As production on their latest project BATMAN: BOOK OF SHADOWS (2023) continues, following several other projects inspired by DC COMICS’ Batman, creator Steve James was generous enough to discuss their approach to their fan made universe!
First and foremost, can you tell me a little about your career and your Batman fan film universe?
STEVE: “Certainly, I started filmmaking around 10 years ago, but have been acting much of my life. I’m also a published author, but filmmaking in all of its aspects has been the real passion for me. We recently started Rogue Storm Films, and my business partner Ken Moretti and I got rolling on many projects including Batman. Our particular take on the Batman universe follows somewhat closely the established comic book canon. Batman is midway into his career and Jason Todd (the second Robin) has already died at the hands of the Joker. It includes and acknowledges other Batman characters, and even the Justice League to a degree.“
You seem to have put a lot of effort and care into the look and feel of your projects. Batman: Book of Shadows, in particular, features the menacing upper class Court of Owls. How deeply are you interested in Batman lore?
STEVE: “I’ve become very interested in Batman lore honestly. There is so much to explore and such depth to it all. The Court of Owls has rarely been featured on screen, so it was very different and amazing just bringing them to life. I have strived to bring the menacing and mysterious atmosphere to our film that has always been a hallmark of Batman stories as well. It is it’s own character in a way.“
Writing, directing, and performing as Batman puts you in exclusive company. From each perspective, how has it been getting closer to the character?
STEVE: “It is definitely hard work doing all three, but with experience I’ve learned to handle it despite the difficulty. In a way all three of those approaches has given a unique insight into Batman as a character, as I have control of the story, how it’s portrayed technically, and how he is portrayed personally as a character. It became clear early on he is torn between the light and the dark. A boy that ceased to be Bruce Wayne at 8 years old and became The Batman. From then on Bruce Wayne became the “mask” if you will. He struggles to deal with his paranoia and the loss of people in his life in an attempt to be the best version of himself or best “hero” he can be. It’s a journey from personal vendetta to selflessness in many ways.“
Making films is hard enough, but doing it independently must often feel guerrilla at times! What kind of challenges and compromises have you faced/facing with your production?
STEVE: “Well, thankfully I’ve had a lot of help and have found really great people to work with, which means the guerrilla filmmaking stage is behind me, but I still appreciate the lessons it taught me. The biggest challenges had been locations that fit the story we want to tell. We design digitally or physically build many of them just to make sure it evokes the atmosphere of the universe he lives in. It’s so integral for the people watching to feel as if they have entered that universe. Another challenge is staying true to the essence of Batman and the other characters, as in there are so many variations from the silly to the extreme. Ours is a darker and more serious take, but with some light hearted elements added in here and there. Thankfully I’ve had award-winning actors on board, which has made this an incredible experience in portraying the characters, and I was a self defense instructor for many years, which helps with the fight choreography and stunts. Several other highly talented martial artists have also helped which makes this Batman’s action top notch.“
What are some of your crowdfunding goals?
STEVE: “We would love to hit some higher numbers as far as crowdfunding goes as we get more reach with our films. Possibly 50k to 100k, but who knows. As long as fans keep watching we’ll keep making films.“
I appreciate the inclusion of other heroes like Wonder Woman into this production, considering there aren’t many fan films about heroes like that. Are you planning any further non-Batman projects in the future?
STEVE: “Oh yes, it was great bringing Wonder Woman in, as well as bringing Batgirl and Nightwing back (they appeared in previous Batman fan films I was in, but hadn’t appeared in costume).“
STEVE: “We definitely have a lot of other upcoming films not Batman related on the way. Archangel is an espionage/spy thriller we have written, filming next year. Think Bourne Identity meets Jack Ryan. Another one is Gambit, a real crime, mafia type story. We also just released A Whisper at the Door, a historical horror film set in 1790 England, which has garnered many nominations even though we’ve only just begun to circulate it to film festivals. I’d also like to revisit Batman again and even continue the stories of Batgirl, Nightwing, and Wonder Woman, so much to tell and look forward to! I’d really like to give a nod to the whole Batman cast and especially Ken Moretti who have been incredible people and instrumental in making this all come to life! Thank you for having me!“
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