They Live Among Us - A Web Series About Fallen Angels, Restless Ghosts, And The Lost Souls Of L.A.

They Live Among Us (TLAU) is the compelling supernatural web series set amid the gilded and gritty streets of Los Angeles.

Fallen angels, ghosts, and other ethereal beings roam the city masquerading as mortals.

Their quest for power, love, and redemption is mirrored in the daily struggles of the humans they mingle with.

Created by writer Anne Lower,TLAU was inspired by her frustration with trying to balance her artistic integrity against the commercial demands of Hollywood. 

The result? TLAU is a beautifully written, masterfully acted, modern fable about the dreams, loves, and longings of an entire city. 

The series follows multiple storylines including: 

• Caim (Geoff Reeves), a fallen angel forced to pay penance by encountering - then losing- his true love over countless lifetimes

• Lillith (Nina Rausch), a seductive succubus who preys on the lovelorn

• Ted (David Stanford), a lonely romantic who encounters a beautiful apparition near an iconic landmark

• Father Buer (Rolf Saxon), a compassionate priest who is seeking redemption from a dark past

TLAU is shot on location in Los Angeles. This gives the project added emotional weight, verisimilitude and gravitas. 

The soundtrack is another highlight. The music is moody and atmospheric, which magnifies the sense of desperation pervasive throughout the project. 

Watch the entire pilot episode to get a sense of the series tone: 

Lower adroitly uses the supernatural as a backdrop to explore the darkest parts of the human condition. 

The result? They Live Among Us is an exceptional web series of uncommon depth.

To view all episodes, visit the series home on YouTube.

For more information about the production, please visit the official website: TheyLiveAmongUs.com.

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Who You Gonna Call? Ghostbusters (of Alabama)!

In the summer of 1984, a sci-fi comedy film debuted in theaters and became a international smash hit. 

Ghostbusters, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Harold Ramis, and Sigourney Weaver, chronicled the hilarious misadventures of four paranormal investigators. 

The movie's unique blend of slapstick comedy, charismatic cast, catchy theme song, and (at the time) cutting-edge visual effects made it a classic, delighting fans for decades. 

When film students from the University of Alabama (UA) had to scramble to salvage their class project, they turned to Ghostbusters for inspiration.

Alabama Ghostbusters: A  Web Series is the result, and it is impressive indeed.

Written by Nicky Stevens and director Adam Schwartz (a professor of telecommunication and film at UA), the series follows the exploits of the Alabama franchise of  New York based "home office."

When we meet the members of the Alabama branch, portrayed by Brock Parker, Bo Bearden, and David Railey, it is revealed business has been quite slow for the spectral exterminators. 

However, things take a turn for the bizarre when the team is hired to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman.

First, it is important to note,  the web series a not-for-profit fan film produced with assistance from the fan community, Alabama Ghostbusters.

Second, it is very evident from the look and feel of the project that a lot of passion and zeal went into its production.

The cinematography is clear and vibrant.  The costumes look as though they were borrowed directly from the movie set.

Being filmed on location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama gives the project a distinct tone and atmosphere. 

The script wisely focuses on character relationships, and creating chills using ambiance instead of explicit visual effects - a prime example is the cold open of the pilot episode.

As of this writing, three, 9-minute episodes have been produced with more planned. 

I certainly hope we see more because I enjoy revisiting this world. 

Kudos to the fan community of Alabama Ghostbusters and the students of UA for creating a thoroughly entertaining work. 

Watch the pilot episode for a taste of the series tone and aesthetic: 

To view current episodes, visit the series YouTube channel Alabama Ghostbusters. 

For more information about the production, visit the Facebook fan page Alabama Ghostbusters.

Alabama Ghostbusters: A Web Series is a fun tribute to a great comedy. 

Who You (Still) Gonna Call? 

Ghostbusters! 

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SYNC - The Sci-Fi Web Series About A Badass 'Computerized Human'

If there is any question as to whether web series can compete in quality to major motion pictures or broadcast television, SYNC  is the answer.

This may sound like hyperbole, but SYNC is one of the best sci-fi web series I've ever seen. 

The series chronicles the adventures of covert government agent Charlie Cooper, described by the official synopsis as the world's first "computerized human."

The result of a fringe-science, government program code-named SYNC, Charlie was a once human agent whose personality and intellect have been digitized. In addition, his physical body has been cloned multiple times.   

If Charlie suffers a fatal injury, his entire personality is transferred into a new body or "shell," effectively making him almost immortal (fans of Battlestar Galactica will find this concept very familiar).

We witness Charlie's special ability in action during a spectacular action sequence that opens the series.

