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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Storytellers The Web Series - A Tale Of The Supernatural By Joey Graceffa

Storytellers is a web series that looks like it could the be pilot for a show on the CW network.

Created by - and also starring - popular YouTube vlogger Joey Graceffa, Storytellers opens on a small group of teens telling each other stories around a bonfire.

As the series progresses with each teen taking their turn spinning a tale of suspense, you learn they are close friends bound together by more than just friendship.

They each have ties to the supernatural that will alter their lives forever.

The six episode web series is constructed similar to an anthology, with each installment revealing the background of a separate character.

The episodes are named for the main characters centered, and are as follows:

• Hunter Crowley (Joey Graceffa) the scion of a rich, dysfunctional family. Though he is the most popular kid at his high school, Hunter is grappling with a dark secret

• Mai Himura (Jessica Lu) Mai is a very self-possessed young woman who must come to terms with her family's unique heritage

• Skyler Evans (Kristina Cole) Kristina is Hunter's girlfriend who is growing increasingly frustrated with his mood swings and growing emotional distance

• Finn Avery (Jake Thomas) The self-deprecating Finn is deeply concerned over the secrets threatening to rip his friends apart

• Celia Crowley (Devyn Smith) Hunter's troubled younger sister who is chafing under their father's high expectations

As each episode of Storytellers unfolds, the backstories of the characters intertwine to form a single story arc that culminates in a mystical battle between good and evil.

Admittedly, I'm not the typical demographic for this project, but I still appreciate a well-told story with solid production value.

This series most definitely has both of those qualifications.

The writing by Whitney Milam and Michael Gallagher is solid, avoiding much of the cringe-worthy dialogue indicative of most teen dramas. 

Also, the direction by Michael Gallagher is sensational. 

He adroitly weaves disparate scenes and sequences together to create a cohesive whole.

The series co-producers - Graceffa, Milam, and Michael Wormser -  should be commended for giving the production network-quality polish.

However, what was most impressive was the performances of the young actors. 

Honestly, I didn't expect much in the way of dramatic range from the cast, but they acquitted themselves handsomely. 

Each actor was able to convincingly relay a varied range of emotions essential in bringing the story to life.

Get a taste of the tone of the series by watching the trailer here ...

Storytellers surprised me with its well-crafted narrative structure, skilled direction, intriguing story, and capable young cast. 

The first season ended on a cliffhanger, so there may be a second to resolve the story completely.

The series is available for viewing via its channel on YouTube: Storytellers.

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Check Out This Love Letter To Gaming - Scavengers Of The Scarlet Wastes: The Web Series

The best way to describe the sci-fi/fantasy/post-apocalyptic web series Scavengers Of The Scarlet Wastes is call it a love letter to gaming.

Produced by Kenaz Concepts, the production team includes martial artists, visual and special effects professionals, and actors - all of whom love gaming in all its iterations.

The series follows Mafit (James Barton), Claymore (Andrew Traves), and Fox (Emma Cartledge) as they traverse a blasted wasteland scavenging while arguing among themselves and engaging in combat with various opponents - just like in typical role-playing game (RPG) campaigns.

Love of gaming and general geekdom permeates every aspect of this production, making it a joy to watch.

Some of the many homages to gaming and geek culture include:

• cool visual cues such as onscreen status bars, level-up alerts, inventory item lists, and detailed attribute scores for each character

• numerous Easter eggs hidden in the background. (Hint: look for shout-outs to very popular sci-fi tv series)

• impressive fight choreography that often mimics the turn-based combat systems of RPGs

• a synthesized music score influenced by classic arcade games

• weapons, costumes and props inspired by designs found in gaming

To get a feel for this project, watch  the series trailer ...

The show has one completed season in the can, and just recently launched its second. To view all episodes currently available, visit the show's channel on YouTube: Kenaz Guy.

I definitely recommend Scavengers Of The Scarlet Wastes because of the passion that went into its impressive production.

If you love gaming, sci-fi, and fantasy, you owe to it yourself to check out this very enjoyable series.

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Power Rangers They Are NOT - They Are Space Riders: Division Earth

Created by stars Mark Little and Dan Beirne for web series aggregator iThentic, Space Riders: Division Earth is a 13-episode Canadian web series.

It tells the story of Ken (Little) and Phillip (Beirne) - two utterly  incompetent slacker friends  chosen by the "Galactic Ministry" to protect the earth from the cosmic threat of villain Orson Ooze (Kayla Lorette).

