An eight-year labour of love made in Garry’s Mod, Dan Shetter’s Avalon takes us into the world of Half-Life for a feature-length story of occupation, memory and survival. Damien, Phil and Tracy discuss its extraordinary cinematography, animation, sound and music, and why it works even for viewers who have never played the games. Tracy explores the film’s characters and layered ending, while Phil asks whether this is the best machinima film he has ever seen.

Spoiler warning: The story discussion begins at 15:28. Watch the film first if you want to experience its twists for yourself.

01:17 — Damien introduces Avalon and explains why he chose it.

04:37 — Phil makes the case for its place among the greatest machinima films.

11:27 — How exceptional work can inspire other filmmakers.

14:30 — The brief behind-the-scenes video and the mystery of its production.

15:28 — Spoilers begin: Tracy introduces Dan Shetter’s eight-year project.

17:40 — Camp Haven, Teagan and the film’s opening attack.

20:30 — Breen, Freeman and the film’s relationship to Half-Life.

22:03 — Memory, extraction and the Combine’s plans.

25:30 — Portals, the final battle and collective resistance.

27:44 — The meaning of Avalon, restoration and the recurring crows.

29:27 — Atmosphere, sound, visual storytelling and the film’s limitations.

33:29 — Earlier Half-Life machinima and the achievement of finishing such an ambitious film.

36:39 — What makers working in any engine can learn from it.

Credits -
Co-hosts: Phil Rice, Damien Valentine, Tracy Harwood
Producer/Editor: Phil Rice
Music: Phil Rice & Suno AI