Lightsaber Battle -- Balance of Power, EP II: "Ashes of The Phoenix" (PART II)

[arielleandresevil]

Hey Greytale!! i just wanted to say that you're an inspiration to me,I've always loved fencing and sword fighting ever since i was little and I'd love to be able to do what you do every day,i started fencing by myself this summer and lightsaber dueling.I just wanted to say you're amazing and I love your work!

thumbs up so he might get to see this :)

[greytale]

@arielleandresevil Thank you! It means a lot to me... especially with the latest things going on...

Glad to inspire even one or two people! :) And if I inspire 100s or 1000s--even better!

[mhalo5]

4:40 - 5:55. What a powerful and emotional scene! You can't help but but feel sorry for her loss. Wonderful work!

[greytale]

Wow, holy cow--10,000 views.

I guess that's not "a lot" for viral videos, but I suppose that's pretty good for just a fun, live, staged LED saber performance...

THANK YOU to everyone who has viewed! :)

--Novastar

[GarraFan43]

hey i have a question im not really good at that kind of stuff i was wondering if i paid u idk 200 dollors do u think u can make like 2 lightsabers

[greytale]

@GarraFan43 I wish I had the time and inclination to build sabers as a general business, but I can't... :( Sorry.

That being said, I have a lot of friends and folks at FX-Sabers that build sabers. Just check out the website and you'll find quite a few individual vendors with a LOT of talent, passion and skill for building LED sabers!

--Novastar

[SSJ3Croat]

I just love this.......makes me grab my bokken and start swinging around the house like a real JEDI :D

P.S. How's it going Matt? Haven't heard from you in some time

-Andy

[greytale]

@SSJ3Croat Hola SSJ3... I'm always around... been releasing videos consistently over the past few months, and also just released a 3rd CD Sound Compendium for Crystal Focus... :)

How goes it with you?

--Nova

[kal00sg1]

This... was... incredible. I felt that I just watched a new Star Wars movie, thanks for this guys you are really something. I wish you all success in everything you do, and please keep 'em coming! Greetings!!

[greytale]

@kal00sg1 You're welcome! :) If I ever compile another team for BOP III again (I almost had it going in 2008, but most of my team flaked)... I will certainly get it completed.

Technically, a lot of the sound work / vocals are done for BOP III, believe it or not. They have been for years, actually! Along with the script, which I wrote in 2007/2008...

--Novastar

[yamoo001]

The force stuff threw me off at first, then i realized what they were doing and felt slow. ya'll good, didnt think id like it but couldnt stop watching.

[BreakingEN]

@yamoo001 How did they do the force thing? Please tell me!

[yamoo001]

@BreakingEN Practice and Well timed throws, watch the storm trooper at 0:53, he looks up then throws the blaster, same thing at 1:40 with the lightsaber.

[SpencerTotSims]

Amazing Novastar, Simply great work, very dedicated cast and great choreography, 5 Stars :) Well now its a thumbs up lol

[StuBBy212]

That was excellent work you guys did! I would like to know how to whole lightsaber deal works though. I understand that there's soundboards and all of that but how does the blade work?

[greytale]

@StuBBy212 it depends on what you're asking, but the tubes/blades are polycarbonate--extremely resilient to shock, & relatively difficult to destroy...

The lighting system is a high-current LED running anywhere from 1A to 2A of current, which is focused into a collimator lens at around a 5 or 10 degree reflection angle. That light is "captured"/reflected/refracted off of a diffusive material that is housed inside the tube.

That's the general idea at least... :)

--Novastar

[IrishCinema7]

its crazy how a live performance can be so much better than actual fan FILMS, they can an infinite number of takes you get one, crazy

[greytale]

@IrishCinema7 ...quite true I suppose. :) Although both forms of entertainment do take rehearsal, heheh.

In the case of my shows--we were also *EXTREMELY* limited on funding, as... it simply came from my pocket, lol. Not to mention there was never enough time to PROPERLY deal with things such as the portable setpieces, costuming, filming, and even a few of the props.

But I suppose it came out decently enough.

[pittapittae]

I just checked the "trickers" site and I have to agree with you, no offense!

By the way, now I understand that building lightsabers not to use them it's really a shame... When I finish building mine, I'll have to find someone to battle with!

