This interview was conducted by moderator Penny (fazestudio).
Penny: It’s great to be able to have this interview with you April. I am so honored and excited that the Plumbbob panel picked me to ask you some questions about your work. I have never seen a machinima series quite like yours and I am glad you decided to participate in this season. I was blown away by your lighting techniques in your film work and your soundtrack was perfect for each scene. I look forward to seeing more of your work and upcoming projects 🙂
Penny: You are in your second season of Traveller. How does it feel?
April Dark: It was an awesome feeling to me that I managed to complete the whole season and start another one. This series is important to me in many respects, even if it isn't so comedic and popular. I'm happy that I was able to complete this series.
Penny: What made you use Sims 3 for this series over Sims 4?
April Dark:Â I have never been into Sims 4. Actually, I started playing it a few months ago. The game doesn't fit the style of my machinima. Sims 3 is better for creating more dynamic projects. I have been playing Sims 3 for seven years so naturally, I chose it for recording.
Penny: Your skill with color grading and lighting are breathtaking to watch. How did you learn such a skill?
April Dark: Thank you. I'm happy that you enjoy my style of coloring. Actually, I have never followed any tutorials. I use Magic Bullet Looks for coloring. I find it great and simple. If it comes to learning, I just tried new methods every time and used settings that pleased my eye.
Penny: What gave you the idea for Traveller?
April Dark: Well, this is quite a serious question to answer. Three years ago I was in a really dark place. I was fighting with something I didn't understand back then. My current therapist said that I might struggle with depression after losing my loved grandpa and being rejected by people who surrounded me. My series was like a form of therapy for me. I was left alone with my problems, completely without any help and art was my only supporter. I treat this series as a Black Mirror of the life I've led so far. Of course, everything is symbolic. I wasn't pregnant or travelling to another world xD The second season has little to do with my life but it kinda reflects the way I had to go to become a better version of myself.
Penny: What inspired you to be a sims machinima director?
April Dark:Â Ever since I remember, I was into cinematography. When I was five I was drawing my own film frames, and then I turned nine and I was creating movies on MovieStarPlanet xD When I discovered Sims 3 I was in awe. It was a great opportunity for me to finally make my own, more or less professional movies.
Penny: What/who are some of your favorite series/directors in the machinima community? Did you have any favorites in this year's awards?
April Dark: I actually have lots of favorite director, but always when I'm asked to answer on such questions I don't mention anyone specific. I just don't want to miss anyone. There are lots of amazing people who inspire me with their passion and creativity. If it comes to my favorites, I loved Tia's Invisible, Star's Eclipse, Silk's Blue Moon, Carmen's Older, and lots more. This season was not from this world. There were a lot of new creators which made me happy. It's wonderful to see our community growing.
Penny: We all have likes and dislikes about filming. What do you love/hate about filming?
April Dark: If it comes to filming, I love writing a screenplay the most and editing whilst watching YouTube. It relaxes me. What I hate the most is repairing my game after installing broken cc and feeling like your work isn't as appreciated as it used to be.
Penny: If you could be any character in your series, who would you be and why?
April Dark: Seriously none of them xD I think that all of them have really difficult lives and have made lots of serious mistakes. Really, it's hard to choose one, but if I had to do that, I'd be Miranda from the new version of Loaded Gun. She's a boss bitch, has self-esteem I'd like to have, and damn she's hot!
Penny: When can we expect the next episode, and are you currently working on any other projects?
April Dark: I'm publishing Traveller season 2 every month. Currently, I'm working on the remake of Loaded Gun. You will probably see it next summer. Self-advertisement: I'm still looking for voice actors so I'd be grateful if you could check the cast out. That's the end of the advertisement, thank you!
[You can find the casting call for Loaded Gun here!]Penny: Do you have anything to say to the judges and your fans?
April Dark: Yeah, I have a lot to say. I'd like to say to the judges that I'm grateful for their work and honest opinions. Thank you so much for that. You're awesome! To my fans (lol I have any? What? xD) well, to my viewers then, thank you so much for your constant support. You don't even realize how supportive you were to me especially in my blackest days. I love you all so much and it's a pity that I can't meet you in real life. Really, I don't deserve you. Thank you so much Plumbbob Awards for this interview. See you soon!
