Watch 'World Away' - The Sci-Fi Drama Inspired By the Mars One Project

Several months ago, the world was fascinated by the controversial Mars One Project - a supposed one-way, manned mission to the red planet planned for 2022.

Inspired by the project, filmmakers Elias Campbell and Maxim Gertler-Jaffe created the six-part web series World Away.

World Away stars Bea Santos as Quinn, a gifted, though emotionally troubled, young woman who has been selected to embark on a one-way mission to Mars. 

There’s just one problem - she decides to tell her family and loved ones she was selected for the Mars mission just days before she is scheduled to depart!

While World Away doesn't have ray guns, aliens, sleek space ships, or other overt futuristic technology on display, it is a piercing character study set against a premise that is science fiction now, but may move into the realm of science fact sooner than we think.

As Quinn breaks the news of her impending departure, it becomes apparent the vast distance to Mars is symbolic of the emotional distance between her and those she cares for.

As Quinn says her goodbyes, she is forced to reflect on her motivations for making such an irrevocable choice - as well as the impact it will have on her and those she will leave behind.

World Away is brief even by most web series standards - each of the six episodes is only between 5-6 minutes in length - but the writing and performances leave a lasting emotional impact. They read as honest, acutely observant, and extremely prescient.

Though small and introspective, this well-done series leaves a colossal impression as it explores the significant emotional cost of human space exploration.

You may watch the complete series on Vimeo: World Away.

To find out more about this exceptional production, visit the official web site World Away Series.

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The 7th Matrix Founder Rod Faulkner Interviewed By Comic Book And Movie Reviews Dot Com

Recently, I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by David Lee Andrews, founder of the terrific UK-based web site Comic Book And Movie Reviews.

During the course of the interview, I was asked some pretty interesting questions, including:

• Where did the name The 7th Matrix come from?

• What was the inspiration behind the site?

• What song would best describe my passion for sci-fi?

Please check out The 7th Matrix Interview for the answers to these questions - and more!

While you are there,  take time to explore the treasure trove of geektastic content Comic Book And Movie Reviews has to offer. 

Thanks,

Rod Faulkner

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The Sci-Fi Web Series 'Anamnesis' Explores The Mysterious Phenomenon Of Lucid Dreaming

Anamnesis:  the recollection or remembrance of the past.

Anamnesis is the extraordinary sci-fi web series about the phenomenon of lucid dreaming.

The series focuses on four principal characters whose lives intersect due to lucid dreams:

• Hannah (Mallory Marie Wedding)  - a young woman whose crusade to unravel the mystery behind the murder of her fiance continues in her dreams

• Vera (Deborah Jensen) -  an expert hacker who suffers from night terrors

• Noah (Brad C. Wilcox) - a happily married music composer who begins to suspect  his reality isn't what it seems

• Sean (Zach Brown) -  a man who revels in the freedom lucid dreaming affords him

Written and directed by Alex Calleros & MIchael Tucker for Finite Films, the micro-budgeted Anamnesis is a sumptuous production on EVERY level.

The underlying mystery of how these four very different individuals are inextricably linked is poignant, and engrossing. This feat is accomplished by a smart script that benefits greatly by the writers having done thorough research on the subject matter.

The cast provides some of the most nuanced and engaging performances I've ever seen in a web series. Most notably, Brad Wilcox as Noah is riveting in his portrayal of a man coming to grips with the painful truth of his life.

However, the series cinematography by Terrance Stewart is the icing on this delectable cake. 

Simply put, Anamnesis is gorgeously shot.

In fact, you will be hard pressed not to hit the "pause" button in order to soak in the beautiful compositions of light and color on your screen.

Part of the core mission of Finite Films is to produce cinema-level quality independent films. If this series is any indication, they are more than capable.

Watch the stunning and intriguing official series trailer ...

All episodes of Anamnesis are streaming now on YouTube.

If you are looking for a compelling sci-fi story with depth and complexity, Anamnesis couldn't be a more fitting choice.

