ABOUT

The initial concept for this video started in 2019 after filming a short cosplay video at MCM Comic Con with Gaioz's Noctis cosplay. From there, we came up with the idea to recreate an entire short film based on Square Enix's video game, "Final Fantasy XV". After casting the four characters, I began writing the script based on initial concepts and GDC interviews with the developers of the original game. In this time, we also arranged a photoshoot to create and sell a photobook of the cosplayers in order to raise initial funds for filming.

The photoshoot was shot at the start of 2020, with an intense editing period of a few weeks including composite special effects in photoshop. The book was split into two halves, one focusing on the fantasy and magic aspects of the characters, and the second on the comraderie between the main cast. After selling out of our initial print run, I turned my attention to scripting and storyboarding. Filming began in October with strict regulations and handicaps due to the covid measures at the time, and lasted just under a week. Aside from the main cast, I also scouted and recruited additional camera operators, first aiders and drivers. Many on the day alterations had to be made due to weather conditions, but quick decision making meant the footage was still usable in a coherent story. Afterwards, editing took several months as I was learning After Effects as it went on.

The end result is a highly polished fan film with both cosplay and visual effects incredibly accurate to the source material right down to the frame. The experience has allowed me to both test my ability to learn new skills rapidly and deliver on them to a professional standard. This film has won a runner up award at the PHOCUS Project, among the most notable cosplay photography and videography competitions, reached front page on the FFXV subreddit and neared 5k total views on Youtube. The video is available on the H.E-X Photography Youtube Channel and parts from the photobook is available on my website at he-xphotography. com/team-gaioz (without the space).