Bomb Voyage (May 2006)

Overview and Production History

When looking back on the history of CJ Simmons, it is clear to see that it all began in a rather strange and unusual manner. In April 2006, YSP were short of another film to show at the annual film night at Ellesmere College. The splintered group were involved in their own projects with Hadleigh Roberts pursuing more documentary/news based ventures and Chris Bevan and Alexander Burley vainly attempting to form a narrative based short film. In early May 2006, a bizarre idea of filming a wildlife series in the style of the late Steve Irwin was concocted but after five or ten minutes of filming, it was clear that this project too was doomed. A chance fly by from an RAF helicopter was quickly filmed and after a series of chain thoughts, the concept of an action based mercenary adventure was seized upon. Filming a spoof attack by the title character on a 'missile silo' otherwise known as a water tower, the result was a three minute rush job with potential for re working and extending. After showing the edited footage to two other students (Jonathan Bevan and Miles Howitt-Dring) it was decided that a more action packed 15 minute film could be made. A secret and covert operation began the next week which saw Chris and Alex leave the college campus with the college camera and equipment in the back of a car to Miles' house during one afternoon. Over the course of four hours, the main body of Bomb Voyage was put to film with insane bike scenes, smoke grenades and a mass of guns and thus CJ Simmons was truly born. Following this, Matt White agreed to a short but nevertheless important appearance as 'Commander' Mark Burns and after completing some of his many pipeline ideas, Hadleigh returned to appear in the minor role of Charles Jenkins, assistant to Burns. The extensive editing process saw Chris Bevan push Windows Moviemaker to its limits and incorporate a Metal Gear Solid soundtrack into the film as well as Massive Attack's 'Rising Son' which would later become the piece of music most associated with CJ Simmons. In a show of intensive fortitude, Miles spent a large number of hours the weekend before the film was due to be shown putting in special effects and tweaking the final product. Shown on 23rd May 2006, Bomb Voyage received a glowing reception for its outstanding style which went against the usual trend of student films shown. A sequel seemed inevitable and calls for one were met, but in a way no one could have ever foreseen.

Plot

CJ Simmons is hired by 'Commander' Mark Burns to track down and eliminate the European terrorist Lieutenant Escargot as well as destroy one of his missile silos somewhere on the base. Jenkins, Burns' assistant in terror affairs, refers Simmons to the Chateau d'Escargot as the most likely base of operation and Simmons sets out on the mission. Dropped off by Burns himself outside the compound, Simmons enters and quickly dispatches of an enemy soldier before detonating an explosive and destroying the silo. Meanwhile, the ever vigilant Escargot has seen Simmons' actions on CCTV and tells his men 'not to make it to easy for him' and that he 'wants Simmons alive'. Shortly after this, Simmons arrives at the base and knocks out a guard, taking his vest and gun and goes through a passage, eliminating a guard with a brutal punch to the groin. After hearing an alarm pressed by the guard, Simmons returns to finish the job but has been discovered by two of Escargot's finest soldiers. Simmons flees to the forest and engages the two soldiers, using a smoke grenade as an opportunity to stun one and shooting another off the back of a bike in a exhilarating action sequence which cumulates in Simmons approach to Escargot's base. After dispatching the two men, Simmons enters the base and confronts Escargot who claims he will explain everything. Behind him, the door opens and Burns enters and reveals his loyalty to Escargot all along, using Simmons as a set up to get himself to Escargot in person off the record. Escargot leaves Burns to kill Simmons, however upon attempting to Burns finds no bullets in the gun and is promptly attacked by Simmons. With Burns incapacitated, Simmons reveals how he suspected Burns' treachery following a phone call from Jenkins who had discovered emails from Escargot to Burns and following this had replaced the full magazine with and empty one to foil Burns. Simmons chases Escargot out of the building, only to be shot in the leg by a wounded soldier who is then killed by Simmons. This act buys enough time for Escargot to escape and following a phone call to an unseen character, Janet, Simmons swears to go after Escargot himself.