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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Divinity The Web Series - A Stylish Sci-Fi Tale Of Angelic Warfare

Touched By An Angel this is not! 

Created, co-written, and directed by Drew Casson (who also stars as the lead), Divinity is a stylish sci-fi web series about warfare among a powerful group of  warrior angels.

An ambitious 7-part web series, it was independently produced and made with an almost nonexistent budget.

In spite of these production constraints, Mr. Casson and his crew have created a dynamic work hallmarked by dazzling visuals, good overall acting, and a pulse-pounding score.

The series opens spectacularly as we witness a man literally falling from the sky to the earth.

This is how we are introduced to Primus (Casson), a powerful angel who has been sent from heaven to end an angelic rebellion lead by former archangel Decem (portrayed with equal parts menace and charisma by Carl Smith).

Watch the official web series trailer here: 

My only criticism with the project is the editing of the well-choreographed interior fight scenes. The use of a hand-held cam makes it difficult to discern exactly what is going on. 

Still, this is a minor complaint as other visual effects - such as when the angels take flight - will make you wonder, "how the hell did they do that with no budget?!" 

Divinity is an impressive work from a promising, young filmmaker.  I think we will be seeing great things from Drew Casson. 

To watch the complete series, visit its channel on YouTube.

For more information about the production, visit the series Facebook page:  DivinityWebSeries.

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Malice: The Web Series - A Supernatural Coming Of Age Story

Malice The Web Series is weird.

It's a coming-of-age story dressed up as a creepy supernatural thriller - and it's fantastic! 

Created, written, and directed by Philip Cook, Malice tells the story of Alice Turner, a 16-year-old girl who seems to be a typical teen.  She has an older sister she spars with, and parents who are dealing with their own personal demons.

In the beginning of the series, Alice and her family move into her recently deceased grandmother's home.  With the move, her father is hoping for a fresh start for his family.

However, it soon becomes clear to Alice that something is very wrong. 

There's a presence in the house. One that thrives in darkness and has a sinister connection to Alice's family. Soon she finds herself  battling to save her loved ones from a bizarre supernatural horror.

Overall Malice succeeds in telling a story with some real chills.

 It is very atmospheric with cinematography that makes effective use of the play between light and dark to create a sense of dread. The wonderful soundtrack adds a layer of foreboding.

The writing is smart  and the plotting is tight. There are no superfluous storylines to detract from the main narrative.

It's also important to note the supernatural threat Alice contends with is not your typical horror movie monster. It isn't a vampire, werewolf, or zombie - but something quite unique.

The acting of the main cast is competent, but the standout is series star Brittany Martz.  

This young actress fully embodies a vulnerable young woman who yearns for the healing of her broken family. 

Yet Alice is no shrinking violet.

In one pivotal scene later in the series, she finds herself embroiled in a very tense situation. Instead of going into hysterics, she steely says "I will not be helpless!" and proceeds to take action.

Hell yes!  Buffy Summers move over. There is a new heroine on the scene and her name is Alice Turner. 

Watch the series trailer here:

Malice is a independent production funded completely by its audience.

Two seasons totaling 19 episodes (this includes special one-offs) have been produced that complete the first story arc.  A third is currently being planned.

Update:  The third season of Malice, entitled Malice: Metamorphosis is now online!

You can watch all current episodes on the online network on YouTube.

For more information about the production and how you can help support it, please visit Eagle Films.

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Journey Quest - The Sensational Fantasy Web Series Breaking The Rules

Fantasy:  a genre of imaginative fiction involving magic and adventure, esp. in a setting other than the real world.
 

Popular fantasy has been a real drag lately.   

While I appreciate the allure of  more gritty works such as Game Of Thrones, those stories seem more like actual medieval history.

The denizens of these tales are often very flawed with ambiguous morals.  For example, you may encounter heroes with faulty judgement, or antagonists with streaks of nobility.

Protagonists may be defeated, the innocent are just collateral damage in wars between monarchs, and justice is often very elusive. 

Also, there are only the occasional glimpses of the supernatural.