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In 'Re-Election' The Web Series - A Campaign Staffer Must Escape An Election Day Stuck In A Time Loop

Re-Election is the story of a mayoral campaign staffer and her team stuck in a time loop - on election day.

Think the movie Groundhog Day set in the political framework of The West Wing.

Though time loops are a common trope in sci-fi, this plot device can still pack a dramatic punch when executed well.

Thank God Re-Election is such an example.

Created by director/producer Paul Karpenko, the series opens on the morning of election day for incumbent Mayor Sandy Reynolds.

Jamie, an analyst for the Reynolds campaign, awakens in the office to her apathetic colleagues' predictions that the Mayor will be re-elected.

However,  as the polls close at the end of the day, everyone is shocked to learn the Mayor loses in a landslide to her opponent.

Shortly after the final votes are tallied, Jamie is thrown into a time loop where she is forced relive the day over and over.

Gradually she realizes she can effect changes in events within the loop, and becomes convinced the way to break free is to ensure the Mayor wins the election.

As Jamie begins her own personal campaign to reverse the election's outcome, she also awakens her co-workers to the reality of the time loop.

It quickly becomes evident the idealistic Jamie must rally the entire office to aid her in changing the election's outcome.

But how far will she and her colleagues go, and what will their new choices cost them?

Re-Election works mainly due to the superb performances from the principal cast - all of which have terrific chemistry onscreen.

The actors - especially series lead Amber Rivera - inhabit their roles so convincingly, you feel you are eavesdropping on the private conversations and dealings of a campaign office in turmoil.

The series dynamism can also be credited to the sharp script, dialogue, and the intimate cinematography.

Watch the complete pilot episode here ...

Currently, five of the planned eight episodes have been released for viewing via the show's official YouTube channel Re-Election: The Web Series.

Re-Election is an outstanding example of intelligent, thought-provoking sci-fi that relies on the power of ideas and relationships - instead of visual effects - to tell a compelling story.

I definitely cast my vote in favor of this extremely well done series.

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Experience Retro Sci-Fi Adventure With 'The Mercury Men'

The Mercury Men is a rollicking sci-fi adventure web series set in Pittsburgh in 1975.

In the series opening we meet Edward Borman (Mark Tierno), a  low-level office administrator who is about to end a very long skeleton shift at the office.

Suddenly all hell breaks loose as Edward discovers his office building is besieged by entities from Mercury - terrifying alien beings made of dense, tangible light.

As Edward frantically attempts to evade these deadly aliens, he encounters mysterious aerospace engineer Jack Yaeger (Curt Wootton), a member of a clandestine organization known only as "The League."

Together, Edward and Jack are all that stand between the earth and the invading aliens' sinister agenda.

Created by Christopher Preksta, The Mercury Men is an inspired and rousing tribute to classic adventure serials from Flash Gordon to Indiana Jones.

Watching it, you are immersed in a noir-tinged, retro, sci-fi world brimming with  danger and adventure.

In fact, a large part of what gives this series such dynamism is its ultra-stylish aesthetic and outstanding production design. 

The entire series was gorgeously shot in black and white.  The cinematography uses ambient light and shadow to induce ever mounting tension throughout the story. 

This sense of tension is never more pronounced than when the aliens appear.

The black and white cinematography serves as a magnificent canvas to showcase the simple - yet wonderfully creepy - design of the solid-light aliens.

Of course the best cinematography and production design would still fall flat if the story and cast are not up to par.  

Fortunately, this is not an issue.

Mr. Tierno gives a pitch-perfect performance as Edward, an everyman who must struggle to survive the alien attack while processing the unbelievable facts surrounding his predicament.

Mr. Wootton imbues heroic engineer Yaeger with endearing wit and charm in a role that could have easily succumbed to one-dimensional cheesiness.

Of course the actors have the benefit of portraying characters that are well-written, who inhabit a premise that harkens back to the pure spirit of adventure intrinsic in many classic sci-fi serials.

Another starring character in this production is the exceptional musical score.  

