Loot Crate is becoming a household name. They’ve had a national ad campaign starring Sam Witwer, they’ve branched out into offering multiple types of subscription boxes (including ones for pets), and they never fall short of creating buzz online. Unboxing videos for the popular subscription company are as popular now as ever, since the contents are never revealed before the box has been opened. The Loot Crate brand has expanded itself into new and social media over the years, developing themed videos, a podcast, a monthly sweepstakes for a mega prize crate, and more.
This month, April’s theme is “Quest,” and the theme video was co-written by former Meltdowner Adam Murray. The short film draws inspiration directly from classic ’80s films like Labyrinth, The NeverEnding Story, The Dark Crystal, and Return to Oz. There are magic crystals, a child protagonist (Landon Gimenez, ABC’s Resurrection), physical manifestations of fictional characters, and a magical portal into a fantasy world. In fact, I’d love to see the short developed into a full-fledged film. As a matter of fact, Murray is currently working on Jo and the Pirates, his independent feature we profiled here some months back.
There’s a lot packed into the short’s 10 minutes. Driving the fantasy story forward is an orchestral score worthy of note. Composer Dan Martinez manages to combine carnival organ-style synths with grand sweeping strings into a solid and inspiring soundtrack. Director Julian Higgins guides his cast with an experienced hand, aided by impressive visual and practical effects. There’s even a Henson-inspired puppet starring as a character in the video!
Los Angeles-based Loot Crate is the monthly gear club for those that live and embrace the geek and gaming lifestyle.
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Image: Loot Crate