Even to someone like me who wasn't ever a fan, it is obvious this entire project is a spoof of the wildly popular '90s kids program Power Rangers.

The good news is It is completely irreverent and funny as hell.

The Power Rangers phenomenon has been revisited a lot lately, with the most recent homage being the ultra-dark (and very controversial) reboot short film Power/Rangers.

While that project succeeds by remaking the campy original into an impressive visual effects-laden adult drama, Space Riders: DE goes to the opposite extreme - and is equally as entertaining.

Space Riders: DE creates many laugh-out-loud moments by duplicating - and in many instances exceeding - the campy narrative hallmarks  of its source material.

For example:

• The production value mimics that of the original Power Rangers television program, complete with cardboard space sets, and monsters amounting to actors stumbling around wearing costumes

• Extremely cheesy theme music

• Silly superhero uniforms with accompanying transformation scenes

• Ridiculous "hero" poses

Space Riders: DE is played strictly for laughs, and people are noticing.

Check out the official series trailer ...

Space Riders: DE  frequently made me  laugh. It's an unabashedly silly romp that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Watch the complete series here: Space Riders

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Beware 'The Outer Darkness' A Chilling New Horror Web Series

The Outer Darkness horror anthology web series is the latest project from the acclaimed U.K. filmmaking team of:

• Producer/Directors Ben Franklin and Anthony Melton

• Screenwriter Joel Morgan

• Director of Photography Jonny Franklin

The first episode, simply titled 'Part 01,' was released on Valentine's Day 2015 - and it is a 20-minute, mesmerizing showcase of skin-crawling horror.

The series centers on a most unusual support group led by Father Jonathan Crowe (Jonny Phillips). 

Each member of this support group is bound together by horrific, supernatural traumas no one else believes.

In 'Part 01,' new group member Jenny (Isla Carter) recounts the chilling and tragic tale of how she, her husband, and her parents all participate in a supernatural game of chance to regain something very precious to them that was lost.

Hosted by the demonic entity only known as The Croupier (Ross Mullan), Jenny and her family pay a devastating price to obtain their heart's desire.

What makes The Outer Darkness succeed where many other horror web series fail is it creates a very palpable sense of tension and dread.

This unnerving atmosphere is achieved with a winning combination of a genuinely unsettling premise, masterful cast performances, and exceptional production value (see the character design of the nightmare-inspiring The Croupier as exhibit A!).

Watch the official teaser trailer here ...

The Outer Darkness is an impressive new foray into psychological and supernatural horror that shouldn't be missed.

The series is available for viewing online on the ALTER YouTube channel: The Outer Darkness.

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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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Jeff 1000 The Sci-Fi Comedy Web Series Starring Summer Glau - The 7th Matrix Review

Jeff 1000 is a sci-fi comedy web series produced by Wired Magazine.

Its tells the story of Jeff 1000, a 10' tall, former Detroit-area automotive assembly line robot who left the motor city to pursue his dream - acting in Los Angeles. 

He gets his big break starring in a television program about (what else?)  an evil alien robot.

He quickly forms a fast friendship with Summer Glau, his co-star.

They had me with "starring Summer Glau."

Created by Michael Karnow (who also created the sci-fi series Alphas),  Jeff 1000  is a surprisingly charming and humorous satirization of  behind-the-scenes  documentaries, as well as the lives of Hollywood actors.

Although the brightest spot in the project? Summer Glau herself.

Ms. Glau shows a commendable lack of ego because of her willingness to poke fun at herself, celebrity, and the genre that has made her famous since her debut in Joss Whedon's much lamented Firefly series over a decade ago.

She accomplishes this with her signature combination of charisma and willowy grace that has endeared her to many of her fans.

Not to say that the series star, Jeff 1000, doesn't hold his own.   

Watching our robot hero struggle to "break in" to the biz, while navigating the L.A.  entertainment scene - with Summer's help of course -  is comedy gold.

Highlights include Jeff  attempting to "find his motivation" for his role as an evil robot, to coping with Hollywood pretension on full display at an art gallery showing.

The  series also boasts terrific production design, and a few interesting celebrity cameos too!

Take a look at the series trailer ...

The first season of three episodes is available for viewing online, along with amusing making- of videos here Wired: Jeff 1000.

A second season of Jeff 1000 is planned, but the release date has yet to be announced.

I highly recommend this light sci-fi comedy featuring one of the genre's most well-regarded stars.

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