Experience 'BIOPUNK' A Dystopian Sci-Fi Short Featuring Kristian Nairn From 'Game Of Thrones'

The year is 2054. The place is London transformed by a global viral plague into a shantytown where its denizens struggle to survive.

This is the setting of the dystopian short film BIOPUNK, conceived and directed by Liam Garvo based on the screenplay by Andrew Hamer.

The short film centers Resha (Katie Sheridan), a young woman on a quest to find her missing younger brother Kio (Benjamin Tuttlebee).

The short is actually a flashback as Resha recounts the fateful day her brother was abducted. It seems mysterious forces are abducting people in New London who are virus-free.

Who is responsible for Kio's kidnapping as well as the rash of abductions that have stricken "New London?"

Will Resha and Kio be reunited?  These pivotal questions are left unanswered by design.

The filmmakers produced BIOPUNK as proof-of-concept for a full-length film they intend to make which will explore the world and mysteries introduced in the short in greater depth.

My fingers are crossed for their success, because BIOPUNK is impressive.

The byzantine New London sets look as if they were built from the refuse and remains of a great city long fallen into ruin. 

The cinematography is also outstanding.

The kinetic camera angles with shots that follow the characters around corners, down claustrophobic, crowded passageways, and out into almost alien-looking exterior landscapes helps to lend verisimillitude to the world presented by the short.

Last but not least is the outstanding cast including Kristian Nairn (Hodor, Game Of Thrones) as Resha's compassionate employer Bob. The actors' nuanced and compelling performances succeed in selling this dystopian version of a future London forever mutated after emerging from a viral pandemic.

Watch BIOPUNK in its entirety here....

To learn more about the production of this superb sci-fi short, visit its official Facebook page.

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In NORTHBOUND The Sci-Fi Web Series - One Man Protects A Precious Cargo Post-Apocalypse

Co-Produced by entertainment site Geek Nation and production company Lullskull Ltd., NORTHBOUND season one is a six-part sci-fi web series about a Man (Nate Alwine) struggling to survive and protect his precious cargo after a global cataclysm.

Set during the first year after the mysterious cataclysm, the Man uses his military and survival skills to battle the elements, dwindling resources and disease in his quest to find sanctuary in a devastated world.

However, the greatest danger he must face is other men, men who may hold the answer to the mysterious catastrophe that has befallen the world.

Watch the official NORTHBOUND season one trailer here ...

Opening during the winter, the series was gorgeously shot entirely in the breathtaking Upper Peninsula region of the state of Michigan.

The forests, mountains, and valleys possess a grandeur and intimidating beauty that gives the series an undeniable verisimilitude.  In fact, the woodland setting itself is a vital character in NORTHBOUND. 

Besides the fantastic cinematography, among the other series hallmarks is its lead, Nate Alwine.

Alwine gives a superb performance as the Man. Without the benefit of much dialogue, he conveys a gamut of emotions including desperation, devotion, and fierce determination.

Alwine also has the imposing physicality one would expect from someone with extensive military training.

These factors combined make Alwine mesmerizing to watch on screen.

Writers/producers Seth and Nathan Anderson have created a compelling post-apocalyptic narrative that is, at its core, a classic man vs nature, man vs man saga.

Fortunately,  production on episodes for season two of NORTHBOUND is scheduled to begin in the fall.

In fact, a teaser for season two has already been released ...

NORTHBOUND deftly follows in the tradition of acclaimed, more introspective post-apocalyptic dramas such as Cormac McCarthy's The Road.  

UPDATE 08/28/19:

NORTHBOUND has completed its second season, and all current episodes of the series are available exclusively on web series distribution platform Seeka.TV.

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Sci-Fi Short Film Spotlight: Pixel Theory: Pandora's Box - A Virtual Reality Cautionary Tale

The award-winning, Spanish language sci-fi short film Pixel Theory: La Caja de Pandora (Pandora's Box) is a gorgeous, haunting, and tragic tale about the dark side of virtual reality (VR).