Written by Ira Parker, along with Corridor Digital (a.k.a. Sam Gorski and Niko Pueringer who also directed), SYNC is a good old-fashioned action romp laced with provocative themes.

Filmed in high definition, the cinematography is razor sharp and crisp. The action sequences feature grade-A special and visual effects - just watch any of Charlie's personality transference scenes.

The script is also very smart, posing existential questions about identity, sentience, and the nature of humanity. 

However, many independent web series succeed or flounder by the strength of the acting. 

Fortunately SYNC also excels in this area.  

The entire cast turns in fantastic performances. Tanner Thomason as Charlie gives real depth to what easily could have been a one-note character.

While you do believe he is a kickass government operative - dispatching opponents with precision and aplomb - his is presented as more than the strong, silent type.

Mr. Thomason imbues Charlie with a self-deprecating, wry sense of humor. In Charlie's private life, his vulnerability is exposed as he attempts to preserve the touchstone to his humanity: his relationship with the woman he loves.

UPDATE: 09/12/2019:

In the years since SYNC’s release, the producers have re-edited the web series episodes into a full-length feature film. As of this update, Corridor Digital has removed the original episodic version from public viewing.

The good news is the feature film version is available online for free. Watch below…

SYNC  is a prime example of how skilled, passionate filmmakers are increasingly flocking to the digital space to bring their visions to life.

In my book, that's a win-win for all of us. 

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Experience our official podcast Eye On Sci-Fi. Join host and The 7th Matrix founder Rod T. Faulkner as he spotlights terrific indie SFF short films and web series.

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The Silent City - A Unique Post-Apocalyptic Web Series

 "Only take what you can carry. Only kill what you can eat. Don't make bonds you can't break. Never ask why. Never look back." - Nameless

 Those haunting words open the intriguing post-apocalyptic web series The Silent City.

Set in an unspecified future,  the earth has been decimated by a mysterious calamity.  Wandering the decaying carcass of New York City is an enigmatic stranger we only know as "Nameless." 

Nameless' sole goal is to survive and keep moving. His plans are suddenly interrupted when he rescues a beautiful young woman.

Soon he and his new companion, Otsu, must evade the hidden, terrifying dangers of a world gone insane. 

Created by filmmaker Rubidium Wu, The Silent City was shot in actual abandoned, forgotten spaces in New York City. 

Mr. Wu conceived the series when the avenues of New York were evacuated during Hurricane Irene in August of 2011.  Witnessing "the city that never sleeps" transformed into a ghost town made an indelible impression on the accomplished filmmaker. 

The result is one of the most exquisite, visually arresting web series I've ever seen. 

Comprised of five 4-6 minute episodes, the project was shot in 1080p HD using a monochromatic pallet. The cinematography makes the stark landscape itself a character in the series.  

The musical score is another hallmark with dynamic arrangements that give the project an urgent, almost ethereal feel. 

However, the highlight of the series is Eric Stafford as Nameless.  Mr. Stafford imbues his character with a weary dignity as he struggles to survive in desolation. He is mesmerizing to watch.

Kettie Jean portrays Otsu with courage and intelligence. It's her determination to venture out on a journey of discovery that convinces the reluctant Nameless to follow. 

The Silent City is quite an achievement and gets my highest recommendation. 

Watch the series trailer below to get a preview of this fascinating new vision of the future: 

Listen to our EYE ON SCI-FI podcast episode featuring THE SILENT CITY!

Update: 03/23/2024: Unfortunately, The Silent City is no longer available online. Should its status change, this page will updated to reflect that.

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Heroes Of The North - The Exciting Chronicles Of A Canadian Superteam

Heroes Of The North (HOTN) is an ambitious, action-adventure, transmedia series about an alternate universe where a volatile team of superheros is charged with protecting the posterity of Canada.

Beginning with World War II, the Canadian government sanctions Section 8, a black ops project designed to create a super soldier. After over a hundred failed attempts, the experiment succeeds. 

Charles Alfred Newman, code named The Canadian Shield, becomes Canada's analog to Captain America in the United States. Leading an elite special forces group, he proceeds to wage a guerilla war against Nazi forces in the heart of Germany.

Thus Canada's age of superheroes begins.

Flash forward to the present day. The Canadian Defense Organization (CDO) has been created to be the government agency responsible for recruiting superheroes to defend the country against Medusa - a terrorist organization created and led by the mysteriously reinvigorated Nazi scientist Josef Mengele!

 HOTN wastes no time in grabbing you by the nape of the neck, and dragging you hip deep into explosive action and intrigue.  

What makes the web series so outstanding is the mythology of the world has been developed to the nth degree.    

