Dark Pool The Web Series - A Mind-Bending Mystery

When Dark Pool opens, you meet Jim Krall, a young executive whose career is on the rise. 

He has a high-powered job with a prominent financial management firm, a beautiful wife,  a six-year-old daughter, and a lovely house in the suburbs.  Jim seemingly has the American dream, served with the requisite slice of apple pie.

Until something goes horribly wrong. 

In every parent's worst nightmare, Jim's daughter is kidnapped right before his eyes. Even worse, no one, including his wife, is the least bit concerned. 

As Jim embarks on a frantic quest to find his daughter - and those responsible - he enters a world where all is not as it seems. 

In fact, both he and hIs daughter are the key to a struggle between powerful forces. Shadow cabinets who can traverse time and alter reality to accomplish their agenda.

Jim must discover who these forces are, and what they want from his daughter, if he has any hope of reuniting with her.

Dark Pool intrigued me almost immediately with its tone.  During the first two episodes, it seems as though you are watching a 21st century version of  Leave It To Beaver. A young man with an adoring family and lucrative career just going about his day. 

However, subtle (and not-so subtle) clues emerge to inform viewers that Jim's world is slightly off-kilter: 

• there is an office prank performed at his expense that isn't remotely funny, and more than a tad creepy

• the financial services company Jim works for exerts a sinister influence over his life

• the reactions to his daughter's abduction

Written by Rick Gott, the first season of Dark Pool contains 10 well-produced episodes. It is a fascinating, compelling scifi mystery that, along with the protagonist, makes you question just what is real and what isn't.

Below is the trailer which gives a hint as to the project's tone: 

Episode One: "Yet" http://youtu.be/HnucqS5HS3Q When Jim Krall's daughter is kidnapped in front of him, no one seems to care - not even his wife. Alone in his devastation, Jim sets out on a nightmarish quest to find his child and is plunged into a world of DNA manipulation, String Theory, time travel, alternate realities, and the shadow machinations of Dark Pool Investments.

You can watch the complete first season on the series official YouTube channel:

DarkPoolFilm 

For more information about the production,  please visit the official Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/darkpoolfilm 

Fortunately, a second season of Dark Pool was successfully funded by KickStarter - reportedly with a third being planned.

I really enjoyed watching this mind-bending science fiction mystery, and look forward to future episodes.

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AIDAN 5 - The Visionary SciFi-Crime Noir Web Drama That Will Blow You Away

AIDAN 5 blew me away.

This inventive mix of crime noir and hard sci-fi drama is without a doubt one of the most imaginative web series available.

Based on an award-winning film festival short by Tim Baldwin and John Jackson,  AIDAN 5 reveals a society where, in the year 2064, human cloning has become commonplace.  

Clones are created for a variety of purposes, such as: manual labor, to bolster the military, and other more perverse uses.

The series follows the exploits of hard-boiled police detective James Aidan as he attempts to solve the most mystifying and personal case of his career - who is killing his clones?

Armed with such a compelling, provocative plot coupled with sensational acting,  AIDAN 5 sucks you into its gritty, stoic world within the first few minutes of the opening scenes.

But one of the project's crowning achievements is its unique visual style.

Filmed only in black and white, what further sets this series apart is its highly unconventional presentation.

The live-action characters inhabit a world comprised of highly detailed graphic art.

Though the concept may sound clunky on paper, its execution succeeds beautifully, as the official series trailer attests...

Watch Episode 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHMDtt1c6A&feature=channel_video_title Set in a futuristic city, AIDAN 5 is chronicles the journey of one detective who must unravel the mystery behind the serial killings of his own clones.

Last, but not least, the entire cast and production team worked on a volunteer basis with a non-existent budget to complete AIDAN 5.  

The result is one of the most unique sci-fi dramas I've ever seen on the web.  It's just another testament to what can be accomplished solely with passion, talent, skill and dedication.

A total of 16 episodes between an average of 5 to 13 minutes in length were completed for the first season. 

To view the entire first season, visit the series channel on YouTube: Aidan 5.

I highly recommend this wildly entertaining series.

-Update April 5, 2018-

After several years of dormancy, a new teaser trailer for Aidan 5 season two has been released, as well as the premiere date of May 5, 2018!

Watch the season two trailer here...

