Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn

Halo is one of the most successful video games franchises ever.

Owned by Microsoft Studios and available exclusively on the Xbox 360 platform, the most recent game in the series (Halo 4) grossed US$220 million on its opening day of sales.

As part of the build-up to the game’s launch, Microsoft took the unusual step of making a feature-length live-action film based on the Halo world.

Entitled Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, the 90-minute film was directed by Stewart Hendler (Sorority Row) and is distributed by Content Media.

Content Media director of European TV sales Jonathan Ford says: “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn was bundled with a premium version of the game. It also aired for eight weeks on YouTube channel Machinima in October and November. It was streamed in five chapters, four of which have now been taken down. The film in its entirety will now be marketed by Content across all platforms (ex-US).”

Ford says Forward Unto Dawn is a high-end production that will sit equally well on home entertainment, digital transactional, pay TV or SVOD platforms.

“This is a big budget execution of a massive global brand. We’re really excited to be involved. I think any channel or platform which schedules sci-fi programming will be a potential buyer of this production.”

The first chapter, which is still accessible on Machinima, has achieved more than 10 million views.

The show: Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
The producer: Microsoft Studios, 343 Industries, Herzog and Company, Legacy Effects, Arc Productions
The distributor: Content Television
The broadcaster: Machinima Prime
Concept: Drama series based on the hit computer game franchise