From pulse-pounding crescendos to tentative interludes, the music is flawlessly paired with each story beat to produce a singular viewing experience.

Watch the gripping series trailer below ...

The complete 10-episode season is available for viewing now on YouTube.

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In Boost The Web Series - An Experimental Drug Grants Its Users Superpowers

Created, produced by, and starring Andrew M. James,  Boost: The Web Series is a sci-fi action-adventure story about an experimental drug that grants human beings extraordinary powers - but at a high cost.

This volatile drug, called "boost," was created by brilliant government scientist Victor Blaine (Shawn Byfield) for a rogue government agency only known as "Division."

During animal testing, Blaine discovers boost grants the subjects unusual abilities.  

After injecting the first human subject - an ex-con named Elliot Fox (Umar Shameem) - with the drug, Blaine observes boost creates an immediate dependency.

Withdrawal from the drug causes rampant paranoia and violently aggressive behavior.

After realizing Division has nefarious plans for its use, and fearing for the safety of his family, Blaine entrusts his research files to his close associate, Adrian (Chris James). Then he flees with the drug and its stabilizing agent.

Suddenly Adrian and his younger brother Drew find themselves targeted by Fox, who has been recruited by Division to apprehend Blaine at any cost.

Check out the series teaser trailer here ...

Watching Boost reminded me of some of the best action films of the 80s and 90s.

Like those films, it has a straight-forward, though engaging, plot, charismatic leads, and solid overall production value.

However, what impresses me most about Boost is it tells an entertaining story set in a diverse world.

Let's face it, web series, like most other media, suffers from being overwhelmingly whitewashed.

While strides are being made to tell stories including more non-stereotypical representations of minorities that go beyond mere tokenism, there is still much progress to be made.

Boost is definitely an example of movement in the right direction.  

Hit television shows such as Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, and Sleepy Hollow have set a powerful precedent illustrating series starring Black actors - as well as having diverse casts - can draw huge audiences, because all people want to see complex depictions of themselves in well-told stories on screen. 

In the web series medium, it's my immense pleasure to add projects like Osiris, and now Boost, to the list.

Hopefully, this category will become far more crowded soon.

The first season of Boost is comprised of six episodes, all available for viewing on its YouTube channel: Boost On YouTube

To learn more about the production, visit the official series web site Boost Web Site.

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In Son Of Somerset Files The Web Series - A Young Girl's Inheritance Immerses Her Into The Mysteries of UFOs

Son Of Somerset Files is a transmedia web series about Chloe Henderson, a young Mississippi woman whose life is drastically changed after she receives mysterious files bequeathed to her by her estranged grandfather, Chuck Henderson.

These files document her grandfather's life work - researching the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Research that lead Chuck to be deemed a lunatic and ostracized by his family.

Desiring to know more about him, Chloe goes on a personal crusade to investigate her grandfather's legacy, but she may get far more than she bargained for.

Was Chuck Henderson a kook, or did he uncover something very real and dangerous?

Son Of Somerset Files is the creation of writer/director Elizabeth Hagale, who was inspired to pen the project by her love of the iconic sci-fi series The X-Files.

Unlike other UFO-themed web series such as Milgram And The Fastwalkers, which follows a more traditional dramatic narrative, this series bucks convention by integrating social media into the core of its premise.

The story is told across several social media platforms: YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook.

The lead character Chloe (portrayed by actress Rhiana Howell), documents her investigation by posting video blog entries, or "vlogs," to her YouTube channel.

She also posts the contents of Chuck's files to the show's other social media accounts. The audience is asked to examine the contents and interact with Chloe by submitting comments, theories, advice, tips.

This social media integration is highly effective in lending a sense of realism to the show's fictional narrative by encouraging behaviors most of us already engage in daily on the internet.

Shot on a micro-budget, Son Of Somerset Files wisely eschews attempting ambitious visual effects - and failing - to focus on the linchpin of its mystery: Chuck's files.

