentral.com/militia2). Can you say a couple of words regarding the process of making it?
It's similar to making any film, no matter what kind. It starts with a script; then your actors 'act out' the script with aid of the director; it's filmed and edited and eventually released.

4) Can you say some words regarding your group Gworx pictures?
Gworx pictures ("G-works-pictures") is a combination of producers, animators, programmers, and art directors who bring my films to life. Among the group are many old friends who have supported my film endeavors many years and also newcomers who are highly skilled in areas like animation and programming.

5) Can you tell us about some of the upcoming projects if possible?
Currently, I am most busy with our new machinima film, "ClanWars," which has been in production for about 7 months. Another producer, Lex Cassar, is busy with pre-production for a film called "Golem," a bigger CGI film. We're also in production for a real life film called "Driver." For counter-strike fans the most interesting film will be ClanWars, since the film tries to capture some of the community nostalgia.

6) Is there any programs/sites (besides yours) you would like to give the readers who are new to the movie making?
They should check out Gaming Media Perspective, www.gamingmp.com. It has tutorials and free hosting/forums for movie makers of all machinima genres. And of course, there is www.machinima.com for anything machinima too.

7) What's your opinion on cheaters in CS as well as all other multiplayer games?
I really don't understand it. Whenever I think of cheaters I can't help but smile, because I consider them more of a joke rather than something worth thinking about. I'll be honest, I don't play much counter-strike nowadays - and that is probably why I am not "angry" with them. But I certainly remember how frustrating things got while I was a serious player. It's not really the cheat "users" that humor me, but those guys who make them. When a hacker breaks into some high-tech government website or something like that, I have this odd respect for a guy who can carry out a stunt like that. But hacking a videogame? Man...get a life.

8) What is your opinion on VAC/CD/HLG and other technologies/projects that supposedly detect the cheaters?
Well I don't really know how well these technologies have affected the cheat/anti-cheat community. But VAC seems to be a publicity stunt (or publicity scare?) more than anything. It's that element of unknown detection that hopes to deter hackers. Overall I think it has improved the gaming scene. CD, haven't seen it work recently, but I hear it's pretty good. I'm a very casual gamer...so if I think someone is cheating I simply exit and load up my server list... there are at least 200 servers with -60 ping to choose from... so I'm not complaining. I'd like to add that I think the cheating penalties should be more severe than currently today. If you cheat, you shouldn't play. I don't care what they have to do to these guys...

9) What about those players who are falsely accused, should they suffer the same punishment or have the opportunity to clear themselves?
They should have a chance to clear themselves, definitely. They should always be given a chance - though I would prefer tougher anti-cheat rules in general than what has been done in the last couple years.

10) Ok anything else you would like to add?
Yes, it's too bad that honest people would/will suffer from the idiocy of video-game hackers. Man, I'm laughing just thinking about these guys... what the hell do you achieve by making a videogame hack? I mean, I doubt any company is going to hire you? The "real" hackers probably think you're a loser, and the average computer user thinks you're just a geek! What the hell drives these people to make videogame hacks? Okay, that about does it for me :) you will see more movie information about ClanWars in a few months ;)

TFG
Gworx pictures∞

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CategoryInterviews