Both the heroes and villains have been given compelling backstories. The scripts, acting, cinematography, and effects are of extraordinary quality. It's clearly evident  a lot of passion, blood and sweat went into the production.

Another aspect of the series that stands out is the costuming.  

The producers wisely abandoned dressing the cast in ridiculous looking lycra or spandex. Instead they commissioned costumes made from high quality latex.  

The effect on film is the characters look sensational.  It seems as though they literally walked off the pages of a comic book into reality.

So, you may be wondering why is this project labeled a "transmedia" series.

Well, the scope of the production is pretty grand. There is the 20-episode live-action web series, which comprises the first season.

You can choose to only watch the web series, or further immerse yourself in this world by exploring numerous ancillary stories told in various other media including:

• print comic books

• novelizations

• character spec sheets

• character diaries

• In-universe websites

• photo-novels

Whew! That's a lot of content - and if you choose to explore the universe of HOTN, you will be rewarded with a rich, fully realized world. 

Kudos to creators Christian Viel  and Anderson Bradshaw for bringing their epic vision to life. After viewing the web series and a portion of the supplementary materials, it's astonishing to realize HOTN is independently produced.

Definitely check out this envelope-pushing, boundary blurring project.  

To get a taste of this terrific series, watch The Canadian Shield origin episode:

To view the web series in its entirety, visit the series official home on YouTube:  

 HeroesoftheNorth

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Out Of Time - An Ambitious Time Travel Tale

What do you get when you mix together a sinister corporation operating on the fringes of science,  mysterious cranial implants, murder, and time travel? 

Out of Time, an ambitious sci-fi web series from creator-director Rodney V. Smith. 

The series tells the story of Chris Allman (Steve Kasan) a man suffering from blackouts stemming from an unknown cause.  

Seeking relief, Chris has inserted into his head an experimental implant created by the shadowy SOSUMI Corporation.  

Tragically, Chris witnesses the murder of his beloved girlfriend Sara (Julia MacPherson). To his dismay, he finds himself time traveling to different points within the last year of his own past.

Confused and desperate, Chris focuses on one goal - preventing Sara's murder. 

However,  the SOSUMI corporation has been secretly monitoring Chris. They are aware of his time jumps, and will stop at nothing to reacquire their implant. 

As Chris struggles to do the impossible - change the past - he must stay one step ahead of his pursuers. 

What immediately sets Out Of Time apart from many other web series is its scope.   

The pilot episode, The Accidental Time Traveller, clocks in at almost 15 minutes, and is actually a self-contained short film. The producers plan for subsequent episodes to also be approximately 15 minutes in length.  

This is a sprawling epic-in-the-making.

The series mythology has been fully realized.  Time travel abides by a definite set of specific laws.  There are supporting characters who have their own agendas beyond the obvious.

The cinematography is very kinetic, enabling the viewer to share in Chris' disorientation and anguish. 

And last, but not least, the visual effects are gorgeous!

Information from computers are displayed on mid-air "virtual screens."  It's an effect one must see to fully appreciate.

Take a look at the intriguing series trailer: 

To view the pilot episode, watch the project on its official home on YouTube : OutOfTimeSeries

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Abigail - A Sci-Fi Original Web Series Where Nothing Is As It Seems

How would you react if you woke up one day to discover you were not the person you thought you were?  That your entire life is a lie?

Welcome to world of Abigail, a very impressive original web series. 

As the series begins, we meet Abigail, a striking young woman who awakes one morning after having a very disturbing dream.  As she prepares to start her day, she hears a knock on her front door.  

Someone has come to visit  - and her life will never be the same.

Unfortunately I can't give away more details without spoiling the ongoing plot.  That said, Abigail makes for exciting, compelling viewing.

Written and directed by Nathaniel Collum, the series presents a pristine,  yet claustrophobic world which helps to heighten the sense of disequilibrium Abigail feels as she is faced with the truth about her real identity.

The script is very intelligent, and the entire cast delivers fantastic performances.

However, the standout performance belongs to Meghan Moonan as Abigail.  Her nuanced portrayal as a young woman grappling with the collapse of all she knows is thoroughly convincing.

The production values are also of the highest caliber. In fact, the cinematography and visual effects are on par with projects boasting much bigger budgets. 

As of this writing, the series is ongoing with six episodes having been completed.  

Take a look at the series trailer:

Watch the complete series on YouTube.

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'Guides' The Web Series - They Are Helping Humanity Evolve...Or Else!

What if some of the most enlightened minds in human history weren't human at all?  

Instead, what if these extraordinary individuals were highly evolved aliens incarnated as humans, whose goal was to help humanity advance to the next stage of evolution?

