The Hollywood Movie I made... Behind the Scenes

When KZbinrs claim to be "cinematic", ask them if they made a Hollywood movie. There's a LOT more involved than simply having a blurry background and applying some monochrome LUT. "Cinematic" is not just a visual formula, it's a soul piercing energy that saturates everything, from the acting to the audio quality, the pacing, editing, timing, emotion, good writing, directing, acting, lighting... EVERYTHING! This is not something someone learns in a week. It's a lifetime of experience.
In 1994, I made a real Hollywood movie (yes, 35mm negative!) with real Hollywoood cameras and it played in real movie theaters in over 50 countries. It was an undertaking of a lifetime. The budget was only 2.5 million (the price of a TV commercial) but it had over 300 people working on it, 400 effects shots (non of them CGI), great actors like Joss Ackland from "Hunt for Red October" and "Lethal Weapon 2", Sarah Douglas from "Superman 2", Billy Zabka from Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, Christine Taylor from the Brady Bunch movie, James Paradise from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, all kinds of exotic animals including Smokey Robinson's million dollar horse, epic battle scenes with major pyrotechnics and stunt people flying through the air, and an epic soundtrack with a philharmonic orchestra and a 100 man choir... all for only 2.5 million! This video will take you on an exclusive VIP behind the scenes tour during the thick of action, and next week I'll show you many tricks that helped make all this possible for such a low budget.
Much of it includes knowing all the tricks of photography, set building, props, visual effects, pyro etc. So when someone throws around the word "cinematic", remind them what real cinematic filmmaking requires!
You can get the movie dvd at MarkusMovieDVD.com and also buy, rent or stream it on Amazon etc. The name of the movie is "To the Ends of Time"
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and the DVD is also available on my website MarkusMovieDVD.com
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Markus health products (things that I use personally) www.markusproducts.com

[@IndianaMint]

One love Markus. You helped me find my passion. It helped me get out of homelessness, still chasing

[@MrBearitall]

Markus is one of the only actual filmmakers on KZbin that can say they directed and full length movie and had it in major theaters. This man knows his stuff

[@Jestunes]

This is awesome to actually get up and close to the actual filmmaking process. I don't have all the talents you have but I worked in Hollywood in the 80's and 90's making props, doing miniatures, even worked as the Assistant musical director in a show named Grand. Shame it never made it big on the tv screen but the experience was invaluable. Now retired with lots of time on my hands and of course no budget I am attempting to make a (don't laugh) a puppet music video with a stage I made in my studio with many props and a song produced in Germany with many incredible musicians. It's been 3 years since I started this project. I'm hoping to learn how you managed to get the funding to make a full blown production some day. But now I am starting with this small production in my house and hope to get good reviews on KZbin. Hey even if I don't get to make the big production I'm going to have fun making my music video, before I make my international spy movie. I already have much music written. Just need to work on the script. But one thing at a time. OK you can laugh now. lol

[@TheThaiLife]

Wow, I thought you were a rich skincare guy that played with camera gear. I had no idea you were the real deal, freaking awesome!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I'm so glad Markus made this behind-the-scenes videos for us to watch.

[@nilofido411]

Thumbs up 👍 So many “youtubers”, influencers, instagramers, tiktokers, that don’t even have the faintest idea of the basics of Project management, leave alone what are all the different aspects of production; it’s relatively easy to wing along a one/two men band, a completely different story to orchestrate a team of tens, sometimes hundreds, like in big film productions. Looking forward to the tutorial/documentary follow up.

[@ericalvarez9345]

Thats insane, it still blows my mind you did all that with that budget. I cant even believe you could afford the crew alone for that much, let alone the cast, I know it was probably early in a lot of their careers but you also have some big players. It may be too much to ask but it would be nice to get general breakdowns of how you utilized that budget and where and how you were able to save. How much of that was cast, crew, rentals, etc.

[@jasonsummers6705]

Checkout his book about how he made the movie 👍

[@Sutterjack]

Markus - you are the best. Even though you have insane talent in so many fields, you always encourage EVERY filmmaker to be their best. You're always encouraging resourcefulness, drive and just getting off your ass and doing something! You're a constant inspiration to me. You lead by example and make me think of the Mark Twain quote: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

[@DouglasJohnson.]

