Machinima uses new technologies where you can create films in a 3 Dimensional environment using computer games. There are games that have what is called a SDK(Software Development Kit). The SDK will enable you to access tools used in the game to create your own;

Maps - which are sets or scenes

Special Effects - such as water, smoke, explosions etc.

NPC - these are the characters or actors in the game

Props - this is self explanatory which would include weapons, vehicles, furniture etc

Camera - you can control the camera in the game. The camera can be controlled to dolly, pan etc

Action - you can control your characters/actors in the game to do your bidding using animations supplied with the game

Customization - this is the technical area where you can create your own animations for your characters, textures, character and prop modeling using 3rd party software applications

How to make Machinima films
Keep checking the website because we will be writing how to articles, tutorials explaining how you can utilize the PC game Half Life 2 in creating your own machinima films. 

Here are some links that will help you get started

Half life 2 website

Interlopers - check out the tutorials  - Great website and a wealth of tutorials

FPSBanana - More tutorials

Half life 2 file front

Half Life 2 Storm

The home magnet of machinima