Ryan vs. Dorkman
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
| |
| Ryan vs. Dorkman series | |
|---|---|
| Director(s) |
Michael Scott |
| Producer(s) |
Ryan Wieber |
| Starring |
Ryan Wieber |
| Music by |
Trevor Jones (RvD) |
| Distributor |
Blinding Light Productions |
| Runtime |
5 to 10 minutes (each episode) |
| Language |
English |
Ryan vs. Dorkman is the title of two videos created by Ryan Wieber and Michael "Dorkman" Scott, Ryan vs. Dorkman, released in 2003 as a TFN Fan Film and RvD2: Ryan vs. Dorkman 2, in 2007. They have both circulated around YouTube as very popular videos, and a high-definition version of the sequel was online at Stage6, until that site was shutdown.
In each video, Ryan faces off against Dorkman in a grueling lightsaber duel. Although the lads seem to have Jedi fencing talents, Jedi reflexes and also possess Force powers, no Star Wars context is given since they have real-life modern clothing, they duel in a real-life facility and there is no explanation why they fight. The videos are known for their use of fight choreography, special effects, and sound effects. Their end is always inconclusive but each time at least one of them is killed.
After the success and popularity of Ryan vs. Dorkman in the Star Wars fan community, Ryan Wieber was hired by LucasArts in September of 2003. There he worked as an effects artist on several projects, until April of 2005, when he became a full-time compositer for Stargate Digital.
[edit] Ryan vs. Dorkman
- Length: 5 minutes
The first battle has Ryan and Dorkman fighting in a warehouse (listed as Carco Electronics of Menlo Park, California). They clash lightsabers, while also adding punches to the face and other areas of the body. Lightsabers in this video are shown to slash through clothing and penetrate skin, leaving burned residue (in this video portrayed by dry erase markers). Force Pull and Push are used. There is also a scene in which the two have a ground battle, rolling around on the floor and Dorkman loses his glasses.
After Ryan loses his lightsaber, he attempts to steal Dorkman's, but the two end up in a Force Pull tug-of-war. Eventually, Dorkman lets Ryan "win", then activates the lightsaber through Ryan's chest. Dorkman retrieves his lightsaber, only to be stabbed through the stomach by a clone of Ryan.
[edit] RvD2: Ryan vs. Dorkman 2
- Length: 10 minutes
This second video was shot with enhanced visual effects (including cleaner lightsaber effects) in high-definition. Afterward Adobe After Effects was used in post-production to create the lightsabers' glow. This film had 70 executive producers, 34 producers, 34 associate producers, 36 executive soundtrack producers, 28 soundtrack producers, and 10 associate soundtrack producers credited, The large number of producers existed for donations to the project. Two camera operators plus Ryan and Michael shot the film. The music for RvD2 was original and performed by a 60-person orchestra at Capitol Records.
The hilts were designed by Wieber himself out of aluminum and were used in both RvD and RvD2. The blades were composed of carbon fiber tubes.
The location is now the warehouse of Los Amigos Tortillas in Atlanta, Georgia. This industrial location was chosen as the owner Ruben allowed them to film there for free, versus most places in Los Angeles. Even though Ryan and Dorkman died previously, they have since aged. This time the lightsabers are shown to cause damage to the floor and the wall, produce sparks, and create realistic penetrations in human flesh, including slicing off an arm. The pyrotechnic effects were provided by Detonation Films. Telekinesis in the forms of Force Pull and Push is used extensively in the video. Dorkman also loses his glasses again.
The climax of the film has Ryan managing to achieve cho sun against Dorkman in the battle, and Dorkman falls to the floor, gaping at his arm. After Ryan destroys Dorkman's lightsaber, he uses shiak to brutally torture Dorkman, but he lowers his lightsaber too low to his captive. Dorkman grabs Ryan's lightsaber and kicks him away. Dorkman flings Ryan's lightsaber through Ryan himself, using sai tok,and he falls apart. Dorkman limps away, but not before kicking his opponent.
It premiered at the Wilshire Fine Arts Theatre on the West Coast, and the New York Comic Con on the East Coast.
[edit] External links
- on YouTube
- RvD2 on YouTube
- RyanVsDorkman.com
- Ryan-W.com Ryan Wieber's website