Viewers are invited to closely examine the contents of the files, which include encoded notes, photos of UFOs, letters, and video footage of strange phenomenon.

The other series highlight is Ms. Howell, who gives a commendable performance as Chloe, a typical young woman who is coping with common struggles - a dead-end job, getting along with family, and a deep longing to discover more about the grandfather she never knew.

Ms. Howell's performance, the slice-of-life style scripting, the transmedia elements,  and the compelling central mystery makesSon Of Somerset Files an engaging watch.

Watch the series trailer here ...

As of this writing, 16 out of 26 episodes of Son Of Somerset Files have been released. The last episode is schedule to go live on March 9.

To view the series, visit it's official YouTube channel:  Son Of Somerset Files

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In Haphead The Web Series, Gamers In A Future Dystopia Rebel Using Advanced Immersion Tech

"... It's not enough for video games to look amazing. It's not enough for video games to sound amazing. Video games have to FEEL amazing!" - Hapheads

Haphead is a new sci-fi web series set in a near-future dystopia where video games have become fully immersive experiences.

This immersion is made possible by a technology known as haptics.

Maxine (Elysia White), a young woman just graduated from high school, has accepted a temporary job in a factory which produces the latest, cutting edge haptic video game peripheral.

Soon Maxine and her friends hatch a plan to become very unofficial beta-testers for the new tech. Shortly after, they find themselves drawn into an underground subculture of peers who use the tech to learn lethal combat skills.

These gamers are known as hapheads.

Created by Jim Munroe, and produced by Postopian Pictures in association with the popular sci-fi site io9, Haphead invites you to visit a fascinating near-future with a premise that feels eerily prophetic.

With the introduction of current immersion tech such as Meta Quest 2, and Microsoft's HoloLens, it seems inevitable the video gaming industry will soon attain their holy grail of complete sensory immersion.

These recent real-world innovations lend the series' premise a timeliness and realism many other sci-fi dramas struggle to achieve.

Haphead is also a pleasure to watch from start to finish.

It is extremely well-crafted in every way, including solid acting, extraordinary production design, convincing visual effects, engrossing narrative, and very timely subject matter.

Check out the official series trailer ...

Haphead is an eight-part web series with new episodes released every Thursday.

To watch the complete series, and to learn more about the production, visit Haphead.com.

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Milgram And The Fastwalkers - A Web Series Drama About The Mysteries Of Alien Abductions

Are we being visited by intelligent life from other planets? If so, what do they want from us?

The phenomenon of UFOs (unidentified flying objects) - as well as alleged accounts of those claiming to have been abducted by alien beings - have been a controversial and very sensational  part of our cultural zeitgeist for decades.

Maybe this is because these compelling, often frightening accounts are predicated on one of the most fundamental questions humanity has asked - Are we alone in the universe?

Milgram And The Fastwalkers is a sci-fi drama about the victims of abduction by beings in UFOs.

Fastwalkers is a term coined by the North American Aerospace Defense  Command (NORAD), and is defined as "any unidentified flying objects which enter or leave the earth's atmosphere at great velocity."

The series centers on Dr. Daniel Milgram, a prominent psychiatrist whose research into the psychological and physical traumas of alien abductees is celebrated with great renown. 

Dr. Milgram is drawn ever deeper into a dark conspiracy when he begins to treat his newest patient, Sally Lemm, a high-powered attorney whose life is thrown into upheaval due to her chronic encounters with aliens.

What do these beings want with Sally, and why does she seem to be a pivotal piece of their unfathomable agenda?

Created, written and directed by series star Richard Cutting, Milgram And The Fastwalkers is a cerebral drama that focuses more on the interpersonal relationships of its players, and how these otherworldly events influence their lives.

This series is smartly written and extremely well acted.  

Mr. Cutting, who was part of the cast of another favorite project, the fantasy web series The Broken Continent, is a magnetic actor completely convincing as the brilliant, yet emotionally distant Daniel Milgram.

Cutting's charisma and presence make Milgram a flawed, yet fascinating character to watch.

