Two guys and a computer produce hit Web movie

A still from a scene in the Internet film "405," showing a computer-generated jet about to land on the highway

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Imagine the relief of finding a ritually congested highway suddenly traffic-free. Then a glance in the rearview mirror reveals the reason: a 747 landing right behind you.

That's the premise of "405: The Movie," a short film produced by two California computer graphics artists and a break-out hit on IFILM.

The film, which runs about two-and-a-half minutes, has been seen more than 2 million times since it debuted on the site in June.

The movie not only drove traffic to IFILM, it boosted its credibility after the two creators, Bruce Branit and Jeremy Hunt, were signed by CAA, one of the country's largest talent agencies.

Most of the movie's images, from the airplane to the Jeep being driven by Hunt, are computer-generated. But it's the short film's premise and surprise ending that has given the two friends their break.

Through CAA, the pair are considering offers to direct music videos and commercials. They are also creating other short films for the Internet. Eventually, they would like the same kind of opportunities given to another pair of screenwriter buddies -- Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

"We're all-around storytellers," Branit said. "We want to write, direct and produce our own feature films."

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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405themovie.com
IFILM
College Art Association (CAA)

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