Once the cast is set, it's time to start practicing and pre-production. This was the complete opposite to what we did for Fallen Star, where all the sets were virtual and we could literally build everything exactly the way we wanted it in a computer. That process took many months. For Sacrifice, we had 2 months to prepare for filming on all practical sets. Scouting was done and shots laid out. This was much more typical of an experience then Fallen Star was. 

With the cast spread out across Ontario, much of practicing was done virtually or in small groups. As is typical for films, there isn't a ton of rehearsing until filming finally begins. Fight practicing last a month and a half, and while not as complex as the fights in Fallen Star, these came with a new element of being done at night on very rough terrain. A far more dangerous setup, but the results were worth it. 

But what would a film be without amazing costumes to help transport our actors to a galaxy far far away? Pretty ridiculous that's what it would be. Concept art for the looks and feel of the characters came early. Unlike Fallen Star, which completely cast away the standard Star Wars style, Sacrifice brought aspects of it back for the Jedii, while keeping the medieval style we created for Abeloth and the gods.  This continued to give the series the feeling of a legend style story. Updates where also given to the look of Abeloth to show her evolution from straight on horror monster, to something more cold and calculating.   

Finally there's makeup! This film would require extensive makeup work once again as we not only brought Abeloth back, but added a whole new alien species to the story. Thankfully for us, our award winning makeup artist, Domonique Landry, was up to the challenge, designing the look for Nymara and refining Abeloth.  While is was a short film, the makeup was still extensive and required hours of attention and detail to bring it to life.

Filming began on schedule on July 18th, 2025. For the first time ever, this film was completely shot in the evenings and at night, with shoots typically wrapping around 2am. Cast and crew had to be shuttled to and from the island. While mother nature was kind to us with no storms, returning to outdoors brought with it the return of bugs! With big set lights in the middle of the night, bugs became our biggest challenge. No one was scared of being eaten by Abeloth, because the bugs were going to eat us first!

To capture this film, a new camera rig setup was used. Cinematographer Keira Wolfe wore a chest mounted camera stabilizer, which then had a DJI RS3 mounted to it, which then balanced a Canon C200 camera. This allowed for full mobility on set, but also gave continued appreciation to anyone that operates a camera. That thing was heavy!! But it got the job done.

The Cast and Crew blended well together, with everyone jumping to help wherever they could. Between takes everyone would laugh and bond over this crazy adventure. One of the great joys of this film and Fallen Star has been the team and how well everyone has worked together and supported each other, both on set and off of set.