The Gambler [Saxxy Awards 2015 Extended Nomination]

This fictional short tells the backstory of Nick and his gambling past.
We were nominated! Thanks to everyone who voted! steamcommunity....
--CREDITS--
-- Nic "Hrorek" Ebinger --
Lead Animation, Story, Sound Design, Scene Layout, Re-texturing, Lighting, Color Correction,
Subscribe! goo.gl/QPrhK
/ hrorek - Dishonored speedruns!
steamcommunity....
-- Webb Pickersgill --
Story & Creative Director
www.webbpickers...
-- Bryan Simcox --
Screenplay & Edit
colorblindfilms...
-- Justin "Dunkle" Dunkle --
Story, Scene Layout, Animator, Alley Scene Build & Lighting
/ dunklechannel
-- Henry Lyons --
Story, Scene Layout, Zombie chase animation @ 3:38
-- Brandon Tran VA --
Bookie Voice Over
/ @brandontranva
-- Douglas "Skybex" Hamilton --
Casino Props
www.skybex.com
-- Christina Camilleri --
Music: Opening Track titled "lost and unfound"
/ 0xkitty
/ christinacamilleri
(side note: she also did the track "birds" which was used in Hrorek's Bullseye video)
/ oneiro-music
-- Special Thanks --
Idol Minds - www.idolminds.com/
-- Additional Music/SFX --
Niklas Gustavsson - Inspired By Electronics 2 (courtesy of Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsou...)
Left 4 Dead Soundtrack - Enzymicide
Midnight Riders - Midnight Ride
Additional Sound Effects by audiomicro.com/...
-- Workshop Credits --
Pooling Blood Animated prop by Mickyan
steamcommunity....
HQ Posable Dollar
steamcommunity....
High Definition Animated .357
steamcommunity....
Black Mesa DLC
L4D DLC & Content

[@ivoryrosett1980]

The apocalypse saved his life

[@ripandtear1645]

yep hes my fav survivor

[@timbalsalarda4086]

My favorite survivor of all times too Nick

[@dominiquechan4635]

Im replied for no reason

[@ausername1972]

The irony

[@C.A._Old]

Golden Of 2010's and 2015 Times.

[@Kazuma_Kiryu_]

" *Brains come out, swamp water doesn't. Don't ask me how I know that.* "

[@MrVodka-ie8jw]

Nick is a hitman?

[@qpie7953]

@@sunsybdbyr Yup, and he is good and familiar with guns Even ellis says "Nick, didn't surprised me that you are good with the guns"

[@lylevillanueva8624]

Even Rochelle knows he is a con-man (killer)

[@sabertheodst]

@@qpie7953 Nick is a con man and gambler, its just that he has likely needed to use violence when these thigns went bad.

[@johnconner-vq8fb]

​@@sabertheodst Maybe he was in some sort of back alley poker game and someone got shot infront of him

[@BeejieBean-97]

WOW that was AMAZING!!!! great job :D

[@Rhyton]

Beejie Bean it's been 1 years no one has been reply or like xD

[@rizzay309]

Hi.

[@powerade3781]

Hi

[@kram1498]

Wheres the Dark Carnival SFM?

[@vannakarlsson9192]

Where’s the dark carnival sfm?? I miss them:((( really want to see them

[@aero_xxi]

now he's gambling his life to get through the apocalypse... this is awesome, great work!

[@REEEPROGRAM]

Let's be thankful that even nick was a jerk in his team, he wasn't a traitor

[@eskirix1069]

@@REEEPROGRAM late to reply, but I think that Nick is pretending to be a jerk, just in case if he would've died in the apocalypse among Ellis, Coach and Rochelle, they wouldn't miss him that much and he would spare them some pain and emotional damage of his death.

[@C.A._Old]

Golden Of 2010's and 2015 Times.

[@MrAeral]

Yeah... This is a very nice written message.

[@sankarii.21]

​​@@eskirix1069 I'm glad that some people see Nicolas this way. He finds it hard to trust people (plus he's a con-man), but he wasn't exactly heartless. At first, Nick realized that he can't survive the apocalypse on his own so he had to stay with the group but we see him warming up to Ellis, Rochelle and Coach as the campaign progresses.

[@antiusername10]

The Mechanic? The News Anchor? The Coach? The Biker? The Businessman? The War Veteran? The Young Adult?

[@jared8665]

producer* manager* namvet* teenangst*

[@doge751k]

Coach is Amercian-football player just to let you know :D

[@vc_whatever]

"The Young Adult" I'm sorry, what

[@doge751k]

@@vc_whatever He called nick a young adult and he is a gambler

[@vc_whatever]

@@doge751k I'm sorry if I can't seem to understand (I'm not a native english speaker), But who called him that? I kinda interpreted The Young Adult as Zoey.

