The Project

“Eternal War” started in summer 2016 as a side project to “The Dreamlands” – our crowdfunded adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s Dream Cycle. Unsuccessfully looking for producers and investors at international co-production markets back then, some people in the industry told me not to sit idle as you always should have another project in your sleeve as a young emerging filmmaker. They suggested to shoot a short film to showcase my current abilities. Maybe something very short but funny that could go viral.

Well, I’m not that known for having small ambitions and definitely not the funniest guy in town. So it quickly turned into something big and dark again. I still love Warhammer 40,000 and thought it would be a great idea to return to it with my new screenplay writing and filmmaking skills so that “Damnatus” won’t be remembered as my only effort to do that universe justice.

Having noticed that fellow friend Erasmus Brosdau could work on “The Lord Inquisitor” with permission by Games Workshop, I checked back with their legal team and Erasmus and it was confirmed to me. Times had changed since “Damnatus” and it was now possible to apply for a fan film license.

More than a year later, after having shot “Eternal War” in secret and after its transformation into a three-part mini web series, I approached Games Workshop again. Only to find out that times had changed again. They weren’t sure about giving out fan film licenses anymore and in the end decided against it.

Post-production on “Eternal War” has been halted therefore and our focus re-shifted back to “The Dreamlands”. But they didn’t actually state that we weren’t allowed to show it around, so I decided to release the first episode now to honor all the hard work and dedication by my cast and crew that went into it. I hope that Games Workshop won’t take action and will let you see it.

If not, they would not be to blame. I knew there would be a risk and took it. The world of media and entertainment is changing quickly. Amazon recently decided to pay $200 million for the rights to produce a “Lord of the Rings” series. Netflix, HBO, Disney and other big players are investing for future battles. Games Workshop for sure noticed and is now looking for business opportunities, too.

A small fan-made web series is clearly not interesting enough for a listed company. But is it harmful? Isn’t it proving the worth of the property by showing the passion of its fans, opening up new audiences and wetting everyone’s appetite?

I am convinced that a balance of interests is achievable between stakeholders and executives on one side and customers and fans on the other. If you like what you see here and want us to continue – please make yourself heard. Spread the word and share the episode. Let the world know you want more of this.

Maybe they will tolerate us and I will get the chance to complete “Eternal War”. For free. For everyone. It’s in your hands now.

– Huan