Private Project

Bonno Eversong and the 20 Sides of Fate

In a dimly lit rec-room a group of middle-aged friends, still reeling from the loss of their beloved character, Paul, play an ongoing tabletop role-playing game. With the introduction of Bonno Eversong, a pacifist bard, skepticism hung heavy in the air. Bonno's arrival stirred doubt among the group; however, with time, his soothing melodies and quick wit began to sway their opinions. As the game progressed, the misfit band faced daunting challenges, including a menacing troll guarding a bridge and a fearsome fire-breathing dragon. Through determination, unexpected ingenuity, and Bonno's unwavering commitment to peace, they not only conquered the trials but discovered a renewed sense of unity, illustrating that strength can manifest in unconventional ways.

  • Mike Schoenhals
    Director
  • Mike Schoenhals
    Writer
  • Martin Novotny
    Key Cast
    "Dungeon Master"
  • Oliver Podwyoscki
    Key Cast
    "Bonno Eversong"
  • Natalee Lovelock
    Key Cast
    "Valkyrie"
  • Carson Ho
    Key Cast
    "Fizban"
  • Chris Andrew Papp
    Key Cast
    "Pyro"
  • Geoff Manson
    Key Cast
    "Bofur"
  • Don Blake
    Key Cast
    "Bifur"
  • Jessica Campbell
    Key Cast
    "Enchantress"
  • Elijah Phillips-Watts
    Key Cast
    "Paul"
  • Brent Phillips-Watts
    Crew
  • Bill Kingsland
    Crew
  • Phoebe Nezil
    Crew
  • Corey Smith
    Crew
  • Lisa Marie Di Marco
    Crew
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Runtime:
    24 minutes 5 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 3, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    250 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Mike Schoenhals

Mike (Frederick) Schoenhals is a multifaceted filmmaker, animator, game designer, and teacher whose life revolves around a profound passion for all things related to media and education. His work is a testament to his creative versatility and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

With a career spanning several decades, Mike has established himself as a visionary in the world of media education. His extensive portfolio encompasses a wide range of projects, each reflecting his unbridled enthusiasm for exploring the possibilities of storytelling through various mediums.

Born and raised with an insatiable curiosity, Mike found his calling as a media educator, drawn to the art of visual storytelling at a young age. His journey as a filmmaker has led him to explore the fusion of live action and animation, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, as demonstrated in his most recent film, "Bonno Eversong and the 20 Sides of Fate." This project not only showcases his artistic ingenuity but also serves as a love letter to his enduring commitment to both animation and film as transformative vehicles of expression.

In addition to his cinematic achievements, Mike's remarkable career extends to the realm of game design, where he has crafted interactive experiences that captivate and engage players, further demonstrating his versatility as a creator.

However, Mike's passion goes beyond personal projects. He is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of storytellers. His work in developing a media program at a local high school is a testament to his dedication to nurturing young minds. By providing students with the tools and knowledge needed to tell their own stories through various mediums, he helps them discover the magic of creativity and self-expression.

Mike Schoenhals' love for all things media and education is not just a career; it's a lifelong mission to inspire, educate, and create. His enduring enthusiasm for the fusion of storytelling and technology continues to shape his work and inspire those fortunate enough to work alongside him. In an ever-evolving world of media and education, Mike remains a guiding light, demonstrating the boundless potential of creative storytelling and the transformative power of education.

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Director Statement

"Bonno Eversong And The 20 Sides Of Fate" is a project that holds a special place in my heart, and I'm excited to share our journey in bringing this unique film to life. With limited resources and a passionate, tight-knit team, we embarked on an adventurous quest that seamlessly blended live action and animation, all in the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of fun.

This film is a testament to the power of creativity when fueled by passion and dedication. With a very small budget, we were faced with challenges that pushed us to think outside the box, leading to innovative solutions and a strong sense of camaraderie among our cast and crew. What could have been seen as limitations became opportunities to push the boundaries of our creativity, turning this film into a labor of love.

Our journey in creating "Bonno Eversong And The 20 Sides Of Fate" was an incredible adventure filled with laughter, teamwork, and boundless imagination. The cast and crew poured their hearts and souls into every aspect of the project, from the live-action scenes that anchor the story to the intricate animations that bring the fantasy world to life. The collaborative spirit on set was infectious, making the process not only rewarding but genuinely enjoyable.

"Bonno Eversong And The 20 Sides Of Fate" is a celebration of storytelling and the endless possibilities of combining different mediums. By weaving live action and animation together, we aimed to immerse our audience in a world where reality and fantasy coexist, where the ordinary is enlivened by the extraordinary. This blend allows us to explore themes of adventure, destiny, and the joy of embracing the unknown.

With this film, we hope to inspire others to pursue their creative dreams, regardless of the obstacles in their path. "Bonno Eversong And The 20 Sides Of Fate" is a testament to what can be achieved when a group of passionate individuals comes together to make something special. It reminds us that, even with a small budget, there is no limit to the magic that can be created through the labor of love, dedication, and a shared sense of purpose.

I'm immensely proud of what our team has accomplished, and I hope "Bonno Eversong And The 20 Sides Of Fate" not only entertains you but also resonates with your own aspirations and the power of storytelling to bring people together. Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary journey, and I hope you enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed making it.