User:Lyncho14/sandbox/Burden (film)

Burden is a 2009 American science fiction fantasy short film, written, directed, produced and edited by Michael David Lynch.

Production
Burden is produced by Michael David Lynch and John W. Bosher, and stars Grant Weiss, Leah Rose Orleans, and Jan Rose, and features the voice of Peter Cullen who is best known as the iconic voice of Optimus Prime in The Transformers TV series. The action sequences were filmed in Chicago’s financial district at the intersection of LaSalle and Jackson. Burden also includes a skyline backdrop as some of the exterior shots took the cast and crew to the top of the 35 East Wacker Drive building and other historic locations throughout the city. The production filmed in Chicago, finished the film in Los Angeles and sent it to festivals in June of 2009.

Music
Rob Simonsen, co-composer of (500) Days of Summer, brought the Burden score to life with a 75 part live orchestral score mixed in full 5.1 surround.

Synopsis
Burden takes a contemporary look at the 1940’s style super hero. Calik, the guilt-ridden hero must make the ultimate choice of whether he should follow orders and return to his home planet or stay to face the growing extraterrestrial invasion that threatens humanity with total annihilation. In his struggles he faces a relentless foe, a seven-foot tall, extraterrestrial creature with God-like strength called Cythorians.

Cast

 * Peter Cullen as The Voice in the Sky
 * Grant Weiss as Calik
 * Leah Rose Orleans as Little Girl
 * Jan Rose as the Mother
 * Michael E. Smith as the Cythorian

Recognition
Action on Film has nominated Burden for Best Science Fiction, Best Sound Design, Best Special Effects and Best Visual Effects additionally International film festival of Ireland nominated Burden for Best film USA (under 10 minutes) 2009.

Festival release
Burden will have its world premiere in the USA at the Action on Film International film festival on July 25, 2009 in Pasadena, California at the Laemmle Playhouse 7 Theater.


 * Action on Film International Film Festival July 2009
 * International Film Festival of Ireland Sept 2009
 * Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival Sept 2009