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

June 18, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

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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Image © Miguel Rodriguez. All rights reserved.

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

June 17, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction, Satire

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

June 16, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

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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Generic Girl - A Comedy Web Series of Super-Heroic Hilarity!

June 11, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Satire

Generic Girl is one of the most bizarre, absurd and funny satires of the world of comic book based media I've ever seen.

As the series opens we meet Gillian Romero (Allie Olson) a.k.a. Generic Girl, a closeted geek who is just trying to pay the rent. Her roommate is the earnest, yet very ineffectual superhero Pete Kirby (Matthew Bohrer), better know to the world-at-large as Captain Freelance.

Adventure and hilarity ensue when the super villain Doctor Mascalzone (Richard Hawkins) mistakenly delivers a powerful (and very horny) artificial intelligence - brilliantly named "deus ex machina"- to Gillian and the Captain.

Generic Girl springs from the wonderfully warped minds of Victor R. Solis and Steven Itano Wasserman. This dynamic duo (see what I did there?) has written a superb send up of many classic comic book tropes including:

An amusing opening sequence complete with a Jack Kirby-esque origin for Captain Freelance
Animated word balloons a lá the Batman live-action television series from the late 60s
A death ray, because what decent comic book story doesn't have one?
A world where even superheroes and villains are no match for their respective labor unions
A deus ex machina machine that doesn't live up to its name
An inept, arch enemy who excels at the twirling of the mustache

The creators even sneak in a line that pays homage to the late, great sci-fi television series Firefly! Hint: listen for it in episode nine.

For your viewing pleasure, the pilot episode has been embedded below:

Generic Girls is a lot of fun, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. The humor, while also a tad subversive, stems from a genuine love and appreciation of comic books.

I would also be remiss if I didn't include the excellent video tribute to legendary comic book creator Jack Kirby by the series creators:

Check out the series on its YouTube channel: Generic Girl Series.

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

June 08, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

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!

June 03, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Satire, Science Fiction

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

May 29, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction

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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The True Heroines - An Extraordinary Series About Superpowered 1950s Housewives

May 24, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

What happens when you mix the period drama of Mad Men, the girl power of Charmed, and the comic book exploits of Heroes?

The extraordinary animal that is The True Heroines.

Set in the early 1950s, the web series follows the adventures of three unassuming housewives who possess a startling secret - they each have superpowers.

Granted special abilities by a mysterious corporation years earlier, these women served as agents and spies during World War II.

Since the end of the war, they find themselves being hunted by the very entity responsible for their superhuman gifts.

As the series opens, we are introduced to Pearl Andrews (Fiona Vroom), Margie Hepburn (Jovanna Huguet), and Dottie Rodriguez (Paula Giroday), a trio of best friends who are attempting to build normal lives in the picturesque town of New Paradise Hill.

However, their attempt at normalcy is interrupted by sinister forces intent on finding them.

The experience of watching The True Heroines was like feeling a cool breeze on an arid day. The series succeeds in taking full advantage of its unique premise. Take a look at the series trailer:

First, the on-screen chemistry between the three stars is palpable. So it wasn't a big surprise to discover these women are not only friends in real life, but also are the performers of their own successful cabaret in Canada.

The ladies incorporate their alluring dance skills into the project in a logical way that makes complete sense to the plot.

Next, the production does a remarkable job overcoming the chief challenge for any period piece - recreating a believable bygone era. The gorgeous costumes, authentic props (where did they find all those classic cars?!), and dialogue contemporary to the period combine to transport you back in time.

The cast is superb, with appearances from notable genre stars such as: Neil Grayston (Fargo, Eureka) and Daniel Cudmore (Colossus, X2).

Finally, the cinematography is magnificent, including 1940s flashback scenes partially filmed in graceful black-and-white. The visual effects showing the heroines' powers in action are also very well done.

If you are looking for speculative entertainment with a unique perspective, engaging world, and engrossing plot, The True Heroines is just what the doctor ordered.

To watch the complete series, visit the official The True Heroines YouTube channel.

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Always Night - The Sci-Fi Web Series Pilot Directed By Carl Weathers

May 22, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

As Always Night opens, we are introduced to an attractive, wealthy couple celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.

Roger Banks, portrayed by veteran character actor Harry Lennix (Five Heartbeats, Man Of Steel, The Blacklist), is preparing an intimate dinner for his wife, Valerie ( Delila Vallot).

Almost immediately we realize this couple is out-of-sync. Roger spends most of the evening indulging in self-involved reflection, while the elegant Valerie seems detached and preoccupied.

Superficially, it seems as if we are witnessing the dynamics of a couple who've grown emotionally distant.

However, when Valerie ruminates about how perplexing it is “humans” have survived so long despite being so fragile, we soon realize something much deeper is amiss than a marriage in crisis.

Our suspicions are confirmed as Valerie reveals to an astonished Roger she isn't completely human, and most definitely not of this earth.

Before she departs in an ethereal burst of light, she drops another bombshell: she isn't alone, and things on earth are about to change.

Like Roger, we are left to wonder what are the exact implications of her startling pronouncement.

We want to know more.

Witness the pilot episode of this compelling sci-fi drama for yourself:

Always Night is a web series pilot from BlackAmericanTV.Com.

Written by Art Washington and Zachary Waterfire, with legendary actor Carl Weathers (Rocky, Predator) directing, this project heralds the arrival of a new, distinct voice in science fiction.

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Dark Pool The Web Series - A Mind-Bending Mystery

May 18, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

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:

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

May 13, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

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...

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...

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

May 12, 2013 by Rod T. Faulkner in Science Fiction

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.

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:

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 .

Make sure to check out our 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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