[pittapittae]

Man, that's awesome! Well, I guess being a martial artist just add some kicking power in your performances...

I'm speechless....

[greytale]

@pitta... thanks, I appreciate that! But my martial skills are nothing compared to XMA folks and high level "trickers"... :)

Still... yeah--I tried to sneak in a little of everything with the BOP II show.

--Novastar

[darysy]

im sry but this vid kinda disapointed me a lil when the child defeated the sith lord at first (im a sith lover) but u brought my hopes up when he actually didnt die XD but this is badass hope for the 3rd 1

[greytale]

@darysy... it actually took the combination of all three (Nova, Cael, Alexandra) working together to defeat Necrolosis here... and as you noted--Necrolosis FALLS... but... :)

[jakedizzle]

This is why I love Star Wars. It's like I'm seeing an old love for the first time in years. Prequels were the culprit for my absence of fond memories.

[greytale]

@jake... thanks! Glad you're enjoying it...

I'm I'm lucky, I'll be able to eventually get BOP III completed with a full cast and all that jazz. :)

[jakedizzle]

Awesome. If you post the time, date and location of that show I'll be there. Guaranteed. -Men's Wearhouse.

[jakedizzle]

Oh yea, I saw your vid on the custom saber with resonance sound and the white flash for blaster deflects and whatnot. I hope it makes it into BOP3. The sound is wicked sick, plus the flashes add to the realism, but I'm sure you know that already. Just had to throw it out there.

[Amarian86]

@greytale sooo, how's that BOP III coming along? *batts eyelashes* lol xD

[greytale]

@Amarian86 Hi Amarian... *bats eyelashes right back atcha*... LOL...

Well... honestly, a *LOT* of projects have taken precedence--which is unfortunate in many ways. At the same time... it's not over... it's not over yet!! :)

--Nova

[Amarian86]

@greytale So long as it's not a forgotten project, i'm a happy little camper. :D there is still hope, yay!

[Vman9484]

who was the poor soul you booted across the room xD lmao!!! My old Sensei has nailed me pretty hard during demos hahaha. Lil too Pumped up

[greytale]

@vman9484... if you mean when Novastar (played by me) side-kicks a stormtrooper... the ST was played by none other than Anthony Davidson, aka... Necrolosis! :)

He also plays the trooper who (of course) gets the saber thrown at him... and later rises to reveal that--yes--he is Necrolosis, in disguise. :)

[berny525]

Awesome work, thanks for the e-mail and link. Can't wait to watch more.

[blazeL4]

crazy stuff there man you look well young lolwere u get all ur costumes from ?

[greytale]

Wassup Blaze... I'm editing my 100th video right now, heheh!

Also... the main guy you see fighting here is not me--that was one of my actors. You'll have to watch the entire performance to see what happens with my character of "Novastar"...

Costumes were either built or scrapped together by myself and/or the cast... :)

[siyoan]

allo, are you going to be making any more vids of your performances? am in the uk, soooo it's a bit difficult to come and watch! =p

[greytale]

Thanks for the shout out from the UK! :) Many of my fans are from there, and a lot of people on the threads/forums too. :)

I'm hoping to put together BOP III soon enough, but... it's been rough. Trying times for the economy in the U.S. has made this kind of commitment tough for people in the area. Plus... I'm only one man, and not very excellent with marketing/auditions I'm afraid. :(

BUT... by hook or by crook--BOP III *WILL* happen. --Novastar

[RedKamikaze85]

Wow you're freakin' awesome. We'd have a lot of fun coming up with something if we were actually able to meet up. Your styling is similar to mine, but your execution is very different...which is nice because I love to play around with different ideas.

I'm just in awe, I really am. Great job!

[grimzors]

dude.........that was so epic. 5/5!!

[greytale]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.

Balance of Power EP III auditions are in the midst of happening too, so... we'll see if I can get the third show done within the next year or so...

[RSWilfulness]

wow 1:20! amazing

[demonsalastor]

Gonna be honest. The girl was a little exaggerated and bugged me a bit. But other than that I am highly highly impressed. It shows that you guys rehearsed like no other. Outstanding job to all.

[ssfire8]

wow this LIVE STAR WARS PLAY FREAKIN ASWOME TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!!

