Posted by The cast and crew of Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic took on WonderCon to promote their incredible movie and we got the chance to chat with them! Held just minutes from Disneyland at the Anaheim Convention Center, the convention took place from Friday, March 29th to Sunday, March 31st.
Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic centers a prophecy and a young woman. This young woman is Arra Winter (Ciel Post) and she longs to practice magic in a land that has outlawed such a practice. In order to fulfill her destiny she must find the legendary Sovereign Wand which is needed to overthrow the evil Queen Wendolyn (Mary Elise Hayden). Arra is helped by Commander Jade Cross (Chris Dane Owens) and Captain Montgomery Sterling (Jason Schultz).
Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic at WonderCon 2024
There are a lot of fantasy series and even independent fantasy series and for the most part, they feel like they are all trying to be each other. With such an expansive genre it can get kind of tired, but Empire Queen does something completely different while remaining nostalgic and familiar.
We had the chance to chat with most of the cast, including Chris Dane Owens (Commander Cross, writer, and producer), Kiki Korol (producer and Lady Akailya), Mary Elise Hayden (Queen Wendolyn), and Jano Janosik (Lord Voss).
The company talked about taking influences from all of the fantasy franchises that they love; Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride…but really what stands out about this film is that it feels cozier than that. The Princess Bride has taken hold in Empire Queen, but what is more felt is things like The Neverending Story and Ella Enchanted. The film is fun, it’s sweet, it’s light and it very much feels like something you would have been obsessed with when you were a kid. Which makes it the perfect film to watch with anyone. It truly is a film for all demographics.
Indie Filmmakers Discuss Challenges and Triumphs of Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic
The cast of Empire Queen was incredible and they are so passionate about this project. This idea started in 2008 and has been a labor of love ever since. Much of the cast has been together since that first music video and it is so exciting to see a full feature film come to life. The thing they are most proud of is the fact that they didn’t give up, this was a project of determination and it most definitely shows.
Team of Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic Wear Many Hats
The cast got to talk about the challenges of independent filmmaking, the many hats and roles that are necessary for bringing a project like this to life, and what they hope the audience takes away from watching this film. Acknowledging the demanding nature of independent filmmaking, where creators often take on multiple roles. One of the filmmakers elaborates, highlighting their diverse involvement, from costuming and acting to producing and creating sketches. Another expresses their joy at embodying the film’s central character for so long.
High Production Value on a Budget
Despite its independent status, the creators reveal extensive filming locations, elaborate sets, and underwater sequences, emphasizing their commitment to maximizing their resources for a visually stunning experience.
“We shot over 100 days. We saw Portland, and we had some B-roll and second unit in Hawaii. We shot in all sorts of places in California. And, we know how beautiful it is here in the mountains. We shot underwater in the ship, in a castle. We really tried to maximize our dollar and put it all up on the screen.” -Producer, Chris Dane Owens.
Marketing and Distribution of Empire Queen: The Golden Age of Magic
They aim to appeal to fantasy fans while offering a fun, entertaining experience with light and dark themes. They also detail the film’s distribution strategy, including streaming platforms like Prime Video. And some of the international availability on platforms like iTunes and Google Play.
Finding Success Through Passion
The creators expressed their belief that dedication and a genuine love for the project can lead to success. They emphasize their commitment to practical effects and a sincere approach. And of course, highlighting the collaborative spirit that brought the film to life. The biggest challenge, they reveal, was maintaining energy throughout the demanding shoot. However, their passion and perseverance led them to achieve their vision.
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