THE MAN IN THE MACHINE is a modestly budgeted independent film written and directed by Thunder Levin and produced by Douglas Nabors.  The story was conceived from the beginning to be produced on a relatively low budget without looking "cheap".  The story and characters provide the suspense and drama rather than relying on splashy special effects to hold the audience's attention.  That's not to say that the film has no effects.  It does, and they will be created by Horsehead Nebula, a start-up digital effects company which will be providing its services free of charge in order to showcase its work.

The film will be shot primarily on location in the lava fields of Sunset Crater near Flagstaff, AZ.  This otherworldy locale provides the alien appearance of the uncharted planet on which the bulk of the story takes place.  Additional studio filming will occur in Los Angeles.

"Filming" may not actually utilize film at all.  The new 24 frames-per-second digital high definition "E-Cinema" may be utilized to allow the filmmakers to better manipulate the "look" of the film to reflect the otherwordly setting.  This system will also allow for reduced production costs and increased flexibility in the integration of digital effects.

The film is being financed largely through private investment, although co-production with an established production or distribution company remains a possibility.