[JELCO5]

That was very impessive, well done. The audio sync was great not to mention the force grab effects / mimes and the dueling was first rate and the acting / script too ! Just imagine what you could all produce with an extensive budget !

[greytale]

Thanks Jelco... I imagine it all the time! :) Too bad I'm just a single man with my own meager pocketbook and no crew or facilities, heheh!

With any luck, BOP III will make my first two productions look like kid n' play. But... we'll see. It all costs money, and more importantly... requires a TEAM that is dedicated to see things through--no matter how hard it gets.

[Donjosue]

Took me a bit to get into the series, but everything was just amazing! The sabre duels, the characters, and how the story was carried out in a live action scene. Well done Novastar. I hope you can get the cast o BoP 3 soon. And i wish you luck on that quest.

[greytale]

Thanks Donjosue... I appreciate that! And I understand that it would take a bit of patience for people to watch both BOP I & II all the way through.

Gotta set the story, characters, and establish certain things though, heheh...

Oh, and yeah--I sure hope I can assemble a BOP III cast sometime soon too...

[pogijuice9061]

very well played...wish i was there to wacth...love the choreography...

[greytale]

Hahahhaha... yup--I wrote in that little plot twist just to surprise everyone... although yeah, kind of tough for me to be showing up anymore in the next shows, hahahah! :)

It should give me more room to direct and focus on the 15 *OTHER* jobs I have to do though... (*sigh*... soooo much work)... :(

[greytale]

Thanks, Kenny, Hecto, Chachi, 00Rooster!!

It was definitely a lot of work, and I'm very much hoping to do Balance of Power III if I can ever assemble a competent, reliable cast. It's going to be tough though... seeing as it must be all-volunteer, and takes *THRONGS* of work. Throngs.

[KennyKenv]

this was absolutely awesome, really enjoyed both instalments, an excellent job well done!! rated and favourited! just ordered an obi wan luxeon powered beast so ill meet you on telos for the final battle : )

[hectoalborez]

wow...that was pretty good

[00Rooster4Life00]

Very well done, I am very impressed, Great story, great fight scenes, very well put together, I love the sabers and wish i could get my hands on them. But as i said im very impressed, it was very entertaining and ill be waiting for the next part =)

5 stars. and subscribed

[JadoOfSavannah]

need special effects. keep up the good work

[DarkSwordmasterZeke]

This is just wonderful. My favourite moove is when the Jedis and the siths use FORCE. It's really seems real ! !

Keep it up, you guys, you're the best. Ever.

[greytale]

Thank you! It's only worth it when comments like this appear... since... uh... I really have 0 budget, 0 "crew"... and it's not like it's easy to put together or anything. :)

[stopronable]

OMG! This is amazing! Seriously you guys are awesome. I have always wanted to do something like this but could never find people willing. Wow! Good luck to you Greytale and all of your team. Looking forward to your third installment as well. Keep up the good work. : )

[greytale]

Thank you... you probably understand a small portion of how truly difficult it is. Just to find a team both willing and CAPABLE?!? That alone is quite a hardship to overcome.

[stopronable]

Tell me about it. I am having quite a time with it myself. I know how disheartening it can be. But YOU are the man YOU did it and YOU rock. May the force be with you Greytale, always.

[greytale]

Well, I certainly hope to see more of this kind of thing... from myself or anyone else. Naturally I want to see BOP III to full fruition, but... as we all know--can't do it alone!

The worst is when 1 person starts to get a "big head" and believes that they somehow get a free pass or are more important in a singular way vs. the whole team. It comes in the form of being lazy... not showing up on time (or at all)... not being prepared... or generally just having a negative attitude. Not good!

[krowanders]

There's something very charming about a live action Star Wars story. I really like this.

[OdinVale]

seriously wonderful performance. i do not know if it is what you want, but i know i want you to have a license to do this THEATRICALLY. i love this. i would love to see this is as an indepedant film festival movie, and if you already did, than id love you. i love star wars so much and i cannot even begin to use words to express my love for what i just watched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!

[ImperialSith]

Since Necrolosis killed Novastar then is the plot twist in BOP III then that Blackstar comes in? you know since Necro drawed him with him!? then i gues this is where Flange III sith version also comes in!? ;)

[greytale]

BOP III is pretty far away from even being re-started right now, but... I certainly HOPE we find a way to use both the Flange III "Green" and Flange III "Red" sabers in there. That was my intention at least--to get both CF sabers in there!