[@TTMR]

YOU MADE IT FAM YOU GOT NOMINATED

[@seronymus]

fam savage tbh bruyh XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[@TTMR]

+Oreimo Did Nothing Wrong crying laughing emoji

[@DaddyDex420]

ALL THE PEOPLE THAT SAY LIT OR FAM SHALL BE DAMNED FOR ETERNITY

[@marquibalbuena3624]

​@@DaddyDex420 slangs got worse today brotha

[@wonderfulwonderful8543]

This might as well be Canon for how well this was written.

[@zecoreYT]

Nick doesn't live in Vannah Hotel

[@sarg3893]

@@zecoreYT I'm pretty sure he's staying there, it's a hotel after all.

[@C.A._Old]

Golden Of 2010's and 2015 Times.

[@wonderfulwonderful8543]

​@@zecoreYTmight've been a different hotel

[@MrAeral]

Yeah, for real.

[@mafiaismafia]

This looks like a trailer to a movie. I love the screenplay and how you induced the fantastic. Very nice work!

[@willardwyler4722]

Oh My it’s Jesse

[@C.A._Old]

Golden Of 2010's and 2015 Times.

[@MrAeral]

Yeah!

[@draconicanova]

Nick's 100% my favorite survivor, and I adore what you did here. 5 years later, this still moves me.

[@pennyprince]

Wow, this was amazing. This should be in the actual game.

[@datlikj]

It's the character from left 4 dead 2. Yes, he is a protagonist of Left 4 Dead

[@pennyprince]

Jiři Datlovsky Wow, no way!! I never knew this, how did I not notice that kappa?

[@datlikj]

yes I am

[@markguardiana600]

Well theres ester eggs, you will hear the past of nick

[@WaterModel]

Maybe they could've done this thing where Valve had this section where there were videos that show the game buyer about each protagonist's pasts.

[@mongoloid-leper]

Nick is my favorite character and this portrays him in such a cool way so thank you very much I wouldn’t want anybody else making this for nick

[@daveasher2687]

Wow, this is amazing, really hope you win! Perhaps you're considering making such backstories for all the L4D characters?

[@Daucus]

+Dave Asher Thanks! As of right now there's no plans for a continuation of this for any of the other survivors.

[@thehappyfrog1164]

+Dave Asher JustRightM8

[@willtanker7684]

+Hrorek bill. nuff said

[@willtanker7684]

+Hrorek bill. nuff said.

[@jasminehayton2534]

+Dave Asher good idea

[@treerootstv7232]

Had to pause for a second. Even his death would be a gamble. That's some deep shit poetically and believable as he's a gambler. Beautifully done.

[@MrStronglime]

Wonderful use of sound, loved when you started hinting that it would be the beginning of L4D by chaning the pacing of the knocks. Or maybe I just had to read the description.

[@RoboticKnight0Z]

Once a lone Gambler now a badass survivor with his new badass family.

[@sbraypaynt]

The symbolism of the roulette wheel and Russian roulette with the match cut was beautiful.

[@Deezone21]

This should be an actual trailer about Nick's life, actually, there should be a trailer about the survivors lifes.

[@GunSpyEnthusiast]

Keith needs one before Ellis, or Ellis's would just be about all the crazy shit Keith did. Ellis fans would rather have Ellis's trailer be about what color socks he prefers to wear.

[@MattyMatthew-m4o]

This is canon now, I don't care.

[@anotherusername9523]

I dont care what's Valve's story behind Nick. This is CANON for me

[@MrJericho]

Damn Hrorek. You guys really pulled off an absoloutly amazing animation there. Everything just runs smoothly and perfectly. The only downsides i personaly have is the scene when the Infected break into the room, it seems very quick to me. But hey! Just personal opinion. Nice work, would love to see this win this years!. Good evening.

[@Daucus]

+Mr Jericho Thanks for taking the time to give your opinion, I appreciate all kinds of feedback. Glad you enjoyed it ^_^

[@Fishy_1998yt]

Very interesting take on nick’s character even if it’s really dark and kind of looks goofy during the gambling scene but SFM has its limitations. Cinematography is very well done and despite being SFM the lighting/“graphics” look very good in most areas. I’ve always liked playing as nick so seeing a proper backstory is really cool.

[@Roonifer]

I'm really butthurt that this didn't win.

[@TheShadowFan123]

+Roonifer you and me both, man

[@xiggy_]

wow, this is real good!

[@bobstery6288]

Life is just like gamble, you never know when you'll be lucky or sadness.