Even though having complex characters and themes is commendable, what many of these epics sorely lack is what makes fantasy, well, fantasy - magic and wonder!

Thank god there is still room in the genre for projects like one.   

Journey Quest, the web series produced by Zombie Orpheus Entertainment, is an enjoyable tribute to classic fantasy tropes.

Welcome to a world populated with powerful magic weapons, wizards, devoted clerics, bards, orcs, wicked kings, deadly assassins, angels, demons, other-worldly beings, and colorful characters of all kinds.

Yeah, it's like a Dungeons & Dragons game come to vivid life -  and it's a blast! 

However, don't think for a moment because magic flows freely in Journey Quest that the characters and production lack depth.  On the contrary, all the production values are outstanding. The writing is sharp, witty, and sophisticated, showcasing a wry sense of humor.

Then there is the talented cast.

These actors have got chops, plus they are a pleasure to watch.  In fact, there are some notable guest stars whose identities I won't spoil for you.

The web series chronicles the adventure of one hapless band of companions:

• Perf (Christian Doyle) A magic user who may be the worst wizard ever

• Nara (Anne Kennedy Brady) An elf determined to pursue her destiny

• Carrow (Brian Lewis) A pious cleric whose faith will be put to the test

• Glorion (Kevin Pitman) A delusional, single-minded knight

• Wren (Emillie Rommel Shimkus) An ambitious bard who breaks the cardinal rule of her order

Of course at the heart of the series is the quest - one for a powerful magical object which can destroy the evil kings who have subjugated the land.  A weapon coveted by both dark and light forces.

Start the journey by watching the complete premiere episode:

To watch all available episodes, visit the Journey Quest YouTube channel.

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Walking In Circles - A 'Dungeons & Dragons' Style Fantasy Comedy

The fantasy-comedy web series Walking In Circles (WIC) is a humorous and slightly subversive love letter to the fantasy genre - especially the Dungeons & Dragons role playing game.

Created and written by James Rodehaver, the series chronicles the adventures of a band of unlikely heroes as they set out on a quest to slay an infamous dragon.  

The members of this very un-merry company are: 

• Krag (Eric Radic) A vengeful, young barbarian who formed the band - and gets far less than he bargained for

• Angie (Katie Wilson) A free-spirited Druid who abhors violence, and has never met a tree she didn't want to hug

• Markus (Adam Rady) A sarcastic, barely competent wizard

• Garand (Jonah Priour) A bard who seeks ballad-worthy adventures, but instead only annoys the hell out of everyone

• Alex (?) Dressed in black, all we know is she is mysterious, stealthy and deadly

While the party consists of classic fantasy archetypes, these personalities are written slightly off-kilter, which makes for hilarious interactions.

WIC's humor is also very self-referential. 

It pokes good-natured fun at fantasy fandom. A prime example is when the party encounters a cult whose members zealously worship the word of the “Dungeon Master.”

While the satire is razor sharp, the cast turns in terrific performances as well.  

The actors play their roles straight, which makes the humor all the more effective. Additionally, they have real acting chops and chemistry together.

To get a taste of the tone of the series, watch the pilot episode Party Up:

WIC  possesses solid overall production value including detailed costumes, gorgeous props, and scenes shot in beautiful locales.

Make sure to watch the 11-episode first season in high definition. 

My only criticism is the series is fairly dialogue heavy with very little action. Some viewers may find the pacing a slow burn.

However, the teaser trailer for the forthcoming second season has been released, and it seems to promise a lot more action:

To watch the complete first season, future episodes, and to see special behind-the-scenes features, visit the official YouTube channel and web site: 

WICTheSeries.com

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SOLO - A Sci-Fi Comedy Web Series About A Mission To Mars Reality Show Gone Epically Wrong

Imagine a world where a gullible schmuck is promised celebrity and fortune if he volunteers to go solo on a space flight to Mars - as part of a reality television show. 

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the premise behind the sci-fi comedy web series SOLO. 