Witnessing his troubled marriage to his wife Evelyn Milgram - portrayed with emotional brilliance by Kate Revelle - slowly disintegrate as a result of his professional tunnel vision grounds the project in gritty realism, which helps make the more fantastical aspects of the series more impactful.

The other series MVP is Walker Hays who gives a captivating performance as attorney Sally Lemm, a woman fighting for her sanity after suffering years of post-traumatic stress due to her alien encounters.  

Sally is confident, intelligent, vulnerable and determined.

You definitely root for her as she seeks answers for what has been happening to her.

Fastwalkers is not only well written and acted, but also exquisitely shot.  

In his directing duties, Mr. Cutting makes full use of scenic Boston and New York vistas.

My only complaint with the project is its pacing.  

Season one is concerned with introducing the characters and their relationships to each other, while slowly expanding upon the UFO mystery.

This slow-burn approach is fine, but subplots concerning the office politics of the health institute where Dr. Milgram is in residence seem superfluous, and bogs down the narrative flow.

However, the show's second season rectifies many of these pacing issues by:

• focusing more on the aliens' activities on Earth 

• revealing how the lives of key players are being affected by the aliens' presence (watch out for scenes featuring the alien abductee support group - riveting!) 

• keeping the series' emotional core intact

Check out the complete pilot episode below ...

Milgram And The Fastwalkers is a compelling, smart, well-crafted web series that brings the fascinating mysteries of UFOs and alien abductions to vivid life.

To watch all available episodes, and to find out more about the production, visit Milgram And The Fastwalkers On Vimeo

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PeaceKeepers The Web Series - A Compelling Supernatural Tale About Beating The Grim Reaper In New York City

What if you could snatch people away from the jaws of death moments before it happens, and get paid for it too?

That question is the foundational premise behind the supernatural events in the compelling web series Peacekeepers.

Created by series star Maria Makenna, the pilot episode opens on the bustling streets of New York City.

There we meet Alana (Makenna), a self-assured, vivacious young woman with a most unusual career.

You see, Alana is a member of the Peacekeepers, a coterie of individuals whose job is to prevent the future deaths of seemingly random strangers.

Alana receives her assignments via mysterious text messages that detail:

• the address of the person about to meet the Grim Reaper

• the exact nature of their death (choking, being hit by a bus, etc)

• the specific amount of time she has in order to prevent the death

If Alana successfully completes her assignments, money is instantly wired to her bank account from an untraceable source.

After watching the first episode, I'm hooked.

Peacekeepers is a terrific mix of fascinating premise, engaging writing, charm, and a charismatic protagonist.

The series also incorporates cool visual cues in the form of onscreen "pop-up" graphics that help give the series narrative flair.

During the pilot, these cues are used to reveal the content of Alana's otherworldly texts, as well as identify other important story beats.

I didn't mind this conceit due to its judicious use. However, it could quickly become annoying and trite if overused.

Another series highlight is its vibrant cinematography.  

The show is filmed on location in New York City, and it captures the dynamic ebb and flow of the Big Apple.

Furthermore, the mythology of Peacekeepers is a potential goldmine waiting to be explored.  

Who or what is responsible for these texts?  What is their agenda? How are the peacekeepers recruited? Is this a localized phenomenon, or is it part of a grander scheme?

By the end of the first episode, you will ponder many of these questions, and be left wanting to discover more about this intriguing world.

However, the biggest draw of the series is its protagonist.  

As you watch Alana attempt to forge a normal life for herself while negotiating her Peacekeeper duties, you get the impression saving lives is not just a paycheck for her.

She seems to genuinely care for the well-being of others, and that makes her a hero to root for.

Check out the pilot episode here:

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Top Science Fiction & Genre Web Series Of 2014

2014 was a year of exciting trends in the world of science fiction web series. 

There were projects produced that rivaled broadcast network quality in terms of production value and scope.

Also exciting was the continued emergence of voices often marginalized in mainstream media.

