Mike Horn makes cool things. He is an editor for Current TV in San Francisco. But he used to play in a band called Pregnant Wombat.
I got the chance to ask him about his videos and inspiration -- he answered.
Were you able to see any of the Stars Wars trilogy in the theater?
I've seen all 6 Star Wars films in the theater, but only the special edition versions of Ep 4-6, I was too young to see the originals (I was born in '79).
Who is Pregnant Wombat?
Pregnant Wombat was a music side project I did 8 years ago. It was just me recording bass and guitar on top of midi keyboard & drums. I used to play bass in a hardcore/indie rock band called Little Yellow Box from 2001-2005. We did a couple tours around the US, but never broke through to major label status.
What did you study at SVA?
I studied Film at SVA [in New York City]. I originally went to NYU's Tisch film school, but dropped out to pursue a career with my band, and later finished my degree at SVA.
Do you consider the other Mike Horn to be your nemesis?
I know there's a famous adventurer/explorer named Mike Horn. I saw him on a Discovery Channel show where he kayaked the entire length of the Amazon river with a broken leg. I'd like to think that us Mike Horn's can show the world that our name is associated excellence. However, I do admit that I was upset when myspace gave away my URL to him without my permission.
How easy was it to get the 501st Legion to do the shoots?
I contacted my local 501st garrison through their Web site, they have an event request form. With my first Star Wars fan film as reference, I was able to get several generous volunteers (Edward Karl, David Buckley, Keita Moriwaki, and Anthony Tse).
Do you have plans to use other characters like Sand People?
I'd like to use Chewbacca and Ewoks in a future fan film, but they're probably harder find than storm troopers.
Did you also make The Hills Strike Back?
I didn't make The Hills Strike Back; another Current.com user did. But I am thinking about ways to make the Death Star destroy all the reality TV shows I hate.
Do you believe that a technological singularity will occur in 2045?
Ray Kurzweil thinks the singularity will occur around 2050, but since most people seem to over-estimate their predictions of the future, who knows. I hope we at least get the flying cars we've been promised by then.
Have you ever done stop motion animation?
Yes, I've been making these stop-motion/live action Lego videos: Stop, Drop & Roll and Street Justice.
Have you read Robert Anton Wilson?
I've heard of him but never read his work. There's way too much TV to watch for me to have time for books. I think the last book I read was five years ago. I'm de-evolving.
What shows are you watching?
Top Gear, World Rally Car Racing, Flight of the Conchords, Lost, 24, The Wire (on DVD), MythBusters, Monk, Rotten Tomatoes Show & SuperNews (on Current TV), lots of NetFlix movies.
How is your screenplay coming? What's it about?
I need to finish writing it, but it's about a terminally ill priest in the future who has his mind digitized so he can continue to live as software. It's based on Ray Kurzweil's The Age of Spiritual Machines.
Are you getting interest from other studios to make bigger projects?
No interest from studios yet. I have an idea for another Star Wars fan film that takes place on Endor, where a storm trooper rescues a baby Ewok and raises him as his son. I'm not sure where I'd find an Ewok costume, but I imagine it would take some money, which is more than what I'm used to spending on my projects (which is $0).