No, this isn't the syllabus for a New Age symposium (well, it could be).  It actually is the premise for the sci-fi web comedy Guides.

Guides centers on  a group of altruistic, advanced aliens whose mission is to help us achieve "transmutation," by which we achieve our full mental and psychic potential.

There's just one catch - our guides have about 19 months left to accomplish their mission before the Galactic Alignment of 2012, or we will remain in our relatively primitive state forever. 

Complicating matters is the existence of rouge guides who feel humans aren't worthy to evolve - or exist - at all.

As the series opens, we are introduced to five benevolent guides: 

• Cree (Jenn Wilson) is the stern, dedicated leader of the group

• Dray (Alvin Lam) is oldest of the four, and the most infatuated with humanity

• Makenna (Jennifer Nangle) is free-spirted, but also very single-minded toward accomplishing her goals

• The Boss (Gayla Johnson) is, well, the Boss!

Opposing our protagonists are rouge guides including: 

• Zyra (Patricia Fructuoso) is most disdainful of humanity

• Koric (Eric Naroyan) is the consummate schemer

Guides is a blast to watch because of its sharp, satirical whit and humor.  

Various cultural, social and political realities are lampooned as a means to reflect just how screwed up we humans can be.

A great example is a scene in which a local news anchor is being fired. He can't understand why he is being let go after an extra-marital tryst is videotaped and released online.  His retort is to point out the video is popular with over 38 million hits.

Oh the social media generation! 

Created by Jenn Wilson, the series' satire succeeds due to the superb writing, and capable performances of the main cast. The actors seem to relish the material. Plus, there is great chemistry between them.

To get a feel for the tone of the series, watch the official trailer:

Guides is a light-hearted, sci-fi comedy with many cutting observations about the human condition. 

To watch the series, visit its YouTube channel: Guides Web Series.

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Osiris The Series: A Sci-Fi Tale About The Man Death Rejects

Osiris The Series is a dynamic  10-episode sci-fi/action web series about a man the grim reaper refuses to claim.

His name is Osiris, and he wears immortality well. 

Over 300 years old and forever young, Osiris long ago discovered he can't die. No matter the injury, after exactly 37 minutes he is resurrected.

However, the source of his regenerative powers are a mystery, even to him.

While spending multiple lifetimes seeking the source of his immortality, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, as well as insight, into the human condition. 

The result is a man who revels in hedonism.  In fact, when we first meet Osiris, he has seduced a beautiful woman with the promise of sexual techniques he assures "can make her come in 14 seconds."   

Soon thereafter, he is sought out and engaged in spectacular fashion by an acquaintance who happens to be an F.B.I. agent.  

Osiris is called upon to use his vast intellect and unusual gifts to assist the F.B.I. in a mass murder investigation involving a powerful criminal overlord.  Complicating matters is an obsessed, sinister scientist who is relentlessly pursuing him in order gain the secret to eternal life.

Created and written by Donnie Leapheart for Pyramid Pictures, Osiris The Series is thoroughly entertaining and engrossing. 

Mr. Leapheart's script is smart, complete with razor-sharp dialogue.   For example, during one fateful encounter with a person from his past, Osiris observes "the dates may change but people don't."

Along with the terrific script,  the series also has a talented cast. The star, Brad James, gives a stellar performance.  He imbues Osiris with cockiness, intelligence, and swagger, while still keeping the character from becoming unsympathetic.  

It's quite a tightrope to walk, but Mr. James does so skillfully.  His layered performance reveals under Osiris' considerable bravado is a man weary of watching those he loves slip away. 

Mr. Leapheart wisely gives Osiris a vital anchor to his humanity in the form of his great, great granddaugther Paula Castleberry (Nicky Buggs) - a capable, no nonsense police detective.  She serves to ground Osiris with her honesty and tough love.

Many kudos must also be given to the production team for the slick look and sound of the series. The production quality is comparable to any show on broadcast television.    

Experience the official series trailer below:

To watch the series in its entirety, visit its official home on YouTube: 

Osiris The Series 

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Mission Backup Earth - A Sci-fi Web Series About Cosmic Catastrophe In The 22nd Century

How will humanity survive when the Sun expires?

This vital question powers the central premise behind the "hard" science fiction web series Mission Backup Earth. 

In the year 2176, the Sun has burned through much of its hydrogen reserves. This  begins its transformation into a red giant star - not good news for life on earth.

Returning from a mission in the Uranus system,  the deep space transport vessel STC Nikola Tesla receives orders to pick up a mysterious stranger and transport him to Neptune's moon of Triton.