For example, our listing of 2014's best includes:

• an all-ages adventure featuring a young girl of color as the main protagonist 

• a time travel drama centered around a lesbian love story

• an exciting tale of a world dealing with the emergence of people with superpowers, produced by a Spanish writing-directing team

It's important to note, like our listing of top sci-fi web series for 2013,  this list was not compiled by any scientific or statistical means.

Each web series earned its place because of its effectiveness in creating interesting worlds with compelling mythologies.

Also, some of these projects were released prior to 2014, but didn't come to our attention until last year. 

So without further delay, here are our picks for the top science fiction and genre web series of 2014!

Frequency

Frequency boasts one of the most original premises on this list.

Set in a world where certain individuals are sensitive to mental "frequencies" that give them extra-sensory powers, two extraordinary women find themselves literally drawn together across time and space. 

Boasting engaging characters, gorgeous cinematography, and well-choreographed action sequences, Frequency is a dynamic mix of sci-fi, drama, mystery, and romance told from a refreshing LGBT perspective.

A perspective still far too rare in speculative fiction.

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  Star Trek New Voyages (formerly Star Trek: Phase II)

When I stumbled upon this ongoing web series last year, I couldn't believe how long it had flown under my radar. The first episode debuted in 2004!

Star Trek New Voyages answers the question: what if the original television series was not canceled after three seasons in 1969, but instead completed its five-year run?

With that premise firmly in mind, the independent production team behind this outstanding series have created original, full-length episodes that almost perfectly mimic the aesthetic of the original Star Trek television show.

This labor of love is a terrific tribute to an iconic science fiction series that has become an indelible part of our cultural zeitgeist.

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The Invaders

What if the only person standing between the Earth and alien invaders ... is an eight-year-old girl?

In this all-ages sci-fi adventure, we are introduced to Angie Martinez, a precocious young girl who loves to post video diary entries onto her YouTube channel Angie's Logs.

One night, Angie witnesses the landing of a very real UFO, and embarks on a grand adventure!

The Invaders is a delight, not only because it features a young protagonist of color, but also because it helps provide fun and imaginative science fiction for all young children.

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Shadow Bound

This may sound like hyberbole (trust me it isn't), but there is nothing quite like this creepy, atmospheric horror web series.

Set in 1931, the story centers on Jack Pickman, an author who returns to his hometown of Veritas, CA to investigate the mysterious murder of his father,  a veteran police detective, and the mental breakdown of his younger brother.

As Jack delves deeper into his father's case, he uncovers a dark underworld of cults, ritualistic murder, and pure terror.

Bottom line, Shadow Bound works as a truly unsettling, eerie, supernatural horror mystery with a distinct style you won't soon forget.

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Larry & Lucy

Larry & Lucy is sci-fi comedy reminiscent of popular classic sitcoms Mork & Mindy and Third Rock From The Sun.

In the series we meet Lucy, a wry, put upon young woman who has finally broken up with her ne'er do well boyfriend.

She literally stumbles into Larry, a charming eccentric who she soon discovers has a very big secret - he's actually a tourist from another planet!

Larry & Lucy is a light-hearted comedy that works because of the great chemistry between the two series leads.

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Gifted Corporation

This ambitious and slick project is the creation of a dynamic Spanish writing-directing team.

Set in a world where ordinary people suddenly find they are "gifted" with superhuman powers, two law enforcement officers stumble upon the phenomenon while pursuing a serial killer.

As they continue to investigate the mystery, they discover a sinister global conspiracy at work.

Gifted Corporation is similar in theme to tv shows such a The 4400 or Heroes, but what differentiates it is its European sensibilities and flair.

This polished project creates a very compelling universe you will most definitely want to revisit.

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OZMAT

What if almost every significant scientific breakthrough in the United States over the past several decades was secretly due to the work of one very clandestine government agency?

This is the premise behind the terrific all-ages web series OZMAT.

OZMAT (Office Of Zoological Mutations, Anomalies & Transformations) tells the story of Dr. Elias Lipton, a kind, mild-mannered genius who oversees the care of fantastic creatures the U.S. government has placed into his custody.