The short is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a mysterious cyborg has conquered the globe.

All of humanity is plugged into a VR landscape where everyone appears as highly idealized versions of themselves.

Everyone participates in a series of deadly tournaments called "Extreme Hologames," which serve to distract the populace from the devastation and destitution of the real, physical world.

However, one man (Javier Páez) defiantly chooses to permanently disconnect from the VR environment after the death of his beloved wife.

His son, Javier (Ismael Fritschi), desperately tries to convince his father to accept the world order and plug back in.

The father adamantly refuses, and both men passionately try to sway the other to accept his worldview.  All the while, a dangerous threat approaches that threatens all their futures.

Like the similarly themed, outstanding short Uncanny Valley, Pixel Theory writer and directer Daniel Hernández presents a bleak future where human connection has been sacrificed due to technological sedation - with disastrous results.

Watch the impressive Pixel Theory below. The short is in Spanish with English subtitles ...

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SOS: Save Our Skins - Two Geeky Brits Face The Apocalypse

The sci-fi/horror/comedy web series SOS: SAVE Our Skins is the story of Ben (Nat Saunders) and Stephen (Chris Hayward), two geeky Brits who awaken on the first day of their New York vacation at a science fiction convention to discover they are the only human beings left in the city.

As the gravity of their situation dawns on them, they realize the enormity of their crisis - not only are they the only two people left in New York, they may be the only humans left on the planet.

As the men try to piece together the cause of this global catastrophe, they stumble upon a strange television broadcast that serves as their only clue. 

However, as Ben and Stephen prepare to embark on their quest to find out the truth behind the apocalypse, they soon discover they are not as alone as they thought.

Watch the official trailer for SOS: Save Our Skins ...

The 13-episode web series - created by leads Hayward and Saunders -  is a hybrid between satire and love letter to geeky pop culture.

Pop culture references fly fast and furious, with frequent nods to iconic genre properties such as Dr. Who, Xena: Warrior Princess, The Walking Dead, and others.

 It's as if The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and Shaun Of The Dead got together and had a love child. The series gleefully revels in its dry British humor and wit.

Of course, the premise of the show would fall flat if the two leads were not able to shoulder the burden.

That concern is quickly alleviated as Chris Hayward and Nat Saunders prove to have a relaxed chemistry in their roles as the dim-witted series leads.

Another highlight of the series is its cinematography - especially during the initial episodes set in New York.

The "city that never sleeps" appears completely deserted, which is deeply unsettling to see. Those visuals immediately immerse you into the plot. 

Kudos to the production team for pulling off such an impressive feat on an independent film budget!

Watch all 13 episodes of SOS: Save Our Skins on its official YouTube channel.

To find out more about the production, visit the series Tumblr blog.

If you are a fan of geeky pop culture, dry British comedy, and post-apocalyptic dramas, you will find much to enjoy in SOS: Save Our Skins.

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Revelations The Web Series: An Apocalyptic Survival Saga

Hell On Earth Is Only The Beginning

Revelations The Series is not what you think it is.

Is it based on a biblical prediction of the end of the world?

Yes.

Is it filled with self-righteous sermonizing?

To my surprise, that would be a resounding NO.

Revelations is a story of survival after the apocalyptic biblical event known as The Rapture has occurred..

It is literally hell on earth.

The globe's population is decimated and being terrorized by demonic entities now roaming the planet.

Onto this stage we meet  ex-marine Jeremy (Cuyle Carvin), young mother Dana (Marlene Mc'Cohen), and stalwart survivor Darius (Wil Gelin).  

These three haunted people are drawn together by their acute survival instincts and shared sense of loss.

Visions Of A Haven

Jeremy has been having dreams and visions about a secluded cabin he believes is a safe haven from the living nightmare the earth has become.  

When asked by a skeptical Dana where this refuge is located, he only replies "to the north."

