New Prime

Olan Rogers is a miracle worker. That's all there is to it.

For those of us who have been watching since the beginning of BalloonShop, the sketch comedy group which Rogers was previously one- third of, it is IMMENSELY satisfying to see his talent developing. His ambitions and emergent talent have been visible since mid-to-late period BalloonShop, but since he struck out on his own, he's been growing by leaps and bounds as a filmmaker.

I was sad to see BalloonShop end. I'm of the opinion that it would be as influential to modern comedy as Monty Python was if only more people were aware of it. What BalloonShop and Monty Python have in common is a surrealist bent and a knack for distilling the purest strain of humor out of absurdity, and all three members had some of the best comic ideas and timing I've ever seen. As it slowly became apparent to everyone involved that its era was past, Olan kept going.

Rather than letting the energy and creativity that had gone into BalloonShop fade away, Olan redirected and focused it. As time went on, he built up a collection of dozens of hilarious vlogs and shorts, many with longtime friend Reid Sullivan (previously seen in several BalloonShop sketches). We as viewers felt involved in his life. We developed a sense that this wasn't just some guy on the internet; this was a friend of ours who was so eager to share his talent, and we got to see that talent develop.

When The Last Scene hit, I don't think any of us were prepared for what we were about to get into. What started as a particularly ambitious comedy short developed by the end into something as touching and emotional as it was funny. I think we all knew Olan was headed for great things, but as The Last Scene ended, something felt different somehow. We'd seen the birth, and here we were watching an artist's first step.

It wasn't long before he announced a sequel series: New Prime. A few months later, New Prime has been completed, and even days after watching the finale, I'm a bit dazed.

This series should not be possible. How did a few friends, less than a thousand dollars, and a cat accomplish this?

Much like The Last Scene, it starts off on a small scale as a series of ridiculous dialogue exchanges with hints of something larger to come. By the time the credits roll, it's transformed into something massive, an epic story filled with big ideas and bigger characters. Olan plays most of the roles himself, and if he hadn't previously proved himself as an actor, he does here. Ferris goes from a parody of several well-known archetypes to a deeply sympathetic character. Sullivan and Thomas Gore, also of BalloonShop, fill out the other primary roles (except, of course, for the implacable Emperor Laboosh, played with measured placidity by Rogers' cat Starscream and voiced by Gore). Brett Driver and Sara Frietes take on a couple of smaller parts with little to no dialogue, and play them convincingly (and amusingly, in Driver's case) while on screen.

The soundtrack is excellent, and features music by Andrew Goodman, Zack Hemsey, and indie band Awake! Awake!, all of which sets the tone perfectly and underscores the proceedings beautifully. Other music was written by fans (I myself wrote a theme which was ultimately not used) and several other independent musicians. None of the music ever draws you out of the moment; it always enhances the action.

Rogers' skill as a director shines through every pixel of every frame, especially in the fifth and final segment. New Prime outshines its budget. New Prime 5 was filmed on a budget of $500, about as much as a Hollywood studio executive might find in the pocket of his jeans, but somehow, it never feels like it. The visual effects are stunning for a project that, by all accounts, probably should be held together with duct tape and string. They're frequently more impressive than what you might see on television shows whose per-episode costs are exponentially greater than that of this entire series.

A sense of infectious enthusiasm bubbles throughout the entire production, just under the surface. You can feel Rogers and his crew's deep love for what they're doing every step of the way. New Prime has everything. A fantastic cast, sharp writing, strong characters, gorgeous effects lending life to a hugely creative and consistent visual aesthetic to match the beautifully-composed shots, intelligently and honestly directed, coherently and intuitively edited, with a hungry energy found only in the work of creators who genuinely love what they're doing so much that they would NEED to do it no matter what. All of this combines to form a definitive statement of purpose and herald the exciting arrival of an auteur. You WILL know Olan Rogers' name, there can be no doubt of that. If there is any justice in the universe at all, his name will be at the top of credits rolling down a big screen near you very, very soon.

Between the humor, thrills and action of this amazingly told story, I have a hard time finding a second where I don't want to watch it. Knowing that it is the sequel to his 5 part series The Last Chapter just made it all that much more interesting.

But putting aside all that, it is amazing that he likes to talk to his fans. And that his fans could be a part of it. Between supporting him verbally, as well as buying his goods to help him fund his videos, I happily joined in.

It is purely amazing what a single man could put together with a camera and computer programs. He probably could still pull it off even if he were his only actor. I would suggest to Olan to go to Lulu.com and get these onto sell-able DVD's. Both The Last Chapter and New Prime.

I truly hope one day his skills are noticed by someone who can get him to be much more than he is today.

Olan rogers is oozing with talent! New prime is the best web series on youtube and i am so pumped to see what he does next. New prime is funny action packed and really tugs at your heart strings. Thomas gore is one of if not the funniest person on you tube! every time you see his face you start to crack up because you know he is about to say something hilarious. Thomas should already be in Hollywood as a writer and an actor! He is just that funny! Olan has a great future in this industry and i am really looking forward to see his work on the big screen! Olan never doubt your talent. You are an amazing director and New prime just proves this fact even more, good luck on your journey ahead!

Olan Rogers (Director, Writer, and Actor), has done an absolutely amazing job with this effort. After "The Last Scene", i was left wanting more and some more expansion upon the cool premise. This does not disappoint; bringing action, hilarity, and even drama to the mix proving that this is his best film yet. It is an hour definitely worth spending! Great short sci-fi flick.

Rating: 9/10

P.S. Pop Rocket has just started and it is looking amazing so far! Make sure to check out this, and many other of his short films and comedic videos.

Olan Rogers is one the greatest things that has happened to film. Olan has created amazing things that have made fans laugh, cry and beg for more. Being an Olan Rogers fan I'm always astounded by his work. He puts fans at the edge of their seats in wonder.

In his recent film "New Prime 5" he has shown us you don't need the greatest actors or the greatest equipment. All you need is a lot of good friends, support and the will to amaze. A lot of things were done right in "New Prime 5" The characters were very well developed The actors put a ton of effort in there acting, more than what we can hope for. The VFX were just incredible for a super low budget. The music matched the scenes perfectly. They worked with what they have.

Olan Rogers and his pal Reid Sullivan are the best damn film team I've ever seen. I hope Olan's and Reid's flame never die down and they continue working together to create incredible things for the fans and newcomers to see. And a personal note for Olan if he ever reads this- You'll be the best director of our time, you're fans will always be by your side till the very end.