Jonathan Nail (who also wrote and directed the series) stars as Scott Drizhal, a down-on-his luck guy who agrees to embark on a solo, three-year round trip mission to the red planet as part of the most ambitious reality show ever produced.

There's just one problem: on the mid-way point to Mars, the series gets canceled!  

All but the sleazy executive producer and two members of the privately funded ground-control crew are fired.

So, how in the hell is Scott going to get back home? He is the very incompetent, sole crew member aboard a sophisticated spacecraft. His only companion is the ship's sarcastic computer, the PHAL 9000.

SOLO is seriously funny.  

The series' humor stems from it poking fun at many standard science fiction tropes. It also places our cultural fascination with "reality" television in its comedy cross-hairs. The privatization of space travel isn't spared satirical lampooning either.

Watch the premiere episode in its entirety here: 

Unfortunately,  only one 9-episode season of SOLO was produced. Still, this series deserves to find an audience because of its whip-smart satire, decent production value, and unexpected plot twists. 

To watch the series, visit its channel on YouTube.

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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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Super Knocked Up - An Action Comedy In The Family Way

It's the morning after, and you awaken to the fact you made a huge mistake sleeping with the person next to you.

Now imagine the person you bumped uglies with is a powerful - though conceited - superhero,  while you are an infamous super-villain.

This is the brilliantly hilarious premise behind the action comedy web series Super Knocked Up.

In the pilot episode we meet  Jessica James, a.k.a. the super-villain Darkstar. She's beautiful, intelligent, on the wrong side of the law, and now she must contend with fallout from having a one night stand with her arch-enemy, Captain Amazing.

The good captain, whose alter ego is Michael Masters, loves chasing women as much as saving the day.  

Much to their mutual shock and horror, our super-foes not only know the other's secret identities, but they also discover they are in the family way. 

Now currently in its second season, Super Knocked Up is a blast.  

Check out the trailers for seasons one and two ...

Created by writer/producer/director Jeff Burns, this series features a premise rife with comedic gold - and the writing mines every bit of it.

This series is funny, but it also contains surprising moments of poignancy as the protagonists deal with their impending parenthood - all while fighting their growing attraction for each other. 

Super Knocked Up is based on comic books with all of the classic tropes intact. Though it's a comedy, this project is not a satire of comic books.

Instead it's a homage - a comic book brought to vivid life. 

There are costumed superheroes and super-villains with powers on full display, as well as nefarious plots by evil masterminds.  

However, these side plots complement the main narrative thread of two superhuman people facing the anxiety, fear, and joy of becoming parents. 

Jeff Burns' scripts are witty and smart.  The cast is a revelation.  While many other web series often suffer from subpar acting at best, this cast has real chops.

The two leads bring their characters to life without falling into out-of-control campiness: 

View fullsize

• Darkstar/Jessica James is portrayed by Natalie Bain in season one. Ms. Bain embues Jessica with a complex mix of fierce strength and vulnerability.

• Jourdan Gibson takes over the role of Darkstar/Jessica in the series' second season. Ms. Gibson makes the role her own with her emotional depth, wit, and intelligence.

• Mark Pezzula as Captain Amazing/Michael Masters also gives a layered performance that successfully makes you like the lecherous superhero.

• David Bunce as Dr. Destruction provides real gravitas as the evil mastermind intent of ridding the world of superheros. Mr. Bunce eschews moustache twirling to creating a villain with depth, who also has a mentor-student relationship with Darkstar.

Not to be overlooked, the supporting cast adds just the right amount of comedy relief as well as menace. 

The production values are of excellent quality.  The visual effects are sterling.  The soundtrack is filled with energetic tunes which complement each episode.

Consequently, this award-winning series is proving very popular with over two million views to date!

Super Knocked Up is among a slew of cutting-edge web series raising the bar for online entertainment.  With a great premise, network comparable production values, a skilled cast,  and engaging plot, it makes an excellent case for the web being the new hotbed of   stellar filmmaking.

To view all current episodes, and to find out more about the production, visit the series channel on YouTube: SuperKnockedUp.com

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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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