Alien: Extraction – Behind the Build

Alien: Extraction – Behind the Build of a Sci-Fi Fan Film

The Alien franchise has inspired fans for decades, blending sci-fi, horror, and military action into unforgettable cinematic experiences. With Alien: Extraction, that universe gets a new tribute through indie filmmaking, prop making, and gun culture.

This breakdown takes readers behind the scenes of the fan film—showing how a real firearm was transformed into a Colonial Marine weapon, how cosplay props like the motion tracker were created, and how two collaborators combined their skills to give the project a cinematic edge.

Reimagining Hicks’ Shotgun from Aliens

In James Cameron’s Aliens (1986), Corporal Hicks carries a Winchester 1300 pump-action shotgun. While iconic, it feels out of place for a futuristic sci-fi setting.

That inspired Alien: Extraction: what if the Colonial Marines had carried something more advanced? The Kel-Tec KS7 shotgun, with its bullpup design and compact silhouette, provided exactly the futuristic look the project needed.

Kel-Tec KS7

Building a Futuristic Shotgun for the Screen

Jimmy took the KS7 and customized it to resemble Colonial Marine gear. The build included:

• Rust-Oleum Army Green camo paint for a matte, military finish

• Weathered details for a battle-worn appearance

• Added rails, decals, and a recoil pad for authenticity

• A personal touch with his old Afghanistan radio call sign

By the time filming began, the KS7 looked like it belonged on the set of a sci-fi action film.

Prop Making: The Motion Tracker

No Alien-inspired story would be complete without the motion tracker. Jimmy constructed his version from a 3D-printed kit, HDMI cabling, a modified barbecue lighter, and luminous sheeting. A paint pass with Citadel paints gave it the gritty realism that fans expect.

From the director’s chair, the glow of the finished prop provided exactly the kind of eerie atmosphere the scenes needed.

Safe Firearm Effects and Experiments

To simulate gunfire, Boland FX blanks provided smoke, flash, and sound without live ammunition—ideal for camera while maintaining safety.

Outside of filming, Jimmy and I also experimented with Dragon’s Breath rounds during night tests. These weren’t used in the short itself, but the spectacular sparks and flame effects felt like the kind of ammo the Marines might have carried in-universe. It added an imaginative layer to the build that went beyond the screen.

A Collaboration of Two

Alien: Extraction wasn’t produced by a large crew. It was built through a collaboration between Jimmy and me. He focused on the firearm build and props, while I directed, filmed, and handled the visual effects. The end result shows how much can be accomplished when two creators bring complementary skills to a shared vision.

Film Credits:

• Starring: Jimmy G, The Italian Guerilla Gorilla

• Directed by: Jake Akuna

• Produced by: VFX2GO

🛒Where to find the gear (mentioned in this build):

• Boland FX Shotgun Blanks: https://shorturl.at/kxlYC

• Super Dragon® - Dragon's Breath Ammunition - 12 Gauge 2 3/4" - 5 Round Pack: https://shorturl.at/afqtV

• A-ZOOM 12 Gauge Snap-Cap: https://amzn.to/4fR4TqB

• Recoil Pad & Grip Storage Plug for Kel-Tec KSG / KS7: https://amzn.to/468iE0Q

• Kel-Tec KS7 Compatible Lower Rail Mod: by Hi-Tech Custom: https://amzn.to/4mxRbvk

• VOTATU ML50 Picatinny/Mlok Flashlight: https://amzn.to/45Raj06

• TALON Grips for Kel-Tec KSG, KS7: https://amzn.to/41pxOMC

• Games Workshop Citadel Nuln Oil: https://amzn.to/45LOhMl

• Rust-Oleum 249340 Automotive 12-Ounce High Heat Primer Spray Paint: https://amzn.to/3HQgMjZ

• Rust-Oleum 279176 Camouflage 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint, 12 oz, Army Green: https://amzn.to/45Cw1WY

Disclosure: Some of the links above are Amazon Affiliate links. Clicking them may earn Jimmy a small commission at no cost to you. It’s a simple way to support projects like Alien: Extraction and future collaborations.

If you believe in what we're building and want to help us take it to the next level, consider supporting the mission through our GoFundMe. Every contribution—big or small—goes directly toward producing content, upgrading gear, and keeping this platform moving forward. Let’s build something strong, together.

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