As the trio journeys northward, they must contend with horrors both infernal and all too human.

All the while they must grapple with the question of whether they are headed to a haven of safety, or embarking on the ultimate fool's errand.

A Different Take On The Apocalypse

Revelations is about the apocalypse, but thankfully there are no zombies anywhere in sight.  

In fact, the tone of the series is more akin to Stephen King's classic The Stand.

Written and directed by Robert Michael Ryan, the script doesn't shy away from the biblical origin of the apocalypse. However, you don't feel as though you are attending a Sunday School class.

There are no lengthy monologues pontificating about God, sin, etc.  The characters acknowledge the rapture has happened, but their main motivation is surviving their new reality.

The cast performances are extremely believable and raw. These actors have chops, and make you feel their despair, grief, and just under the surface, hope.

Another series highlight  is outstanding cinematography.

From the devastated unnamed cityscape at the beginning, to the gorgeous forests and mountainous regions featured in later episodes, the project has a crisp, slightly washed-out look that is a perfect compliment to its gritty tone.

Revelations contains plenty of action too. The combat scenes are very well choreographed and executed.

My only minor quibble is a few of the visual effects shots used to show the blasted cityscape look unconvincing.  

Other than that minor flaw, Revelations' aesthetic is on par with many  similar projects on cable or network television.

Here is the series teaser trailer:

To watch Revelations, visit its channel on YouTube.

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

Crazy as hell.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tether: A Sci Fi Web Series Pilot You Need To See

Tether is a pilot for a science fiction web series that, quite frankly, deserves to be made.  

Created by Sam Gorski, David Lovett, and Niko Pueringer of Corridor Digital,  Tether drops you into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been decimated by a viral pandemic.

Suddenly,  strange cables a.k.a. "tethers" drop from the sky to the earth.  Where are they from, and their significance,  are shrouded in mystery. 

The Corridor Digital team have produced a teaser video and pilot episode which effectively draws you into this intriguing new world with gorgeous cinematography (watch the videos in HD if at all possible!), solid performances by the cast, and stunning visual effects: 

The creators have stated if viewer interest is high enough, they would consider turning to Kickstarter to raise funds for future episodes:

Based on the quality of the  teaser and pilot, plus the fact both videos together have garnered over 4 million views on YouTube - I think the interest is definitely there.

Tether shows much promise, so If you enjoyed what you've seen, please let the production team know by providing them feedback via their: 

• Facebook page

• Twitter account @CorridorDigital 

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HPlus The Digital Series - An Apocalypse By Design

What if there was a technology created that would allow you to access the internet and all its capabilities with just your mind? 

You could replace your smarthphone, desktop, laptop, and tablet for an implant the size of a nanite inserted into the base of your skull.

This implant connects directly to your nervous system, allowing you to access the internet wirelessly.  With the blink of an eye and the gesture of a finger, the web would available to you 24-7.

It would seem like a digital paradise - until something goes terribly wrong.  Someone or something has switched off the implants - and 33% of the world's population dies.

An apocalypse by design. 

The mystery behind who or what is responsible for this global catastrophe is the central premise of the web series HPlus, from Warner Brothers Studios and executive producer Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men). 

What makes the conceit of HPlus so compelling is how eerily prophetic is seems to be.  

Each day we are witnessing the creation of connective technologies which are becoming smaller, yet  increasingly more powerful. The Google Glass project is a haunting example of how close we are to the near future as portrayed by HPlus.

The idea that one say soon, we won't need any external hardware to become connected to the internet is really not that far-fetched anymore.

HPlus is an achievement in web series storytelling. The production values are on par with those of a major motion picture. The plot is filled with intrigue, mystery, action, and globe-trotting adventure. It poses deep questions about our relationship to, and dependence on, technology - all while avoiding sermonizing.

Watch all 48 episodes of HPlus exclusively on YouTube.  

Below is the official trailer:

Here is the pilot episode:

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