4,000 thousand years ago an ancient and powerful artifact capable of amplifying the dark side

present in any force user to terrifying levels went missing and was presumed lost…until now.

Its location has been discovered by the Sith on a remote planet and is theirs for the taking. All

they have to do is defeat a small group of Jedi who have settled there. But, when the Sith

Witch who created it returns to reclaim it an ancient battle resumes with the fate of the galaxy

resting in the winner.

DARK AWAKENING

A STAR WARS FAN FILM

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DARK

AWAKENING

A STAR WARS FAN FILM

DETAILS

Writer/Director: Tia Cherie Polite

Producers: Tia Cherie Polite

Wendell Smith, Sr.

Jay O’Neal

Genre: Sci-fi; Fan Film

Length: 38 minutes

Format: Digital

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Language: English

Shoot Location: Washington, DC Metro Area

Completion Date: February 27, 2015

Release Date: March 1, 2015

Website: www.blackrosedagger.com/dark-awakening-1.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkAwakeningFilm

Youtube: https://youtu.be/xrnqrL6YxAw?list=FLLwiCcj3sJ5z78V8vBKmIfQ

iMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3726058/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt

Film Freeway: https://filmfreeway.com/projects/401571

INFO

PRESS KIT

Fan Film:

Duration: 38 minutes

Written and Directed

by

Tia Cherie Polite

Produced by

Tia Cherie Polite

Wendell Smith, Sr.

Jay O’Neal

Black Rose Dagger Films

OHIOH ENTERPRISES

JOBS ENTERTAINMENT

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SYNOPSIS

After searching for two years the Jedi have finally located Planet Var’ak’as, the last remaining strong hold of the

Sith Witch, and former Jedi, Lady Fatale. For two years she and her cult of Acolyte followers have been tearing up

the galaxy searching for various Sith artifacts. They are gathering these artifacts for Fatale so that she can bring

forth the Dark Awakening and wipe out the Jedi once and for all. A conclave of Jedi put together by Fatale’s

former Jedi master, Grand Master Maeda have relentlessly pursued her in the hopes of ending her reign of

darkness. 200 Jedi, led by Grand Master Maeda’s ambitious 2nd in command, Master Varan, launch an assault

on her Citadel.

The handful of surviving Jedi, enter the Citadel to face the powerful Sith Witch and her remaining Acolytes. Inside

the Citadel, Sith Witch Lady Fatale is casting a spell using Sith alchemy involving her holocron and a red crystal.

The handful of Jedi enter the Citadel and are met by Fatale’s Acolyte’s. They battle each other while Fatale

continues her spell. Master Varan confronts Fatale and she force chokes him. She sees that her Acolytes will not

survive much longer so she blows a blue dust at Varan which enters his body causing him to gag. The Jedi,

seeing Varan in trouble, rush to his aide. Lady Fatale surrenders.

After her arrest, Lady Fatale is placed on trial by the Jedi Guardians. There is much debate regarding what to do

with the powerful Sith Witch. However unbeknownst to the Jedi, her capture and trial was always part of her plan.

The spell she cast on Master Varan begins to take hold of him and she transfers her essence into the amulet

around his neck and collapses dead. Varan places her body into a sarcophagus.

4,000 years later a probe searching space detects a faint signal coming from a remote area of space and

investigates. The probe transmits a signal and an old Imperial shuttle appears piloted by Mandalorian

Mercenaries. The Mandalorians conduct a more intense scan of the planet then transmit their own signal. An old

converted TIE Bomber appears with three Sith aboard. The two groups review the scans and discover there is a

small group of Jedi on the planet near one of the items the Sith are searching for. The two ships fly off towards

the planet.

On the planet the group of Jedi has set up camp. Jedi apprentice Tulani Altair is making a holo-recording showing

the group’s leader Master Dorsai, Master Jayrick, Jedi Knights Ren Cass, Dannen Tokani and Rhynna Fayar,

Master Edon and Tulani’s good friend Jedi apprentice Na’tu’orn. Master Edon approaches Master Dorsai about

taking Tulani and N’tu’orn with him to explore some of the ancient ruins on the planet.

The three Jedi head off from the camp to explore the ruins when they come across the Mandalorians and Sith

searching for the red crystal. The Jedi manage to hide behind the trees as the Sith and Mandalorians fly off.