Aidan 5 - SEASON 2 Premieres May 5, 2018

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Continuum: The Web Series - A Gripping Tale of Identity Loss In Deep Space

Not to be confused with the Canadian series of the same name that aired on the SyFy Channel, Continuum is an independently produced science fiction web series.

Created and directed by Blake Calhoun with Mike Maden,  Continuum is the gripping story of a young woman named Raegen, who is struggling to unlock the secret to her identity and purpose, while contending with a near-omniscient artificial intelligence (A.I.).  

The story opens aboard a vessel in deep space, where Raegen awakes from having been in suspended animation.

Suffering amnesia, her only source of information and guidance is the ship's A.I. However, Raegen quickly comes to realize the A.I. isn't very reliable.

In fact, it may even be dangerous.

View fullsize

Continuum succeeds in pulling the audience into its central mystery due to effective plotting and the mesmerizing performances of its cast - especially Melanie Merkosky, who stars as Raegen.

Ms. Merkosky makes Raegen's struggle to regain her identity palpable.  As a viewer, you become invested in her search for answers.  

Her dialogue with the ship's A.I. (voiced with masterful, cold detachment by actress Taryn O'Neill) helps to ratchet up the feeling of unease and claustrophobic tension. 

To give away more of the plot would be spoiling it, but I would be remiss in failing to mention the superb production quality of the series.  

The set design of the spaceship interior is very appealing in its minimalist aesthetic. 

However, there are some minor plot holes in the story. 

For example,  early in the series our protagonist is warned a single bullet from a conventional firearm can destroy the ship's hull.

Really? A spaceship built to withstand the rigors of deep space is that fragile?

On another note, due to the inherently limited budget of an independent production, the CGI for the exterior shots of the ship is lacking in detail and therefore a sense of realism.

Still, the superior script and performances more than overcome the project's budgetary limitations to provide for quite an entertaining sci-fi romp, as the trailer below suggests:

This is the trailer from Season 1 of the independent sci-fi web series "Continuum". Not to be confused with the Canadian show (and now SyFy show) of the same name... All of Season 1 is now available to watch on YouTube (for free, but ad-supported)... See Ep 01 here... http://youtu.be/Y6727lq__40.

Fortunately, reception for the series has been robust, and a second season was produced. 

In what I think is a wise move, the producers have provided more than one option for viewing the series:

• Both the first and second season are available via video on  demand (VOD) on Vimeo for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $9.99 each

• Seasons one and two can still be viewed in their original, episodic, ad supported form on YouTube

Continuum is another example of quality, independent science fiction finding an audience with an intriguing premise, and innovative digital distribution. 

For more information about the production, visit the official site WatchContinuum.com .

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Tether: A Sci Fi Web Series Pilot You Need To See

Tether is a pilot for a science fiction web series that, quite frankly, deserves to be made.  

Created by Sam Gorski, David Lovett, and Niko Pueringer of Corridor Digital,  Tether drops you into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been decimated by a viral pandemic.

Suddenly,  strange cables a.k.a. "tethers" drop from the sky to the earth.  Where are they from, and their significance,  are shrouded in mystery. 

The Corridor Digital team have produced a teaser video and pilot episode which effectively draws you into this intriguing new world with gorgeous cinematography (watch the videos in HD if at all possible!), solid performances by the cast, and stunning visual effects: 

Click to tweet! http://bit.ly/hX2cFo Facebook: http://fb.com/corridordigital Twitter: http://twitter.com/corridordigital Centuries after a plague decimated humanity, new societies have arisen in the ruins and outskirts of a fallen civilization. In the midst of conflicts between the descendants of the plague's survivors, mysterious beings descend from the sky, setting off a bizarre series of events that promise to change this new world forever.

BTS photos on Facebook! http://fb.com/CorridorDigital Tweet! http://twitter.com/CorridorDigital Music: http://soundcloud.com/samgorski/tether-pilot Enter the mysterious world of Tether; a post-apocalyptic setting where mankind is slowly rebuilding from a virus that decimated the world a century ago. Now, mysterious cables are dropping from the sky, revealing an isolated world long forgotten.

The creators have stated if viewer interest is high enough, they would consider turning to Kickstarter to raise funds for future episodes:

Uploaded by samandniko on 2012-05-29.

Based on the quality of the  teaser and pilot, plus the fact both videos together have garnered over 4 million views on YouTube - I think the interest is definitely there.