I've been working on the edge of the entertainment industry for years, doing voiceover, animation, photography, editing, compositing, etc. The fact that you made a movie this epic, with name actors in it, for 2.5 million is nothing short of astonishing. Bravo Markus! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@johnbivins]

Thank you so much! Extremely encouraged by you and also my Mentor Joe Edelman ( Photography). You both learned from old-school knowledge and are just darn solid! I have always recorded short segments of video footage while photographing (I had no clue back then) was just too inexperienced. Noticed something in this video. In today's youtube World, everyone is renting an Arri Alexa mini kit or Red this or brand so and so. Here you are with a 35 bl4 and 3 telling a story, with warmth and life on film. Pulling off something that most today can't with the latest toys. You did this before Davinci, final cut and fix it digitally in post others or sub it out. Not only this one but your others and you still utilize the same principles of Audio, Scrims, flags, sandbags, and stands, and an understanding of controlling light. I'm enjoying this journey and loving the results of how just applying little things like better audio and reflecting light makes so much of a difference. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us. Looking forward to studying your book. I love how just applying small changes is getting wow factors from my clients and friends. My journey is still a long one. I appreciate you and Cara sharing your passion, knowledge, and fun with us.

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Mr. Markus, may I say thank you for these tidbits and snippits of your life and career. You truly are not just a dream-chaser... but a dream-catcher!

[@Lakefilms]

This came at the perfect time for me! I've been making films (Mostly shorts) for years this was the inspiration I needed. Thanks!

[@Extraedit]

I never regret following and subscribing to this channel.. Markhus is such an authentic man.👍💯

[@ModMax69]

You've heard the phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none"? Well, Markus is a Jack of all trades, master of MANY!!

[@toys2work]

@@ModMax69 He certainly is the master of many trades. I'd love to see more tips from his future city TV series he had worked on 15 or so years ago but didn't release. Also...he hasn't painted for 30 years....which makes me think how we all probaly had burnouts at different parts of our lives and just stopped doing certain things we loved for whatever reason.

[@debtminer4976]

Always love listening to Sarah Douglas talk. Her voice and that accent (to Americans anyway) are something special.

[@joedeleon1901]

Wow man!! Mind blown. Thanks for sharing this inspiring content. Much appreciated.

[@mavfan1]

I admire you for putting it together. It reminds me of late 50s/early 60s films special effects wise and that's a compliment based on the budget in the 90s

[@ralphkwappenberg]

An absolute correct statement Marcus. Do not say you are a filmmaker if you only post on KZbin and talk about specs. Its about creativity, passion and good storytelling and not about telling everyone how 'experienced and professional' you are with a colored blury background and shouting "HEY KZbin WHATS UP" and show off what stuff you use. You are a great mentor!

[@JohnDesouza-Studio-videos]

Amazing. Good old days, when we shot on film and every picture was a good one. No editing, touch up etc with minimum gear. Now with all the bells a whistles literally I am still not getting a masterpiece. You are a very talented. Very good inspiration.

[@DavidBeattty]

Thank you for passing on your passion through all your videos, it helps me keep going even when the world is weighting me down.

[@bloodrunsclear]

Fantasy isn’t just an escape from reality, it’s enhancement of reality :)

[@rebeccaspratling2865]

💯

[@roemygosh]

Makes me wonder if what we are seeing on TV today is real or a Hollywood production! Great work!

