Read part one of this interview here.

In part two of our interview with Spencer Halpin, we ask about reaction to Spencer Halpin’s: Moral Kombat, both from audiences and the film's participants. Spencer also gives us a sense of his take on the conotroversy, his opinions of Jack Thompson, and some insight on the plans for the film's potential distribution.

GG: What did you learn about videogame violence in the course of working on this film?  In your opinion, how much does it factor into a child's view of violence, say, compared to the violence of football?

SH: Each of the participants were really brilliant, honestly. They were passionate about their perspectives, articulate in their responses and in many cases had never been on-camera before. There was certainly a challenge in making people feel comfortable because of that. But once they felt at-ease, they became inspirational and helped drive the project forward. As for my own knowledge about the subject, it was probably limited, like most people. I was a gamer when I was younger, and occasionally play here and there, but probably like the vast majority of game consumers I wouldn’t consider myself a “gamer” per se. Then there was the input I got from watching Hal do interviews with the media and long discussions we had over dinners as a result. But from where I started, to where I am now – in terms of education – I feel like a got a Masters and PhD all in one. *laughs*

GG: How close are you to this controversy?  Obviously as a new father, with another child on the way, I imagine you have already thought about how games may or may not affect your child, but are you a gamer as well?

SH: Like I said, I play every once in a while. My desire to play probably comes from being inspired by the art form. Looking at some of Lorne’s work, for instance, really compels you. Listening to some of the music scoring and composition from people like Tommy Tallarico, can make the difference. To me it’s like anything else creative, a lot of it can be crap and a waste of time, but some of it is the very essence of humanity. Games that aren’t just fun, but that make you feel something… those are the ones that pull me, and probably the majority of casual gamers, back into the fray. As for being a parent, I’m not sure I can answer the question without deferring to the film. Again, I think the answers are there… at least they are for me.

GG: Have you heard any reaction to the film from the people interviewed for the film, particularly Jack Thompson, who tends to be an outspoken personality in the videogame violence debate?  What about audience reaction to the film?

SH: I’ve tried to stay in contact with most of the participants in the film, Jack included. Look, I think it’s probably common knowledge that my brother and Jack are on totally opposite side of the fence and spar openly, but the one thing that you see from both is a healthy and public respect for each other’s position. So when they each saw the final cut, they both loved it. I think that probably tells you a lot about the work. As for the audience’s reaction, I’ve only screened it once so far, at the University of Southern California Business of Gaming event last month, but the reaction was all positive. I even had my first fan reaction afterward, which was both strange and terribly rewarding and complimentary. 

GG: Have you signed with a distributor for Spencer Halpin’s: Moral Kombat and/or are you planning a wider release?

SH: We’ve talked with a lot of different potential partners. A concern that I have had from the beginning is that I want the final cut. I want the film to be neutral point of view. I want for it to educate and entertain as many people as possible. And I don’t want that original vision that drove and inspired me, and all of the talented folks who worked on the film, to be corrupted or leveraged in any way. So those demands reduce the number of realistic partners pretty significantly. The other thing is that the film had quite a large above the line production budget. Shooting entirely in HD, working with green screen, hiring talented crews, shooting on-location and creating the special effects all took its toll on the budget, so it’s a challenge for most distributors who wonder if all of that time and money was a prudent investment. Again, I guess we’ll see…

GG: What about a DVD, or better yet, a Blu-Ray/HD-DVD release?

SH: We’ve actually been looking at several self-distribution options that are pretty compelling. Nothing that we’ve committed to as of yet, or that I’d be comfortable discussing in-depth. But yes, we’ve explored both packaged options as well as a few digital distribution alternatives.

GG: Do you plan to make another film?  If so, what will the subject matter be?

SH: I do. And there are a few things percolating. But my focus is on the doc as of right now.

Generation: Gamerz would like to thank Mr. Halpin for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with us, and offering to send us a copy of the Spencer Halpin's: Moral Kombat for our review. I plan to watch the film this weekend, and post a review of it next week.

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