The Jedi come out and decide to make their way back to camp to warn the others when blaster fire erupts all

around them. The Jedi make their way into the clearing as Mandalorians advance on them from all sides firing at

them. The Jedi and Mandalorians battle each other. During the attack Na’tu’orn is knocked to the ground where

he notices a red object embedded in the ground. It’s the red crystal. He digs it out and studies it. The fight

continues and the Jedi are eventually able to defeat the Mandalorians. Suddenly a dark fog envelopes them

followed by a lightsaber attack by Darth Avaya.

Darth Avaya force shoves the Jedi splitting them up and concentrates her attack on Na’tu’orn. Avaya fires

lightning at Na’tu’orn striking him several times before he’s able to block it with his lightsaber. They battle with

their sabers until Avaya is able to cut Na’tu’orn down killing him. Edon and Tulani mourn for their fallen comrade

before making their way back to camp.

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Back at the camp, Master Jayrick is instructing Cass, Tokani and Fayar when he hears someone approaching

from the woods. Jayrick sends Cass to check on Master Dorsai. Darth Almagulus walks out of the woods and into

the Jedi camp and using Sith alchemy creates two additional duplicates of himself.

While the battle is going on outside, Lord Evicerus uses the distraction to break into the Jedi camps fort to search

for one of the remaining artifacts…Lady Fatal’s holocron. He finds it’s and is confronted by Master Dorsai. The

two battle until Ren Cass steps into the fight. Lord Evicerus takes advantage of the young Jedi’s intrusion and

fires lightning at him. Master Dorsai jumps in front and takes the full force of the lightning until collapsing. An

enraged Cass charges after Evicerus. They battle. Lord Evicerus taunts Cass enraging him further. Evicerus

eventually disarms Cass and with his blade at his throat offers him a choice.

Back outside, Lord Almagulus duplicates severely wounds Dannen Tokani and kills Rhynna Fayar. The original

Almagulus furiously battles Jayrick. Edon and Tulani make it back to the camp and see the ongoing battle. Edon

sends Tulani to retrieve the medical kit and find Master Dorsai. Edon then jumps into the battle alongside Jayrick.

Together they defeat Lord Almagulus. They don’t see Master Dorsai stagger outside the fort behind them and

collapse.

Tulani runs back to the group with the med kit and sees Master Dorsai lying on the ground. Lord Evicerus appears

in the doorway. He sees the Jedi and the dead body of Lord Almagulus. Lord Evicerus unleashes dark side

tendrils at Edon and Jayrick. The Jedi battle the tendrils giving time for Evicerus to make his escape. Ren Cass

runs from behind the fort to join the others and sees a TIE Bomber fly off across the sky.

Lord Evicerus lands in a desert valley and is met by Lady Avaya. Lady Avaya tells him she did not locate the red

crystal. Evicerus and Avaya head towards a cave currently guarded by the Mandalorian Commander and his 2nd

in command. The Sith inform the Mandalorians that they are almost don’t with them as they walk through the

cave.

The Mandalorians concerns over what they’ve gotten their selves into continue to grow. The Commander jets off

to investigate but leaves orders to not let the Sith leave the planet no matter what it takes.

Inside the cave, the Sith walk until coming up to the cargo hold of an old ship containing a sarcophagus. Inside

the cargo hold, Lord Evicerus takes the holocron and places it on a dais that activates the sarcophagus. The

sarcophagus opens.

At the same time, a dying Master Dorsai warns his fellow Jedi of what may be coming for them and the galaxy

before succumbing to his injuries. Master Jayrick vows to stop the Sith while the open sarcophagus reveals Lady

Fatale, now awakened from her 4,000 year stasis ready to bring forth the Dark Awakening.

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ABOUT THE FILM

We made this film for several reasons. The number one reason of course is because we are HUGE

Star Wars fans. Which brings me to the other reason we made this film, we wanted to showcase our

talents and those of all the films participants. We fully intend this film to be our first steps into a much

larger world where we can continue to improve with every script, production, costume, performance,

special effect, and film we do.

The process was equal parts fun and challenging. Not everything went as planned during the 15

months we took to take this film from initial concept to final render. We encountered several crippling

setbacks that could have very easily killed this film but we managed to adapt and continue on. We

learned a lot about the filmmaking process but even more about ourselves.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Why did I make this film?