There are quite a few things happening plot-wise in BOP III... one thing is for certain... you'll see the dual-wielding "Valaris Skyblade" again... :)

[ImperialSith]

thats good to hear... but since Flange G III and Flange III R are CF sabers shouldend you uninstall the CF since you use recorded voices.. you so it wouldent mix up the sounds!?

[greytale]

Both BOP I and II utilized sabers with sounds from FX boards... in fact, in one performance of BOP II (not shown here online), CF v1.2 was used for the "stunt" Flange saber! :)

Anyhow--the sounds are rarely heard over the music and soundtrack... although you CAN hear Dani's saber (Alexandra's) a few times in this very performance... :)

[ragdolltwisty]

ooooh i bet necrolosis is using the force to bring back novastar and that other one he killed but turning them into bad guys!!!!

[Veoso07]

Necrolosis (Or how ever ya spell it) Has the perfect Evil Laugh He's more Scary Then Palpy and Vader Combined

[greytale]

You spelled it right! :) And thanks, glad you like his voice...

The vocals for Necrolosis, Novastar, Cael, the ship's computer system droid and several of the STs... were done by myself!! :) (Novastar)

Imperial Officer vocals by Charles Jeske, along with the "head honcho" Stormtrooper... :)

[Toranih]

I have to admit, story-wise I'm worried about the Jedi Master. I wasn't expecting the Sith Lord to make a comeback (Though, considering that he was Sith, I shouldn't be surprised.). I look forward to seeing Part 3. :-)

[hito98]

This is the best movie with fx lightsabers ever, I just have a query, aren't jedi not supposed to love or have children?

[greytale]

Thanks Hito... and good observation--exactly: Novastar has many "faults" and character flaws, one of which is that he had a wife and child. Some of the character history I wrote for him explains why he "gets away" with some of this... but only to a certain extent. Novastar was actually "demoted" and removed from jedi status for a long time, until HIS father was killed by Necrolosis.

[hito98]

Great story, you must have had a lot of time to write this stuff! I am working on a starwars story at the moment, but it's an actual book not film. Maybe I could film it but I don't think I will have much of a success.

[greytale]

Not much extra time really, just a few hours every day over a period of time from 2004-2005 (writing/choreo/etc. for BOP I) and 2005-2006 for BOP II. Just a little at a time.

Also, technically, neither of the BOP performances were really "films"... they were performed 100% live in front of audiences. No special camera tricks, no rotoscoping, no pads, not much room for error...

What you see was what they got! :)

[GeneralMazaki]

You have to keep in mind that the New Jedi order, the one which was established after the Rebels created the New Galactic Republic, was created by Luke Skywalker, who revised the Jedi code which allowed attachment. This video must take place after the second Death Star's destruction because of the Sith being present, the Stormtroopers, and the fact that there are other Jedi besides Luke.

[Nikohost]

ok.... when nova and necro were fighting, and necro tried using the blaster... HOW THE HELL did they do that wierd slo-mo effect LIVE?! that was awesome.

[greytale]

Hi Niko... well, it was merely a timing thing... :) Basically, I directed my actors to move with the pre-recorded blasts and deflections--which were all choreographed (just like the battle sequences).

Additionally, this gave the actors time to rest a bit... :)

Finally--the "frame trails" were nothing special, and just a super-imposing kind of effect I did with movie maker. It was the only "effect" I really did with the footage.  If that's even an "effect", LOL!

[mechjedi]

dude that rocked

[CloudAdeventChildren]

nice thx for sending me this =D

[ImperialSith]

good job Nova/Matthew now i know what your name is... anyway cant wait for BOP III

[hapajedi]

If you guys are ever in Hawaii , wed love for yall to make a cameo in 7 Jedi.

[greytale]

I'm game if you are! Sent you a message...

[SoulRythm]

That was so AWESOME!!!! I love this! Truly holds the spirit of star wars. you guys..& girls (;D) RULE!!!

[greytale]

Thanks! People like you make these projects worth it for me. And most certainly the very female character of Alexandra Novastar will be involved in Episode III. Dani did a great job, and being the youngest of the cast... I'd say she was the most "aces" in the show... :) We only hope she'll be aboard for III. We'll see...

