Confluence Spotlight on Filmmaker Kyle Roberts
The light onstage at Confluence 2014 will not be the first spotlight to shine in Kyle Robert’s eyes this year. After completing an independent, feature-length superhero film over a grueling two-year period, the talented director and his cast and crew have begun to see their efforts pay off in a big way. Kyle will be speaking at Confluence Conference about his journey from viral YouTube stop-motion features, to a Syfy Viral Video Showdown, to making an independent superhero film – and how his successes can translate to any digital influencer seeking to grow their audience online.
Kyle and the Reckless Abandonment team timed the premiere of The Posthuman Project to coincide with Oklahoma City’s own DeadCenter Film Festival, and the hometown reception was boisterous to say the least.
“Cross my heart and hope to fly…”
–The Posthuman Project
I was outside in the entry line with a sea of film-goers desperate to see the premiere of the film when scores were turned away as the theatre reached its capacity. Most people in the crowd vowed to come back to the next day’s showing and be first in line for the door.
With press pass in hand (and bated breath), I was able to squeeze into the Devon Auditorium, get cozy in the back row, and experience the film’s epic premiere. The story is captivating: a group of teenage friends embark on one last trip before splitting up to head to different colleges. Watch the trailer, and you can tell that this is no ordinary Midwestern camping trip.
As an enthusiastic round of applause faded into excited questions and panel time, the judges were already placing The Posthuman Project at the top of this year’s participants.Their awards would be the first in a long line.
Screening at San Diego’s Comic-Con, Florida’s Supercon, and Fly Film Festival in Enid, OK, The Posthuman Project continues to collect trophies and the attention of more festivals and studios.
I sat down with Kyle and asked him about the journey of making a superhero film. For a sneak peek behind the filmmaking, watch our interview or come see Kyle in person at Confluence Conference on September 6, 2014 at Oklahoma City Plaza District’s Lyric Theatre.
By: Adam Ray