Ever since I saw The Empire Strikes Back I have been hooked on the Star Wars Saga. It inspired my

interest in filmmaking, writing, stage combat and special effects.

Why do I make films in general?

Because I have a bunch of stories I want to tell. I see them so clearly in my mind. The locations, the

characters, their lives, their struggles, their dialogue, their costumes, their everything. All in vivid colors

with precise details. Why do I make films?… because I want you to see what I see.

FAQ’s

How were the visual effects created?

The visual effects were created using Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk MAYA,

Autodesk 3ds MAX, Cinema 4D and Sony Vegas Pro.

What types of cameras were used?

Canon T2i & T3i DSLR’s using EF 50mm and EF-S 18-55mm Lenses

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CAST & CREW BIOS

Tia Cherie Polite (Lady Fatale)

Writer, Director, Co-Producer, Editor, Visual Effects &

Actor

Tia is the owner of Black Rose Dagger Films (formerly Visual Image Production Studios,

Inc.), a production company based in New Carrollton, MD.

In addition to her BS in Information Systems and classes towards an MBA, Tia received a

certificate in 3D Animation from 3D Training Institute (3DTi).

In 2009 Tia began performing as a stage combat performer for the Guardians Performance Group. During her

time with the GPG, Tia performed in a dozen live charitable events and conventions. She was elected CEO of the

GPG in 2011 and served in that role until retiring from stage combat in 2013.

In 2011, Tia began blending her various talents and interests together and began her foray into filmmaking.

Since then, Tia has acted, written or produced several independent short films, including an entry in the 2012

Washington DC 48 Hour Film Project and the soon to be released, 2013 martial arts short Age of the Warrior.

Dark Awakening is her first film as Director and her first as a visual effects artist.

She also has a number of new projects in development including a sequel to Dark Awakening, an original action

web series, and an original full length scifi action film.

Tia is also a cosplayer (MzTiyah) and amateur prop maker.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiacpolite IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6489834

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MzTiyahCosplay

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JAY O’NEAL (Jedi Master Jayrick)

Co-Producer, Assistant Director,

Jay has had a love for film at a young age. His favorite genres are Horror,

Suspense, Action, and Science Fiction. O’Neal is a graduate of Morgan State

University with a degree in Television and Film production. O’Neal is a jack of all trades. He can be

seen behind the camera as a director, editor, fight choreographer and producer or on screen as an

actor and stunt performer. When not working on film, he’s an avid gamer, comic book enthusiast, and

wrestling fan but movies will always be his first love.

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Wendell Smith, Sr. (Darth Almagulus/

Mandalorian Cmdr.)

Co-Producer, Props & Actor

Costumer by heart, Wendell Smith is an aspiring actor, producer, and costume

creator. His inspiration comes from a desire to make dreams come true. If he can see your vision... he

can likely bring it to life. Mr Smith is a veteran, with a soft side for the arts. He is also a cosplayer and

stage combatant. Improv is his niche... off the wall or off character sayings spill often. He likes to enjoy

his work. Sith by Day... Sith by Night... There is nothing Jedi about him.

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Kevin W. Jones

Director of Photography, Music and Sound Design

Kevin began his music career at the slight age of nine playing classical

piano. A few years later Kevin began to learn the styles of gospel, jazz and

blues music. At the tender age of fourteen Kevin entered the Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory of

Music for further training in classical music.

Upon entering the Army Kevin was introduced to a group of people and formed the group Essence. The

band played together for two years and won various competitions in Europe. After exiting the military he

created his own production company called Jones Productions, Inc. where he developed music for

himself and various artists.

Kevin later took is love of photography to the next level by earning a certification in photography. Dark

Awakening is his first film as Director of Photography and sound designer.

Kevin’s music can be found online via iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon Music and Google Play.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/from-me-to-you/id192550887

http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/kevin-jones/album/from-me-to-you

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/super-girl-feat.-mztiyah-single/id466875023

http://www.amazon.com/Me-You-Kevin-

jones/dp/B0013Z7Y14/ref=tmm_msc_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-41&qid=1425143332

https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Kevin_Jones_From_Me_To_You?id=Bddaavzgnnkd7xdc6m

2a2vtx26e

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Mackie Lou Vigal (Jedi Apprentice Tulani)

Actor

Mackie Lou Vigal is an actress and producer, known for The Riley Tompkins Method (2011),

Salt (2010) and Hard to Be Me (2010)... Well that is what you will find when you check out her

IMDB profile.