[@ModMax69]

Buy the book Markus made on this if you want a great story!! Very cool. Would love my copy signed one day :)

[@TheDetectingDuo]

@MarkusPix, Markus, always love seeing your film knowledge, shooting knowledge, photo shoots, behind the camera stuff especially! Always want to see more of your how to's, behind he scenes of how you take the simple and make it grand! Your an over the top creative person especially when your throw Cara in as your talent and top model! Back in the early/mid 90s I was a small productions SteadiCam operator and 1st AD for a bit on a few small AZ film & video production companies for a while. Been in/out of film, TV, theater and having worked in many different departments, so I know what it's like to do everything to achieve your goal. Miss it and need to get back into it properly! You took a very small budget and made an epic movie which is almost impossible by Hollywood standards then, and certainly would be tough now! Keep creating fantastic YT stuff here! Many of us that watch that appreciate your bits don't always say enough. Cheers - Scott

[@shadowgunner69]

Thank you for another excellent video. Dreams can come true. I am currently reviewing a proof copy of my memoir, 60 years in the making. Never ever thought I'd get there, but here I am. I am also beginning work on a series of children's books. Godspeed Markus.

[@ytmadang]

just purchased the ebook. so glad that it's a pdf type. Very very convenient and no additional apps required.

[@JP-qq2wy]

No wonder I have such an awesome aesthetic looking video on KZbin. Which is simple but yet timeless. Which I really love from those old movie like starship troopers. I 28 and working in animation industry. Directing is one of my dream as well. Right now I starting to do some music video and practice a lot of color grading. You story is really inspiring

[@pjsagnia]

That is amazing Markus. What’s even more impressive is your humility. Great characteristic

[@alphaskwurl]

I miss films like that, with no CGI. So much better. Love it.

[@ModMax69]

You should get his book Dream Chaser. He goes into detail about how he did it.

[@alphaskwurl]

@@ModMax69 awesome, good call man

[@caroljedynasty4773]

All I can say is, "WOW".

[@_mel.low_official]

Thank You Markus for such insight! I'm trying to build my KZbin channel from the ground up and I truly appreciate your knowledge in TRUE filmmaking! I also love that you call out some of the other "Film" KZbinrs for what they are and you do this not to be spiteful or hateful but to make sure that the target audience is getting some REAL advice/ direction from someone whose been in the business! NO COFFEE or DAD HATS needed, just straight up years of experience! Love it love it!

[@EliFleming]

Watched it with my kids. We enjoyed it!

[@te369amo]

Thank you Markus, you are so inspiring! Every time I watch you, I want to live longer! I even feel better! Be blessed Markus! In 1995 I was 19, it's so cool to watch this footage now, even the past seems happier!😀

[@jholmes4824]

Thanks Markus I enjoyed this video much more than the gear videos. Inspiration is awesome and I look forward to any videos you make showing how to pull off some of those scenes.

[@melvinch]

This video is a slap to those KZbinrs with expensive gear and calling themselves filmmakers shamelessly.

[@adliberate]

“Closer to the baby!’ Love that life dude, Man you have had fun whilst working hard! Inspiring.

[@adventureswithrusty2012]

Completely agree Markus. My teenage son has been into photography for a couple of years now and after starting with an entry-level DSLR, he upgraded to mirrorless with an R10. Then for what I thought would be a curiosity, I found him a 13 year old Canon EOS-1D Mark IV (made when he was a toddler). In a surprise turn, this old-school "clunky" (as he calls it) has become his go-to camera and the R10 gets left in the bag. The simple message is that the camera is JUST A TOOL and once you master the tool you can unlock your creativity and the speeds-and-feeds just fade away. It's not what the camera's features can do that makes the difference; the difference is what you can do without the features!

[@MileyonDisney]

But I thought that if you shot a video on any camera at 24fps it was cinematic. HAHAHA! Well, that's the philosophy of many KZbinrs. Explosions, cool miniatures, and Christine Taylor. Movie can't be bad.

[@MarkusPix]

Yes 24p, a blurry background and a baseball cap.

[@MileyonDisney]

@@MarkusPix hehe. But it must be backwards.

[@AbandonedwithBizzy]

im sure a lot of people don't realize in 1995 there was no digital everything was done on film and film was expensive so getting the right shot the first time was so important very impressive I love your videos thanks for sharing!!

[@supergeorge72]

Amazing experience. Worth living. It really motivates a lot to small amateur filmmakers or those who are just starting as in my case. Thanks Markus. Greetings from Argentina.

[@BibleBreakout]

One of my favorite channels...just a cool dude.

