Ever since the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2017, the fan base of the franchise has never been as divided as it is today. This schism is fueled by anger towards the Sequel Trilogy and this worldwide debate has embedded itself into our social structure. It has gotten to the point where it has become overwhelming for many. Therefore, instead of choosing a side, Los Angeles filmmaker James Martinez decided to write and direct a fan film of his own titled “Rogue Seven” and release it in a time when many could use a distraction.
In 2019, James Martinez wrote the script for Rogue Seven and immediately began production. On a budget of $900, he doubled his duties in every department including cinematography, visual effects, sound and video editing. He began with the mindset that the film wouldn’t be a solution to the sequel films, but to be a story within the universe which could have happened in canon. Rogue Seven’s story follows a Thief who must save a group of X-Wing pilots from an Imperial armada and an overconfident
bounty hunter.
“I was hesitant about being in a fan film, but after reading the script I realized this was different. It wasn’t just a love letter to Star Wars, it was a great stand alone story which could be seamlessly inserted into the Star Wars canon.” – James Ham
After completion of filming, it took half a year to create the visual effects in the film, with a focus on using practical effects instead of CGI. During post-production, Martinez lost his job and had to stay in his home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This event gave him the opportunity he needed to finish Rogue Seven and release it. Early reactions to the film say it is an amazing and cohesive action film, with rich, developed characters and impressive VFX.
During these troubling and confusing times, James Martinez only hopes that people enjoy this film as a fun little distraction, and fans enjoy it as another adventure in the Star Wars universe.