However, Mackie had her first experience of being on stage when she was performing with either the orchestra or

chorus in elementary school. She continued playing the violin through middle school where she first experienced

being a part of a production, Phantom Tollbooth as part of the orchestra. She was fascinated by the amazing job

her peers did and from then on attempted to audition for future productions. Since, she has dabbled in theater,

from school productions (A Midsummer Night's Dream twice and The Wiz) to joining an education theater troop

then after college transitioned into film.

She has credits in various independent films, but her first job on a big production was Salt (2010) where she met

Angelina Jolie on set. After several years away from the industry, Mackie realized that acting is a passion she

could not shake and was back on set in Season 2 of House of Cards, only a few days after making the decision to

continue on her acting journey.

Mackie is now working on several productions, mainly independent but is working to get more title roles and work

on bigger productions in the area. Dark Awakening is her first Fan Film.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/imackv Twitter: www.twitter.com/imackv Instagram: www.instagram.com/iammackv IMDB: https://pro-labs.imdb.com/name/nm3500675

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Darlena Marie Blander (Darth

Avaya)

Actor

Born and in raised New York City, Darlena is an actress, costumed

performer, army veteran and career analyst. She hosts monthly network activities for the costuming/

acting community and has been involved in several indie and fan film productions. Founder of the NY

Cosplayer Network, an organization heavily involved in charity work, producing children's workshops on

costuming, bringing cosplayers to local community events, as well as helping with our 'Komics for Kids'

and 'Komics for Troops' programs.

www.facebook.com/darlenamariecosplays

www.facebook.com/nycpn

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Josh Kearney (Darth Evicerus)

Actor

Josh Kearney is known for his work on Urban Legends to Die For (2015), and

Dracula's War (2015). Additional Skills: Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Boxing, Wrestling, Judo,

Muay Thai. Military Training, Veteran

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W. Keith Scott (Jedi Master Dorsai)

Actor

Popularly known in the Military District of Washington (MDW) area W. Keith Scott

is a full time actor willing to travel who has taken advantage of the growing rate of

work in the area with such shows as House of Cards, Veep, ID Channel, and

numerous independent film one particular titled Jamesy Boy which he worked alongside James Woods

and Ving Rhames. Keith a veteran, SGM (Ret.) Scott brings the experiences of leadership,

determination, sacrifice and service to the roles he undertakes as an actor and the unique perspective

he offers as a Military Technical Advisor to filmmakers, fellow actors, screenwriters, and producers.

This talented actor has yet to have the opportunity to show us the wealth of knowledge he brings to the

industry; he continues to pursue his dreams by approaching each project with the same fervor and

enthusiasm he nurtured all his life.

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Patrick Opitz (Jedi Master Edon)

Actor

Ghoulish Tales – Frank – Fuzzy Monkey Productions - Currently in production

Swords of Insurgency – Shyne – Michael Neal Studios – Currently in production

Rosehaven Productions – Sloane – Luca - 2013

Three Roads Communications – Soccer Player - 2013

Maryland Ensemble Theater – Robin Hood: Occupy Sherwood – Combat Choreographer, Soldier # 1

Rockville Little Theater - Frozen – Guard/Running Crew –WATCH Award nominated Production

Rockville Little Theater – View from the Bridge – Tony Bereli – WATCH Award nominated Production

http://www.stage32.com/profile/142171/patrick-opitz

http://www.talentpages.com/pjopitz

http://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/277515-patrick-opitz

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Jonathan Wolk (Mandalorian 2

nd Cmdr)

Actor

Jonathan is married to the popular Make-up/Geek Blogger Pink Sith and father to

a young geekling son known publicly as Darthypie. He is the Owner of Used

Future Workshop, where he creates custom displays for costumers and collectors, makes props and

prop replicas, and custom costuming accessories. He has been reading comics since he can

remember, saw Star Wars in the theater in 1977 as a young boy, is an avid costumer, dabbler in

prosthetic makeup and is a proud member of the 501st Legion, Garrison Tyranus. He enjoys long walks

wearing Stormtrooper Armor, kittens, is a Marvel Guy, and he really likes Dark Chocolate. He has been

seen on stage as Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie and in many other stage productions, and appeared

in the film Major League II

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Elliot Benjamin Merker (Mandalorian Merc)

Actor and Fight Coordinator

Elliot is a jack of all trades that has a decade of stage combat experience and a

lifelong love of Star Wars. He's a Northern Virginia local and is active in several stage

combat, acting, musical performances, LARP, and other performing arts endeavors while he pursues

his BS in physics.

