2024 turned out to be an unexpectedly intense year for Clear Focus Movies. Our shift from horror to action took us from I AM RAGE to PRIMAL GAMES, an ambitious sci-fi action film shot on a tight $250K budget. Calling the shoot "challenging" would be an understatement.
Filming any movie in 18 days is tough, but tackling an intricate action film with stunts, explosions, and the usual chaos of indie filmmaking pushed us to the brink. Little did we know, one of the largest storms the U.K. had seen in years would hit the moment we started. Torrential rain, flooding—you name it, we powered through. It’s a testament to our hardworking cast and crew that the film was completed under such brutal conditions. Thankfully, all that effort is up on the screen for everyone to see—an experience none of us will forget anytime soon.
PRIMAL GAMES is set for a worldwide release on May 6, 2025, with its premiere in L.A. this April. The film will also be at the Berlin Film Market in February, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that it’s met with the same enthusiasm that everyone involved brought to making it.
PRIMAL GAMES
DIRECTED BY: David Ryan Keith
WRITTEN BY: David Ryan Keith
PRODUCED BY: David Dittlinger Mary Ann Barnes Lorraine Keith
MUSIC BY: Drew Denton
STARRING: Hannaj Bang Bendz John Love Gary Kasper
REALEASE DATE: 6th May 2025
DISTRIBUTOR: Uncork'd Entertainment
A newlywed couple sets off on the honeymoon of their dreams, only to become unwitting participants in a sadistic vacation experience. Trapped in a deadly game designed for the thrill-seeking elite, they must fight for survival and uncover the shocking truth about their existence before it's too late. In a world where nothing is as it seems, primal instincts are their only hope.
A HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME
Post-production on PRIMAL GAMES was a breeze compared to the challenges we faced on location. Editing on Avid Media Composer, with its unrivaled media management, made navigating the intense seven-week cutting process smooth and efficient. Once locked, the project transitioned seamlessly to Pro Tools for 10 weeks of detailed sound design—meticulously layering atmospherics, foley, sound effects, and dialogue.
Working with composer Drew Denton for the third time was a highlight of the journey. His score for PRIMAL GAMES elevated the film in ways we could only dream of, adding depth and emotion that brought the visuals to life. Meanwhile, VFX and color correction came together on time and on budget, and the trailer was crafted to meet distributor specifications without a hitch.
The shoot itself was a relentless test of endurance—everything that could go wrong, did. Yet, through sheer determination and passion, our team overcame every obstacle, from battling the elements to navigating the threat of shutdowns. PRIMAL GAMES is a testament to that collective effort. Despite the challenges, the journey was rewarding, and we’re proud to share the result with the world.
POST - PRODUCTION
OFFICIAL PROMOTIONAL IMAGES
RED BAND TRAILER
HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE
On April 29th, 2025, the film will have its official Hollywood premiere.
Director David Ryan Keith and actress Hannaj Bang Bendz will be flying out to L.A. to join our U.S. producers and cast for an unforgettable night—screening the film to friends, investors, and industry insiders.
EXCLUSIVE CLIPS
THE HUNT BEGINS
DRONE ATTACK
UPGRADE TIME
A FIGHTING CHANCE
ORIGINAL SCORE
Director's Statement – David Ryan Keith
Like all our indie films, Primal Games was a project that pushed us to the absolute limit. It was a collaboration between Clear Focus Movies and Epic Squirrel Productions, and right from the start, we knew we were aiming high—trying to shoot a sci-fi action film in just 18 days on a $250K budget.
We don’t have the luxury of big studio money, so it was important that everything we had ended up on screen. After a tense and stressful pre-production, it finally felt like we were ready. The cast and crew were in place, we had an incredible location, and it felt like things were finally falling into place. All we needed now was a bit of luck and some hard work...
What we didn’t know was that one of the worst storms the UK had seen in years was waiting for us.
From day one, we were hit with red weather warnings, flooding, freezing cold, and relentless rain. It honestly felt like the universe was laughing at us. Every day brought new problems. If it could go wrong—it probably did. There were moments I truly thought the film wouldn’t get finished.
But in the middle of all that chaos, something incredible happened.
Our small cast and crew stuck it out. No one gave up. We adapted, we pushed through, and we fought to capture whatever we could, whenever we could. Every single person gave everything they had to get this film over the line. And somehow—we did it.
Looking back, Primal Games was probably one of the toughest shoots I’ve ever been through. But strangely enough, it was also one of the most fun. Explosions, martial arts, crazy stunts—it had everything. And maybe all that madness we went through actually added to the film’s energy.
It’s not often you get to make something like this in the UK, and I’m incredibly proud of what we pulled off. I’m grateful to everyone who stood by this project and gave it their all, even when the odds were against us.
Primal Games is proof of what can happen when people believe in something and refuse to quit—even when the weather is trying to kill you.