[@studioslaper4795]

Hey Markus, glad I found your channel a while ago. It's great to create something from nothing. Thanks for the tips and tricks and I'm looking forward to more of your video's.

[@Serendipity417]

Hello Markus. Just came across this video while looking for projects I worked on. This movie in particular was a lot of fun to be part of, and for that I thank you! I had watched the film upon its release and noticed that my scene was unfortunately left on the cutting room floor. Would have loved to have seen it at the time. But, that is how the industry goes with certain scenes, to move the picture along. But, there is a silver lining to this story, not too long after I started working at Universal Studios in Hollywood as the Deacon for the Waterworld Stunt Show. At the park I made friends with some of the most talented actors and stunt performers around, friends to this day still close to me. One in Particular was one of your lead actors Tom Shultz (James). Then one day out the blue Tom sent me the clip and I was floored to see my scene (Thanks Tom). Again, remembering how much fun it was working with you and grateful for the opportunity. Thank you again for being so cool! Keep up the amazing work! (PS just subscribed to your channel.)

[@taniajansen3650]

incredible to watch and whoa one can only imagine the work that went into it

[@ClearAdventure]

I wish you were directing some of the movies made today, you could take what's trash and make it treasure!

[@ModMax69]

AWESOME MARKUS THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@paulroyle-grimes8279]

Wow - what a story! The opportunity of a lifetime.

[@marsgizmo]

Inspiring life story and always great advice Markus! 👏

[@ajey214]

I can say only one thing Markus, God bless you brother.

[@kingsleynwachukwu1495]

Your tips and tricks and legendary, You blow my mind and inspire me to do something. Thank you

[@andresgonzalezcerda7635]

Yippiiiiee! That’s what I been waiting for!!. Thanks!

[@GermanViking]

Amazing work! I hope you make more Hollywood movies

[@JavierArellano]

Thanks for sharing this and I agree with you: a lot of young fellas that never walked the walk but talk the talk.

[@thatguyoverthere2755]

Thanks for people like Marcus, I'm gladly getting to shoot my small project next month. Thank you for your lessons and support to the filmmaking community

[@austingupton1421]

Omg, I remember seeing commercials for this movie!!! Badass!

[@samuelhodges3119]

Markus, did you know that your movie, "To the ends of time), is showing on, " Tubi? I enjoyed it very much. You were so focus on what you wanted and the opening battle scene was spectacular! The continuity just flawlessly. I see what you mean. That was some mighty fine film making.

[@sungrakchoi]

Yes indeed, it is very inspiring. Thank you

[@gaarax0x]

This man is an example of a good human being. Thank you for always motivating us

[@_20nine_]

One of the hardest things I have ever done is make a film. And mine was only 13 minutes, but doing everything myself and pushing myself to finish it was extremely exhausting, especially when there is no budget, no pay day. Independent until I hit it. Loved this Markus, you the man!

[@sclogse1]

The stress....

[@MetawolfTV]

I don't know what to say, it has already been said here in the comments ... Awesome! Dear Markus, please do share your knowledge, you have an impressive resume.

[@CharlezRichard]

Great content. You always tell it like it is. Keep inspiring ✨️.

[@mySeaPrince_]

... 😻 ... thank you Markus...

[@daveinportland]

Great video...love the behind the scenes content. Thank you for sharing & have a great weekend.

[@avejst]

Impressive job 👏 wow, I'm looking forward to seeing the sequel. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us 👍🙂

[@johng5819]

Outstanding. So glad you shared this!

[@MarkusPix]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SuchetB]

This is beautiful - Thank you Markus - I've purchased to book just now and look forward to seeing the movie

[@berlincoachdrivergoescreat8721]

Just one word: Amazing!

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

you are always so generous with your knowledge; thank you so much.

[@slicktheripper]

That is so cool! Seen this on tubi a while back. I had no idea. I knew there was a good reason why I subscribed to your channel.

[@YoungEarthCreation]

Your movie was awesome ! It still is

[@superbritbros.5793]

You're an inspiration to a whole lot of people Markus, myself included. Thank you for making a KZbin channel and sharing your film making stories with the world!