Tether shows much promise, so If you enjoyed what you've seen, please let the production team know by providing them feedback via their: 

• Facebook page

• Twitter account @CorridorDigital 

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Haywire: The Series - A Horror Story Where The Mundane Becomes Monstrous

Often the most bone-chilling horror stories are derived from tales of average people having to cope with extraordinary circumstances. 

Capitalizing on this fact is what has helped make Stephen King one of the world's most successful authors. 

Director Scott Klein has followed suit with his creation Haywire: The Series.  The result is a  very unsettling tale of a suburban community gone mad.

Insanity's Herald

This project has a very unique and compelling premise: one bright, sunny Saturday afternoon in the city of Monroe, NY,  an explosion of brilliant light occurs high in the sky.  

Everyone who witnesses this strange phenomenon immediately suffers a horrible side effect:  their minds becomes acutely fixated on the last task they were involved with.

No matter how routine or mundane the task is (walking the dog, mowing the grass, jogging, etc.), the victims are compelled to perform it over and over.  

What's even more bizarre? Those affected will become homicidal with anyone who attempts to interfere.

Those unaffected by the light phenomenon must deal with a world gone completely "Haywire."

The series follows various groups of survivors as they attempt to navigate their new, terrifying existence. 

A Disturbing Vision Well Executed

I found the compelling premise to be the chief selling point of this series. Director/Series Creator/Executive Producer Scott Klein has constructed almost every episode to end with a mini-cliffhanger, which gives the project a sense of forward momentum.

The acting is often wildly uneven, with some performers far more convincing than others. But as a whole,  the cast succeed in conveying a sense of disorientation, paranoia, and fear  essential in selling the central premise.

The makeup effects for the victims, or "raccoons" as they are referred in the series, is minimal yet very effective in serving as a visual cue for their madness.  

Another production highlight is the use of comic book inspired artwork for the fantastic opening title sequence.  

Kudos to the art team including pencils by Victor L. Castro, Jr., inks by Steve Hoveke,  coloring by Hassan Godwin, with lettering by Arlene So (who also is a series producer).

Finally

Haywire: The Series is an independent production of the Lights Out! Film Group.   

So far, two seasons have been completed - 19 episodes in total. This alone is quite an achievement for a sci fi web series produced with a limited budget.

 I enjoyed this ambitious series, and want to continue to explore the mysteries presented. My hope is there will be more episodes produced so the journey can continue. 

Below are two series previews: 

The first preview for the horror/sci-fi webseries Haywire! http://www.haywireseries.com

The second preview for the horror/sci-fi webseries Haywire! http://www.haywireseries.com

You have a few options for viewing the complete series:

On YouTube 

For more information about the production, please visit the official web site:  

Haywire: The Series 

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A Military Android Goes AWOL In The Sci-Fi Web Series 'DR0NE'

Imagine a not-too-distant future where wars are fought by humanoid drones.

These drones are stronger, faster, and deadlier than human soldiers. They are designed to obey without question.  

So what happens when one turns rogue?

The four-part science fiction web series Dr0ne follows the exploits of one renegade drone and the shadowy agency sent out to capture it before a dark secret is revealed.

This thrilling series features cinematography, visual effects, set designs, and high-octane action scenes comparable in quality to many big budget action films. The script is fairly compelling.

The main cast features magnetic actor (and a series co-producer) Lance Reddick - best known for his roles on The Wire, Lost, and most recently as Agent Phillip Broyles on the scifi series Fringe.

Here is the official trailer for Dr0ne: 

WATCH FULL EPISODES HERE: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BF5DAE7D4915461&feature=plcp Check out the original score from DR0NE here: http://soundcloud.com/tripi-1/sets/dr0ne-original-score Sneak peek of the YOMYOMF Network's sci-fi/action webseries "DR0NE." In the near future, war drone technology has advanced and a new weapon has been unleashed - a humanoid drone stronger and faster than any soldier.

Next is a behind the scenes featurette:

WATCH FULL EPISODES OF "DR0NE" HERE! http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BF5DAE7D4915461 Check out the original score from DR0NE here: http://soundcloud.com/tripi-1/sets/dr0ne-original-score An exclusive behind the scenes look at the YOMYOMF Network's thrilling sci-fi/action webseries "DR0NE". Episode 3 premieres Thursday, September 27th at 8pm EST. Directed and Edited by Rosemary Lambert Music by Gregory Tripi Stills - Robb Rosenfield Special Thanks: Lance Reddick, Oliver Hotz, Matthew A.