However, facing the imminent shutdown of OZMAT by the Department Of Defense, Dr. Lipton makes the desperate decision to release all of his agency's classified files to the public.

This web series is a fantastic mix of live-action, animation, and broadcast-quality production value that will keep you engrossed in Dr. Lipton's struggle to save the precious, wonderful creatures of OZMAT.

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Nightwing: The Series

Nightwing: The Series tells the story of Batman's very first partner, Dick Grayson a.k.a. "Robin The Boy Wonder."

Dick has grown up, and after having a final falling out with his mentor, decides to leave Gotham City for Bludhaven under the new codename Nightwing.

This web series tells a story of Nightwing's solo adventures as the new protector of Bludhaven - and it looks like a million bucks!

In fact, the series production quality is on par with any other superhero tv show currently on the air, such as The Flash or Arrow.

If you dig well done superhero stories, definitely put Nightwing: The Series at the top of your must watch list.

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Dynamo

 When you first watch Dynamo, your first thought will probably be "What the hell am I watching?" Your second thought may be "Wow, how did they DO that?!"

I know I did, and I'm so glad for it.

Dynamo is a sci-fi project that defies description or categorization.  

It's a unique mix of many genres including space opera, dystopia, cyberpunk, and more.

The result of this mish-mash is a gorgeous, surreal, mind-blowing, challenging, and ultimately enjoyable romp with an aesthetic all its own.

Did I mention it looks G-O-R-G-E-0-U-S? 

But don't just take my word for it, jump down the rabbit hole.  

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Ragged Isle

Ragged Isle was the first web series I discovered in 2014, and it also remains one of the best I've seen.

This atmospheric, supernatural mystery about the bizarre goings-on in a tiny Maine fishing community is similar to Twin Peaks in tone, except it makes far more sense.

The series was filmed on location in beautiful, scenic Maine using local actors and production crew.

Everything about Ragged Isle is exemplary, including the chilling central mystery, as well as the very charismatic young series lead.

The mystique and beauty of the Ragged Isle makes it one of 2014's best.

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Whew!

Well, there you have it,  our list of the top science fiction and genre web series discovered in 2014.

Please take a moment to help these talented, independent filmmakers by sharing this list, and where applicable, visiting their official websites to learn more about their work.

Thanks, and we look forward to sharing even more terrific sci-fi projects with you in the new year.

Wishing you all the best in 2015!

Rod Faulkner

Founder, The 7th Matrix

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Interrogation The Sci-Fi Web Series - A Daring, Diverse & Gritty Vision Of Dystopia

Interrogation is an edgy, new, dystopian sci-fi web series set in the year 2098.

In the beginning, you are introduced to an elite team of rebel soldiers fighting their totalitarian government in the best way they know how, gathering intelligence through unorthodox  - and often deadly - interrogations.

These interrogators have been hardened to a razor's edge by life under an oppressive regime.  

They express their cynicism through black humor, salty language, immutable dedication to their cause, and a zest for violence.

Created by screenwriter Britain Valenti, THANK GOD Interrogation isn't your typical dystopian sci-fi tale.

One of the major hallmarks of this project is its diversity both onscreen and off - which was by design.

The series was created by a woman, and features a core cadre of characters who are women.  

Also noteworthy: there are key cast members who are actors with disabilities portraying characters with disabilities - unfortunately something still a rarity in both independent and mainstream media.

The series pacing also helps provide an interesting narrative flow.  

While you are given a preliminary overview of this world, more specific details about the exact nature of its society, technology, and ruling body are sparingly parceled out throughout subsequent episodes. This device helps to build intrigue and engagement with the plot.

In fact, a surprising secret held by one of the key characters isn't revealed until the fourth episode!

Check out the official series trailer here ...

To view full episodes, visit the project's YouTube Channel at Interrogation.

I highly recommend Interrogation not only for its defiance of convention, but also because of the compelling world it promises to reveal.

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