[@GoreTorn16]

So this was Nicks beginning. Well done

[@coolnas100]

If Valve ever decides to make L4D TV series including the characters from L4D2, well.....They better start with this scene!

[@eternalterrors6824]

"I have NOT made it this far just to die now" - Nick 2009

[@dogman15]

I imagine that soon after this, Coach and Ellis find Nick in this hotel room, and they go up to the roof with Rochelle to seek the evacuation helicopter.

[@aarongaming2878]

Yeah I think you're right

[@tommytheblackfive4467]

*"I spend my whole life Gamblin' and now im Gambling for the Apocalypse"*

[@farasapt6579]

Hrorek, you really need to make a video about the rest of the L4D2 survivor and what's it's like before the apocalypse. Maybe you could make Ellis and keith together or rochelle at a news station and even coach eating a hamburger

[@Daucus]

+Far Asap It's a nice idea but the return for the amount of work put in isn't really worth it. L4D is kind of a dead game until they make another one. Maybe then...

[@issabeganovic8822]

+Hrorek Do it for us you jock! This was too awesome and everyone's already contributing. I am too curious to back off now. If it took you like a month, no worries!

[@farasapt6579]

Hrorek do you have a patreon? if not, you need to

[@Daucus]

+Far Asap I don't have a patreon.. I've thought about it but I'm not sure if I would really get the support I need in order to make it worth while. I'm in a bit of a weird situation right now waiting to see if I'll continue to have a job as a cinematic artist. If that officially falls through you may see a patreon page appear.

[@Daucus]

+Issa Beganovic This one was a ton of work. Not only from myself but all the others involved that helped flesh out the story and previs. Nick's story was unique because it could be told without using much dialogue from the game. I think it may be harder to do that with the other survivors while attempting to delivery a well thought out story. However, if I run into $1,000,000 it's possible that I might consider taking on such a laborious task. =P

[@cardcupcake5730]

I wish they added a revolver so when nick picked it up he says " this gun gives me bad memories..."

[@wishywish025]

Seriously, this should've won the extended category! The production quality is far superior :O

[@Daucus]

Voting is live! If you enjoyed it give it a thumbs up! steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=552219017

[@AntonBerglund88]

+Hrorek so sad

[@datlikj]

I have to disappoint you, but saxxy awards are only for TF2 videos. But your video is nice

[@AntonBerglund88]

oh is it i diden't know that

[@silver5341]

+Jiři Datlovsky then how do you explain that a DOTA video won for best drama

[@datlikj]

+The wastelander If it has nothing to do with TF2, creator will not get saxxy (tf2 item

[@Neuwey331]

Wow, Nick had the most painful past.

[@thewounds596]

Thank you for making this Nick was my favourite survivor in L4D2 :D

[@theshadowmagican]

the debt was wiped clean and nicks last bit of luck helped him survice zero hour of the outbreak

[@gentle_rodent]

Awesome man!! Congrats for your nomination! The cinematography is real good and this kind of backstory honestly does fit Nick's character. 😎👍

[@MrAeral]

This is really amazing! I’m kinda sad that I found it only by now. But WOW, the story, the animation, the action. Everything is perfect here!

[@somthing5705]

And then nick stumbles upon three people who will help him fight a horde of zombies, get some gas for a generator just to let the bridge go down and keep a stock car, getting to go in a helicopter in whispering oaks only to discover the pilot becoming infected, having his suit dirty because of 2 nasty sewers and a one big swamp, and run his way through he bridge just to finally go to a helicopter to safety.

[@AzuriteCoast]

You've got my vote.

[@PraiseSk1nny]

Animations like these makes me want to play the game it was about, thanks for making me want to play L4D2 again :D

[@CrunchySoap]

Now this is machinima. Deserves way more views!

[@chaos9731]

Nicks paradise... a world were he had no coincidences and no rules

[@shadowmaster902]

And this is the story behind my favorite Left 4 Dead 2 character.

[@TheDemonicChaotic]

Im actually tearing up bro

[@shark_moe64]

Wait demoicChaotic I didn’t know you were gere

[@StormX6]

I wish L4D2 got a comic like L4D’s The Sacrifice to really flesh out and show the survivors backstories.

[@bassault]

WOAH.... One of the best ones.... underrated as hell

[@cardcupcake5730]

That crying that dress this brings back some bad memorys

[@andrewabate2570]

I love the blend of tf2, l4d2/1, and garrys mod assets combining into each other with out breaking the immersion and some how blending and fitting with each other and the over all great animation.