Meanwhile on a small research facility on Triton, Dr. Jenna Brennagan and her husband Gordon have been ordered to return to Earth, interrupting her search for extraterrestrial life.

Matters quickly become dangerously complicated when two separate, dangerous turn-of-events happen simultaneously.  

On Triton, Gordon is seriously injured during a cryovolcano eruption, while the crew of the Nikola Tesla must contend with deadly radiation from a massive solar storm.

What is most impressive when viewing Mission Backup Earth is it's a no-budget project.

The talents and skills required to film the science fiction series were crowd-sourced from individuals across the globe on a volunteer basis!

The entire production team and cast, donated their talents because they share a deep passion for this project - and it shows in every episode.

The quality of the CGI and visual effects used to depict deep space travel, along with the harsh environs of Triton, is surprisingly convincing.  

Witness them for yourself by viewing the first episode:

 Another hallmark of the series is it's use of actual science and scientific theory in its depiction of space travel, ship design, and human habitation off-world.

Mission Backup Earth is actually a prequel mini-series to a story much grander in scope - as conceived by its creator, Alexander Pfander.  Three seasons of stories have been planned, but will only be produced if the audience supports them.  

Mr. Pfander's goal is to use the series as a means to bring space exploration back to the forefront of the international zeitgeist. 

I hope he succeeds. 

For more information about the production, and to view the mini-series in its entirely, please visit the official web site: MissionBackupEarth.com .

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Voyage Trekkers - May This Sci-Fi Comedy Web Series Live Long And Prosper!

For the past several years, there has been a trend in science fiction television where recent series have been dark and bleak in tone, devoid of almost any joy or levity (I'm looking at you Battlestar Galactica).

Now along comes Voyage Trekkers, a sci-fi web series that is an unabashed satire and comedy. 

Thank God! 

An heir apparent to the 1999 comedy film Galaxy Quest, this series also pokes good-natured fun at a - ahem - certain iconic science fiction franchise.

Set in the distant future, Voyage Trekkers chronicles the (mis)adventures of the worst crew in the Galactic Union as they travel aboard the ironically christened starship GSV Remarkable.

Led by the dashing yet moronic Captain Sunstrike (Adam Rini), along with the long-suffering Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rena (Gabrielle Van Buren), and apathetic first officer Commander Powell (Logan Blackwell), the crew of the Remarkable excel to epic heights of incompetency as they encounter alien lifeforms and civilizations.

Comedic highlights include:

• a send-up of a popular starship captain's out-of-control libido

• first contact scenarios gone horribly, hilariously wrong

• a funny light saber duel

• an emphasis on the "babble" in techno-babble

The series is also episodic, not serial in nature, so you can jump in at any time and consume as much as you want without feeling lost in an ongoing story line. 

Brilliant! 

Voyage Trekkers sprang from the warped minds of Nathan Blackwell and Craig Michael Curtis. The writing clearly shows a deep love for the sci-fi franchise lampooned while being unafraid to poke fun at many of that show’s nonsensical elements and tropes.

However, this comedy would not work if not for the skill of the cast. This cast has great comedic timing - a skill essential for a project like this to succeed.

And succeed they have with - as of this writing - one, 10-episode season already completed, and a second (complete with a new bridge set financed by fan backing) filming.  

To get a taste of the series tone, here is the pilot episode from the first season:

To view all available episodes, visit the series YouTube channel.

For more information about the production, check out the official web site VoyageTrekkers.com 

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Wastelander Panda: A Crazy As Hell Post-Apocalyptic Panda Web Series

Crazy as hell.  

How else would you describe a sci-fi web series set post-apocalypse, featuring a  walking, talking, badass (live action!) panda bear? 

Know something else?  Wastelander Panda is also pretty damn good. 

The series chronicles the wanderings of a panda bear named Arcayus, and his human companion Rose, as they traverse a vast wasteland on a mission of revenge.  

An independent Australian production, the series was created by Marcus Mckenzie and Victoria Cocks (who also directs). Beginning as a joke, the duo realized the potential of their idea, and considered pitching it as a television series.

Victoria teamed up with Epic Films to produce this impressive series prologue in 2012:

Based on strong fan reaction and support, three additional web episodes have been produced.  

This is good news for all of us because Wastelander Panda is a fine example of innovative storytelling and exceptional production.

The writing is darkly compelling, and the cinematography vividly reveals a scorched landscape filled with lost souls.

I can't recommend this series highly enough. It's a testament to how digital media is giving much deserved exposure to new, exciting filmmakers. 

To watch this unique and compelling web series, visit its channel on YouTube: Wastelander Panda.

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