Interview with Buddy James

What do you get when you toss together Flash Gordon, Ed Wood, Monty Python and a bunch crazy filmmakers with a really small budget and really big ideas? Welcome to the twisted world of “Galactic Squad” a 1950's film serial with a bit of a different edge… and some frame jumps….and some scratches.

Produced by Filmmakers James Gregson and Patrick Voss, Galactic Squad is destined to become a cult favorite.
Thanks to today’s modern technology, a promotional trailer is making its rounds on the Internet. And the scientists at Galactic World Headquarters are working on a way to squeeze old black and white film stock into ipods and mobile devices.

Rumor has it they are developing a futuristic... thingy... and they are calling it an “app”. We think it has something to do with the Alberta Provincial Police, we will keep you posted on this but you need to join the Galactic Squad mailing list. Check back soon to find out how to carry the world’s first Robot Monkey in your pocket and show it off to all your friends.

The DVD is scheduled for official release the spring of 2012 … or sooner.

“Post Modern Regressive Film Making”

One of the main challenges of a production like this, besides extremely limited funds, was accomplishing the look of old black and white film without actually using film. Ironically G-Squad’s lack of technology look and feel was achieved by using some modern technology. The whole production was shot on mini DV using a combination of 2 cameras a Cannon XL1 and a GL1 thanks to our good pal Uncle Kev. (Kevin McCarthy The Voice of Galactic Squad)

The cameras both featured a progressive setting instead of interlaced which looks much more like film. The lack of lighting actually helped since many of the scenes are very hard lit and have a grainy feel. Very basic lighting was used in strange ways so that it always had an “odd” look to it.

The idea was that these guys were serious and they either didn’t know what they were doing or were always strapped for time and money. If the crew got in a pinch it was always a battle to fight the professional instinct and just go with it. The terms “What Would Ed Do?” and “Hey that’s Ok… It’s Galactic Squad” quickly became the norm on set.

Having a limited source of quality takes to choose from actually forced the editor to just deal with it and set aside some of the natural tendencies. At least there wasn’t too much stuff to sort through, and I speak of usable footage. One of the great things about shooting on DV is that it’s inexpensive and you can keep the cameras rolling. One of the bad things about shooting on DV is that it’s inexpensive and you can keep the cameras rolling.

The entertainment value of B-roll footage and backstage camera material started rivaling the main footage so there is a nice collection of bloopers and behind the scenes footage. In the words of President Galaxia, thank Aldar for DVD!

What would Ed Wood do? This phrase was a driving force behind the creation of Galactic Squad. The producers vision was to try and mimic the "It's so bad it's good" filmmaking practices of the Edward Wood. Wood has been crowned king of the worst movies of all time. If you haven't seen "Plan 9 From Outer Space", you really don't know bad filmmaking. After watching it you'll have a new appreciation for good films. Speaking of good films..."Ed Wood", by director Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp is hilarious and worth a watch. It shows who Ed Wood was and how he made his classically bad films. And is probably one of Johnny depp's best roles.

Click on image to play an Ed Wood Trailer

Click on image to play another fun Trailer