And presented below is the first complete episode:

WATCH EVERY EPISODE HERE! http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BF5DAE7D4915461 Episodes to air Thursdays at 8:00 PM EST Created & Directed by Robert Glickert Story by Robert Glickert Written by Robert Glickert & Daniel Casey Executive Producer: Justin Lin Executive Producer: Andrew Nagel Executives in Charge of Production: Philip W.

Dr0ne is extremely entertaining and well produced.  To see the complete series, visit its exclusive home on the YouTube channel YOMYOMF: 

Dr0ne

(Author’s note: With great sadness I must report that Lance Reddick passed away on March 17, 2023. Mr. Reddick lent his extraordinary talents and voice to the Destiny video game franchise. Fans of the video game held a touching in-game tribute to the late actor: Lance Reddick Destiny.)

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HPlus The Digital Series - An Apocalypse By Design

What if there was a technology created that would allow you to access the internet and all its capabilities with just your mind? 

You could replace your smarthphone, desktop, laptop, and tablet for an implant the size of a nanite inserted into the base of your skull.

This implant connects directly to your nervous system, allowing you to access the internet wirelessly.  With the blink of an eye and the gesture of a finger, the web would available to you 24-7.

It would seem like a digital paradise - until something goes terribly wrong.  Someone or something has switched off the implants - and 33% of the world's population dies.

An apocalypse by design. 

The mystery behind who or what is responsible for this global catastrophe is the central premise of the web series HPlus, from Warner Brothers Studios and executive producer Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men). 

What makes the conceit of HPlus so compelling is how eerily prophetic is seems to be.  

Each day we are witnessing the creation of connective technologies which are becoming smaller, yet  increasingly more powerful. The Google Glass project is a haunting example of how close we are to the near future as portrayed by HPlus.

The idea that one say soon, we won't need any external hardware to become connected to the internet is really not that far-fetched anymore.

HPlus is an achievement in web series storytelling. The production values are on par with those of a major motion picture. The plot is filled with intrigue, mystery, action, and globe-trotting adventure. It poses deep questions about our relationship to, and dependence on, technology - all while avoiding sermonizing.

Watch all 48 episodes of HPlus exclusively on YouTube.  

Below is the official trailer:

Subscribe to H+: The Digital Series on YouTube today! http://bit.ly/LgP0tY Dive deeper into the world of H+ The Digital Series by exploring more pieces and clues to the story on our official website: http://hplusdigitalseries.com A groundbreaking new series by acclaimed producer Bryan Singer, H+: The Digital Series takes viewers on a journey into an apocalyptic future where technology has begun to spiral out of control...

Here is the pilot episode:

Watch from the beginning: http://bit.ly/OX0eAw Subscribe to H+: The Digital Series on YouTube today! http://bit.ly/LgP0tY Dive deeper into the world of H+ The Digital Series: http://hplusdigitalseries.com EPISODE 1: "DRIVING UNDER" San Francisco, USA - 5 minutes before it happened Prologue: Fragments of news reports show a future world as it adopts H+: a radical new way to be connected to information and each other through only your thoughts, via a high-tech implant.

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The Abandon - A Tale Of Friendship And Survival Amidst Alien Invasion (Updated)

The Abandon is the tale of five close friends- Kendall (Sterling K. Brown), Craig (Jordan Mahome), Dennis (Morocco Omari), Aaron (Jaime Lincoln Smith), and Jeff (Billy Eugene Jones) -  who embark on a hiking trip in the summer of 2012 only to find themselves caught in the midst of an alien invasion.

Written and directed by Keith Josef Adkins, an acclaimed writer and playwright whose credits include writing for the popular CW sitcom Girlfriends, the pilot for The Abandon is gripping. The dialogue and interplay between the characters feels so real and intimate, it's as if you are a voyeur.

Which brings us to the actors. These men have such chemistry, one has to wonder if they are as close off screen.  As circumstances continue to spin out of their control, their reactions make you feel their mounting anxiety and fear.

Update (01-07-26) “The Abandon” also features Sterling K. Brown very early in his career before he became famous for his role as Randall Person in the hit television series “This Is Us”!

While the invading aliens do not appear in the initial episode,  this isn't a drawback due to  the clever way the plot has been written to clue the audience in as to what's happening.  Let's just say social media plays a pivotal role.

Watch The Abandon:

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