[saberblade73]

Excellent work! the slow mo part was well done and the voice and effects were all quite imaginative, keep up the good work man!

[BlackGatchaman]

That was TRULY a MASTERPIECE!!  The sound effects and voice overs felt even BETTER than classic Star Wars canon! Awesome work! Just AWESOME ALL AROUND!! The Force is strong with you and your entire crew of friends, Greytale! 5/5 without a doubt.

[greytale]

Thanks! I appreciate that you noticed many of the details... it was indeed a lot of work, and since it was 100% live... even tougher (in some ways) than doing a "film" production.

[Ionhelen]

Incredible as always, master Greytale. The choreography is beautiful, which as a martial artist I'm quite fond of.  Overall, the story is great too.

Why do I get the feeling, though, that Master Greytale is about to pull a Bastila?

[snake6phw]

bravo! great films, will there be more?

[greytale]

BOP III will occur... but currently, at an unknown time in the future.

Most of the cast of BOP III have abandoned the project, each for their own reasons/agendas.

This will not prevent me from putting together the project... but simply delay it. :) Only a matter of time.

[FrenchVanilla32]

THat was Awesome. Love the Series!

[marksman55]

this is so sweet! Great job, great ending!

[JacobSheppard]

Nice, loved it. Especially the slow-mo part with the blaster. That was pretty bad ass.

Keep it up.

-Jacob

[NeoShadow8]

Awsome!!!!!!!!!!!

[jayndsun]

DOPE SHIT! Do you need a Hispanic jedi!? ahha

[martinandre91]

Utter awesomeness. Only problem I have with this is the fact that they spam with using the force... If you watch the movies, the only guy actually using it that much is Darth Sidious. But he -is- one of the few force-combat types, seeing the rest always fight it out with lightsabers. It usually gets kinda boring when they go *force pushes him away* *force pushes back* "My daddeh is strongah than your daddeh!" concept. Other than that. Ûberness.

[greytale]

spam?  lol...

[KosyenElef]

I wanna see what they are gonna do with novastars body o.o What if the dark lord was soo powerful he could bring him back to life then influence him to the darkside??? that would be so interesting O.O!

[Jedi554]

Hey! I was thinking the same thing!!!

[RyuKaguya]

when that sith guy came back i was like Hell yeah!

[greytale]

It's always fun planning surprising plot twists... ;) I only wish we had more time to make Anthony's costume a bit better as an ST... but... he also had to MOVE in it in a very versatile way. It was a tough balancing act, especially with limited resources.

[JediArchives]

5 stars!!

[SonOfAdam94]

Hey! I can't believe I just found out that this was out today! Congratulations and great job to you and your team Greytale! I really, really enjoyed this one a lot and I mean it. I got totally sucked into the theatrics, drama, lighting, humor and of course...the LIGHTSABERS! Time to make some hi-quality downloads available and a DVD with BOP 1&2 on it. If you need someone to do (free) let me know ;) Keep up the good work Bro, it's appreciated.

[TheMuffin18]

I said it once and I'll say it again. Wow that was good. Was twice as good as BOP I and that is saying a lot because I loved the first one. And I still cringe when you kick that Stormtrooper.

[greytale]

That ST is actually... (*gasp*)... the Dark Master! hehehheh...

Well... at least in the BayCon video...

[Jedi554]

Necrolosis sort of gave his position as a stormtrooper away.

"I have you now, little one. Come here. It is useless to resist."

I don't think stormtroopers talk that way ;)

[greytale]

Yep... I did that on purpose.

Although--his costume was not quite supposed to be so simplistic... but he needed to be able to *move*. You do the math.

[lightsaber1138]

cool but how come the blasters don't always flash brightly??

[jump4cali]

It suks that you had to cut the vidoe into three parts... but once again... awesome job everyone!

[powersphere216]

Perfect! Just the way I envisioned it! I can't wait for the next episode! You guys are simply amazing!

[cindrollic]

As My Favorite Sith Lord Once Said ''Inpersive,Most Inpressive''

[TNTv]

Can't wait for the next episode. You are a stormtrooper. I am a big nerd.

[greytale]

Behind the scenes photos, further credits, and video viewable available on "Part III".

Again, YouTube only allows for files that are so long... :)