Behind the Bucket is a documentary following members of the 501st Legion--Star Wars Enthusiasts--showing how they are much more than adults playing dress-up. The 501st are compassionate, charitable, and down to earth people doing what's right for those in need. There's a reason why their motto is "Bad Guys Doing Good"

DVD’s available at:

Streaming and VOD

RUNTIME: 80 min. LANGUAGE: English

A Determined Productions Film

Behind the Bucket is a feature-length documentary directed by Michael Thomas Determan and Tom Rosy, where we meet and follow Star Wars and costume building enthusiasts who are members of the Midwest Garrison (located in the state of Illinois), and part of the world wide, non-profit organization known as, the 501st Legion ... aka, Vader's Fist.

Essentially combining their love of costume building and the Star Wars Universe's many villainous characters, 501st Legion members share their talent and contribute their time, to

various charitable events by showing up in costume and interacting with fellow Star Wars overs of all ages, hoping to bring them joy, especially when they're finding themselves in difficult situation's

The Crew

​Directors
Michael Thomas Determan
Tom Rosy
Editor
David M. Haight
Writers
J. Anthony Ramos
David M. Haight
Director of Photography
Michael Thomas Determan
Producers
Michael Thomas Determan
Tom Rosy
David M. Haight
J. Anthony Ramos
Sound Editor/Sound Designer
Todd Brodie
​Todd Harth
Animator/Animation
Veronica Venturi
Gordon Crum

For inquiries about our documentary, please reach out. We love connecting with fans and supporters!

Contact Us

Click for more info on the 501st Legion

Click for more info on the Midwest Garrison

How to join the 501st

The Nerds Templar praised the film for shedding light on the altruistic side of the 501st Legion, stating, “They are making a difference… Behind the Bucket should open some eyes to what the 501st actually does.”

It's amazing to see the positive impact these passionate individuals make in their community through charity events.

★★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★★

The Movie Sleuth described the film as “a startlingly heartfelt and genuinely kind film,” emphasizing its portrayal of the 501st Legion’s commitment to bringing joy to children facing serious health challenges.

On Rotten Tomatoes, audience members have lauded the film’s emotional depth and insight into the 501st Legion’s mission. One reviewer remarked, “Heartwarming and meaningful, it shows how the 501st are bad guys doing good.”

An Amazon reviewer and 501st member shared, “Yes, it is for many outsiders cosplay, but… it is rather ‘causeplay.’ I did shed some tears while watching because this is what we do: We bring sunshine, even if it is just for a moment.”