It all started with a short film, uploaded back in November of 2010, and now even with the cast of The Hunger Games locked in, the Katniss and Rue film from Mainstay Productions, continues to garner a following among fans of the series.
Haven’t seen it yet? Take a look — (Warning Spoilers!):
The inspiration for the short and subsequent videos came from Director John Lyde, who is a huge fan of the series. It was originally done in the hopes that the actresses playing Katniss (Danielle Chuchran) and Rue (Savanna Kylie Lewis) would have the opportunity to audition for roles in the Hunger Games film. Lionsgate did indeed see the film, and Danielle was invited to meet with Gary Ross and audition for the role of Katniss Everdeen. Though she did not land the coveted role, she continues to have a huge following among members of the Hunger Games Fandom.
After its release, Hunger Games fansites and media alike wanted to know more about the project. Here is our collection of news interviews and photos (including our exclusives) with the creators and cast involved in the production.
(Note: Click on the images to see the news article)
Hunger Games Examiner Interviews Director John Lyde
The Hob, Mockingjay.net Interviews with Danielle Chuchran
The Hob, Mockingjay.net Interviews with Savanna Kylie Lewis
Next Movie and Hollywood Crush Weigh in on the Katniss/Rue Short Film
Behind the Scenes of the Katniss/Rue Short Film:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgdU_xZgfek]
Fans of Mainstay Productions work, were delighted to learn in January 2011, that Director John Lyde and Danielle Chuchran had been hard at work on two more Hunger Games projects.
(Note: Click on the images to see the news article)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDoJQIcfTQA]
This scene shot from The Hunger Games, was designed as a screen test for actors, Danielle Chuchran and Ben Urie for another project, Director John Lyde had in the works. John wanted to know how these two would work together, and thought the cave scene would be a great way to test their chemistry. The scene with Katniss and Peeta officially launched on YouTube on February 25, 2011. It was not under the best circumstances as Mainstay’s server had been hacked days earlier and they were forced to release the video earlier than they had originally wanted to.
This video was designed at the request of Mockingjay.net as a teaser for their site.
Mainstay Productions has announced their BRAND NEW Hunger Games Project, The Second Quarter Quell. They hope to release the video sometime in early July.
(Note: Click on the images to see the news article)
The Second Quarter Quell is discussed on only a few pages in Catching Fire, and from those few details, Director John Lyde and his cast and crew have created another incredible short film. The visuals are stunning, and the scenes are violent and tug on your emotions, which we can only imagine is what it would be like to watch the real Games.
Want to know how they shot the stunt sequences or how they created the “force field”? Check out the Behind the Scenes of The Second Quarter Quell.
(Note: Click on the images to see the news article)
DWTC Exclusive Interview with Bailee Johnson, the Tribute from the heartbreaking opening sequence of ‘The Second Quarter Quell’
The Career Tributes Speak! DWTC’s Exclusive Interviews with Colton Tran and Johnny Ahn from ‘The Second Quarter Quell
Mainstay has revealed on their Facebook, that their next Hunger Games Project will involve a series of short films featuring Finnick and Annie. DWTC Admin Shylah actually wrote the screenplays for the short films.
Director John Lyde, posted on Facebook the tentative shooting dates for the Finnick and Annie Short films.
(Note: Click on the images to see the news article)
Further down you will find the individual episodic versions of The Finnick and Annie Webseries -or- you can check out this version which combines episodes 1-6 into one video.
Mainstay has revealed on their Facebook page, that their next Hunger Games Project will focus on Katniss learning how to hunt from her father. DWTC Admin Shylah wrote the screenplay for the short film.
Be sure to check out Mainstay’s other productions on their YouTube Page. You can also check out their official site and Facebook, and be sure to follow them on Twitter as well.