[@Henry.J.blacksmith]

We need an animated movie of L4D

[@deidarasenpai009]

Please do more! I've always wanted to see the l4d2 survivors following the formula of the Sacrifice comic and this does it perfectly for nick

[@mr.hangman9708]

“Yo gambling man maybe you should stop gambling on money and gamble your life with one last shot or maybe that will be your last Gamble” that should be a line for l4d2

[@brunitodmencia]

the quality is just getting better at the saxxies

[@johncalhoun656]

To think that if the zombie outside the room wouldn't have moaned at that very second, we wouldn't see Nick in L4D2, damn things can get deep, good Animation btw :P

[@giovannavh]

i cant believe that i didnt see this the last year... that was amazing, GREAT JOB!

[@Dvonbringsdaknowledge]

Man this was amazing! Nice work on the backstory, the setting, the drama, and all others makes this a solid contender!

[@Thebongosusetobethicc]

What if each character had there own cinematic at the starting screen and this was Nick’s

[@eaglemelee]

Probably my favorite SFM style video ever. Great job!

[@LukesMama3]

Nick: Is legit about to shoot himself in the head A freaking zombie apocalypse: THE HELL YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?

[@Tk210ism]

How did this not win the extended this is pure quality.

[@singlechez6656]

One of the best left 4 dead 2 animations ive ever seen hands down

[@alialatrach9788]

He used to play with money. Now he's about to play with his life. One chance, one try, one choice.

[@epichamster96]

Nick background dlc confirmed.

[@Mishieftress]

This is THE best l4d2 source video I've ever seen! kudos!

[@markguardiana600]

This Story really happens, thanks for animating this

[@sfmcinematics]

Well done, gentlemen. Very nice.

[@EllusionZ]

Man, this deserves more liked bro... this is beyond legendary

[@Calmor25]

Awesome stuff! I absolutely adore the sound design! It makes it so visceral!

[@electriccherryz7706]

3:26 the music fits sooo well

[@randomassmomentsingames]

This is actually well animated. Great job to the creators!

[@ShiusOld]

You could say... he won the gamble. (lol. Awesome animation btw, definitely voting for it.)

[@admiralbriggs997]

Shius terrible joke 👎

[@dani-mx1si]

nick went from a lucky gambler to a broke man

[@andresherrera2902]

This is a perfect story for Nick's past

[@nekocrouton]

I already gushed over this on Steam, but holy shit. This was goddamn amazing. SO GOOD. I'm definitely going to go vote for it on Steam, I really hope you win!!

[@NoxBlood97]

If Nick ever needs a backstory then look no further than this video! its amazing!

[@nihatozbey4629]

As soon as the darkest night is when closest to you in the morning.

[@uwinyeap6222]

Makes sense, it's like the scene before he meets the others and gathers at the roof top.

[@nickl4d288]

takes me back...

[@kokichioma1901]

The day before the infection...

[@quickfoxbrock6446]

This was really good for it's time.

[@MoriAnimations]

Fantastic! Totally wicked! Great lighting and colours and camera work.

[@umi3985]

i love it, it's just perfect.

[@DJTHED]

So many really good Saxxy entries like this are getting so overlooked... Nonetheless, very well done!

[@daviddereberry7596]

In the grand scheme of things, you need to pray you get the wild card sometimes. The zombie apocalypse for example, is THE biggest wild card you can hope to play. Voting for you right now.

[@okaberintarou5203]

I honestly won’t be surprised if this is how Nick meets up the other survivors, if the game had a actual campaign with 4 different scenarios one from Coach, Ellis Nick and Rochelle

[@no4432]

This should be a movie.

[@NoName-l2p3e]

This should have a million of views damn it

[@DuncanDonutzRAWRXD]

Well made sfm animation, everything was well detailed

[@arec5049]

Amazing work, loved it! I could tell you put some great effort and work into this!

[@VinnieJonny]

beautiful

[@summerrose4035]

One word, BEAUTIFUL

[@callmebacon1809]

I love this, it's so fun to watch

[@chimz8057]

Nice. I wasn't expecting the end to tie in with the game

[@coldwolf4799]

Amazing backstory, and amazing SFM!

[@mai08cho]

THIS IS AMAZING WHAT

[@menteeee]

*hat tipping* Should be a serie that people would pay for it..

[@evilcritter]

This is pretty frigging amazing.

[@naizamabao4681]

Nick:*badass reloading sequence*

[@Noctarilfate]

Amazing work! The animations were really well done.

[@thegamerFOX45]

the zombie apocalypse did kind of save his life

[@Nightprideenclave_studio]

And now he forget about suicide he’s gonna have fun to kill zombies hahahah😂

[@alexia3496]

This is so good, oh my god