Alumnus Kyle Roberts’ first full-length feature film filled the theater Friday for an evening screening at AMC Quail Springs 24 and offered an exclusive event to all ticket holders.
Some of “The Posthuman Project” cast and crew members attended the sold-out 6:45 p.m. showing on Jan. 30 for a Q&A session following the film. They also announced future plans as well as available merchandise, including posters and the prequel comic book for the film.
The low-budget, independent film is exclusively screening at AMC Quail Springs 24 between Jan. 30 and Feb. 7. Previously the movie screened at film festivals where it earned several honors.
“All of that is awesome and helps add credibility to what we’re doing,” Roberts said. “But to me it’s way cooler to walk out of a movie and hear a 12-year-old girl tell her dad that was the best movie she’s ever seen. You can’t even put words to that of how emotional — when you pour three years of your life into something and hear something like that. It’s not about winning the awards, but the hearts of the audience.”
The cast has had the ability to gain recognition in various places because of the marketing efforts that have brought the film to the public eye.
“Any kind of award that a film wins is a great little career boost that kind of validates your performance,” Alexandra Harris, who plays Lisa Thompson in the film, said. “It’s really awesome and a lot of people have gotten the chance to see it all around the world, which is amazing for someone who’s just starting out, like me.”
These opportunities all were made possible through non-traditional funding techniques, according to Roberts.
“We did two Indiegogo campaigns and three benefit concerts,” Roberts said. “We also did a benefit dinner, which raised $60-thousand that night alone. So instead of having three or four typical investors give large amounts, we raised it through tens of thousands of people giving $5 to $2,000. … My crew and I thrived on people believing in us. That was way more beneficial to me than having people give a bunch of money upfront.”
Roberts said he puts a heavy emphasis on the community involvement and having their love and support throughout the production process.
“I don’t think we could’ve made it anywhere else besides Oklahoma,” Roberts said. “When I interviewed Garth Brooks a few weeks ago, he said being from Oklahoma gives you a leg up in the entertainment industry, not just because the people are talented, but the love and support of everyone around you lifting you up. … That’s what’s been awesome and why I’m going to keep making movies in Oklahoma.”
The cast and crew have invited fans to the aptly named “ROASThuman Project” event to help celebrate the end of the film process and other Roberts’ accomplishments at the Sloan Installation Gallery in downtown Oklahoma City on Feb. 7 from 4-6 p.m. There’s a $10 admission fee.
Future distribution possibilities for the film have not been announced, though some Oklahoma Christian University students said they would like to see it come to campus.
“Anytime you can get OC alumni to bring back and show the campus what their accomplishments were is great,” senior Caleb Henry said. “For him to accomplish this is a great step; I would love for [students] to see that it was possible from his degree from Oklahoma Christian.”
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