[@aristothethrone9032]

they should have had Markus directing the Wheel of time tv series. he did with 2 mill what they couldn't do with a 10mill per episode budget. he clearly understands the vision needed to adapt fantasy to reality.

[@GhostintheBand]

All this knowledge is priceless, thank you as always for providing it for Free!!!

[@JeremiahNichol]

What a wonderful story. Thank you Markus

[@randyking3691]

That was a good movie, my 80 year old wife liked it enough to watch it twice.

[@robstilwell4116]

Wow that's a truly incredible feat. The only thing I can think of coming close to this is District 9 or Ralph Bakshi movies.

[@bh9262]

You obviously have knowledge resources and connections! Quite a talent you have very impressive!

[@systemuser8701]

The word "Awesome" seems inadequate! I need a tutorial demonstrating how you oil paint draped figures and cloth !!!

[@carreteFILMSPro]

Dude I just got off Amazon watching your film. It was AMAZING. Loved the lighting, picture quality, everything right on the dot. :)

[@MarkusPix]

Thank you, considering I had very little budget to work with

[@Alex_Watrous]

Hearing the car alarms go off after an explosion. Priceless haha

[@MarkusPix]

Yeah that was a daily occurence lol

[@ki-ds-shall2241]

This guy is magic just leading people to the truth

[@matthewmattiematt]

Thank you! Awesome 😎

[@ladygrace2741]

Inspirational

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Amazing behind the scenes story. Thanks for sharing this. Like you, I’m often baffled with those here on KZbin who don’t know, trying to teach others what they don’t know.

[@JoseRamos-ew4pd]

Hey Markus, why haven’t you done another movie? You seem like a very talented person and todays independent film industry is made for someone like you. I know you probably don’t need the headache or the money, but I would love to see what you could produce with all the technology available today paired with your raw talent.

[@lawrencescofield7575]

Great job and inspiration. William Zabka is awesome lol. Thanks for sharing Markus.

[@marcinmakurat9826]

That's so inspiring story thank you 👏

[@jaynazario88]

this is what comes to my mind when i heard the word cinematic

[@underthedrone2735]

Thanks for taking us along for one part of your amazing cinematography journey.

[@RRProducties]

Hey markus, just wanted to say that your a inspiration for me, Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@jerrysommer5379]

Great stuff! Enjoying your channel. 🎬👍😃

[@Capius1272]

Thanks for this. Been wanting to know so I could enjoy it!

[@riccivlogs]

This definitely was a very inspiring video Markus! I really appreciate the content you put out, and for being transparent with the truth behind film making. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I look forward towards your future videos!

[@HanieBCreations]

I KNEW it!! I knew I'd seen you before. I remember watching. I'm not sure if I was doing extra work for my friends casting agency, or what. I cannot remember exactly what placed me there. Didn't I say it? Didn't I tell you ?? Thanks for the inspiration Markus.

[@banjoyBoy]

Never heard of this movie, I'll see if the public library has it. I was a young filmmaker in the 1970s and 80s kinda-sorta doing documentaries, until I figured that having food and shelter was important LOL. I enjoy your videos.

[@ImagenStudios]

Thank you for sharing. I can see your eyes light up when you talk about this movie even in other episodes you have posted. Thank you for letting us into the world you created. Keep creating brother and I will be waiting for the next one.

[@QR_Code]

cool, cool..i remember you touched on your career in an older video. i'm not a very creative person but the filmmaking process has always intrigued me. i see ppl doing 'films' with expensive dslr or red cameras etc but they still dont have that "look" 🙃 in your opinion, what is most affordable camera that someone with experience could use to achieve that "look" w/o renting 35mm pro cam and hiring a crew, etc. i think you said you like Arri..what would YOU shoot with in 2022 if you came up with an amazing idea for a short film project today

[@iSpike]

Brilliant experience, Making Dreams Come True 👍🏻

[@agentbey]

Classic movie production.

[@dianebedard4671]

Thanks Markus, you are the best!

[@vladislavvelchev]

Thanks for sharing your stories 😊!!!