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Written and Directed by John Isles

Download Feature DIVX 59mb (Right click to download to your desktop) Eight weeks ago I had a conversation at work with Dan Stratford, my Matrix-obsessed friend. Just to pass the time he asked me, "What do you think happened after Matrix: Revolutions. How would the Architect give people the choice to leave the Matrix?" Like everyone else I'd been impressed by the first Matrix film's mix of philosophy, religion, science fiction and action. When the sequels came out I have to say unsurprisingly that I was disappointed. The second film, Reloaded was OK, but seemed to have all of the action and Revolutions, the third one had all of the philosophy in it. In fact I've only watched Revolutions once since buying the DVD (which I only got for completeness sake and reduced in the sales). Somehow, Dan had revived my interest in the film series. I even went as far to purchase a book 'Taking the Red Pill: Science, Philosophy and Religion in The Matrix.' Which is actually a very well written book full of essays by various people in each of the fields - some of them are nutters, but the majority have interesting things to say about their fields of expertise. Anyway, I digress. Back to that fateful conversation... My reply was "Wouldn't it be funny if an Agent and a Rebel went from door to door with a clipboard." Dan laughed at the preposterous idea. Two days later I handed him my first draft of what was called at the time "Red or Blue." I wanted to make this film to show that a) idle conversations about making films with work colleagues can result in a finished film. b) I had been challenged to make a short as entertainment at the Westlake Christmas party - which was just over two months away. The first person I cast was Nigel Peever, who has shown in the past (and in other Westlake films) what a versatile actor he could be. I knew he would be right for the role of the Agent. He was happy to appear in the film, but was on a national tour of Shakespeare and wouldn't be home for another six weeks! That wasn't a problem, that would give me three weeks to edit the film in time for the party. Co-producer Gareth Preston was the next person I got involved, who helped with getting a cast together (the film had to be a surprise for Westlake so we couldn't use the usual suspects to play our characters). From then until a week before filming the script went through a number of re-writes under the supervison of script editor, Scott Devon. The day of filming went well, despite wind and rain being against us. More of the film was set on the doorstep but the action was moved in-doors as soon as possible to stop our poor actors from freezing to death! The entire cast whom aside from Nigel I hadn't worked with before gave 100% to my mad, half-fan film/parody/tribute Matrix film (I don't think anyone working on it had even managed to see Revolutions after being put off by Reloaded). I mustn't forget my dedicated crew who put up with my demands that things be done quicker (including my wife, Amy and my brother-in-law). Three weeks of VERY late nights editing and the film was ready for the party! Hopefully the attendees enjoyed it. I hope you watching this do too. John Isles Writer/Director December 2009 Contact Us Latest News Links Film Reviews Site Credits Profiles Green Room