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Brian Gregory (Jedi Grand Master Maeda)

Actor

Brian, an Army Veteran, started Cosplaying on 5May2010 mentored by the King of

Cosplay Eric The Smoke Moran, Brian made his first appearance at Free Comicbook

Day at Atomic City Comics in Philadelphia, originally from Camden, NJ. He made his

debut at Wizard World Philadelphia 2010 as one part of the mercenary duo Army of Two's Salim, Kato

from the Green Hornet and Batman.

Bwildd has said, "to much is given much is expected." He fulfills this by doing appearances at

Community Events like Camden's Taking it To The Streets, Children's Cancer Ward at Walter Reed

Hospital, Super Hero Day, at Ft.Detrick, Homeland Security Bring Your Kid to Work Day in

Philadelphia. Brian is a member of the East Coast Avengers which is a non-profit organization that

visits children hospitals. He resides in Maryland, and is also a founding member of CosLove which is

another nonprofit organization located in the Dc, Md, Va area dedicated to putting smiles and hope on

children and adults faces. Bwildd Cosplay is a co-founder of Together Brothers Productions and has

appeared in the fanflms Clash In The Knight, Final Escalation, GI Joe Operation Red Retrieval, Legion

of Injustice, GI Joe The Joe Files, Dark Awakening: A Star Wars Fan Film, and The Heist. Brian is also

an actor, writer, producer, sound designer, action figure and comic book collector.

You can contact Bwildd Cosplay for appearances at bwildd@gmail.com You can follow Brian at

@Bwildd Cosplay(twitter) #Bwildd Cosplay(instagram) Facebook page Bwildd Cosplay.

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Patrick Michael Strange (Jedi Master

Varan)

Actor

Actor, model, writer, producer, publisher, photographer, teacher... the list goes on for Patrick Michael

Strange... most just call him, The Golden Child... and he is the personification of the multi-hyphenate.

He is a creative genius who is able reach deep inside his soul to bare the imagination that lies within us

but few of us are able to tap into.

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Jonathan E. Henderson (Jedi Knight

Dannen Tokani)

Actor and Stunt Performer

Jonathan E. Henderson is an aspiring actor, stunt performer, and fight

choreographer in the Washington, DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia area. His parents enrolled him in

martial arts and theatre education at a young age to instill discipline and self-confidence, provide a

means of self-expression, and as a method of exercise. Today, both martial arts and theatrical

performance, whether on stage or film, serve as two of Jonathan’s biggest passions. Jonathan trained

in a variety of martial arts, including Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Freestyle Wrestling, Krav Maga,

Muay Thai, and Wing Chun. Jonathan has been featured in fight videos for the DeadlyDymes

production company, and recently performed with the DC Stunt Coalition in the live-action stunt show

entitled “The Legend of Zelda: Gamers against the Grimdark.”

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Jethro “Jet” Moran (Jedi Knight Ren Cass)

Actor

Jet is a stunt performer and certified 3rd Degree Black Belt. His martial arts

specialties include Hapkido, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Judo and Kung fu. Jet

is also proficient in the use of nunchuks, double nunchuks, staff, escrima, fan, broad

sword, 3 sectional staff & kama and can perform breakfalls, dive rolls, tornado falls, Flips, cartwheels,

aerials and hand-to-hand combat.

He is also the Martial Arts Head Instructor at Yong Song Lee Hapmudo Studio and is Team Captain &

Fight Coordinator for the Martial Arts Performance Demo Team. He has also performed live at

numerous festivals.

Jet has appeared in the film Action Inc. and the upcoming web series Swords of Insurgency.

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Joshua Pigatt (Jedi Apprentice Na’tu’orn)

Actor

Josh has appeared in several films (Final Solution and The Engineer), television

shows (Deadly Affairs, My Friend Hendricks and Phoenix Tremayne’s Taboo) and

theatre (The Curse of Frau Mueller).

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Behind the scenes of Dark Awakening

Courtesy of Enelay Creative/Nadia Adona Photography

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Promotional Posters

Courtesy of Enelay Creative/Nadia Adona Photography

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DVD Cover Art