afterworld ... a blog

wanted ... Fan Scipts

2011-06-09T18:29:00.001+08:00

submit your Script for the next Season
... Let's get Russell back on track!

latest news on the Afterworld

2011-02-24T04:59:00.000+08:00

Drew said...
Well another six months have passed...it seems that Afterworld has moved to the Afterlife.

I haven't heard anything about either of the "other projects" that Brent mentions.

Such a bummer...this was one of the few series that really worked in the digital daily distribution model. It had the potential to really kick that model into high gear.
Thursday, February 24, 2011 3:42:00 AM GMT+08:00

webyter said...
as the show is still airing somewhere in the world, I get the feeling that once it has finished its "slow world wide release or contractual obligation" that the producers or those that now hold an interest in the show will throw some money at it again and lets hope this time that it could be a sim-cast world wide release and we can rejoin the afterworld and once again follow Mr Showmaker on his strange journeys - good to hear from you Drew maybe we should continue the adventure here on this blog ...

Season Two ... Coming soon ?

2010-08-27T20:02:00.000+08:00

If you actually check back thru this blog you will recall that we actually had a season 2 already, although here in Australia we got it all in one hit but I believe that on its original release it came it spits and spats but don't quote me on that ... may be we should finish the story, what did cause The Fall, was that what it was called i have forgotten it has been so long, or did we get told, but like I have said many times I could not get past the Star Wars lightsabre incident ...

... UPDATE ...

2009-05-27T07:02:00.004+08:00

2009/5/27
Brent Friedman

Hey Peter, great to hear from you. The next installment of AW has been long-gestating. We are a small company that got sidetracked on Gemini Division, along with our two upcoming webseries - Woke Up Dead and Valemont (both of which go into production in June/July.) Our hope is to have more AW, in a slightly altered form, available by year's end. Time will tell if that's possible...

As for DVD release, the show will be packaged in that form in some territories. Since Sony is distributing the project worldwide it's their decision, and I'm not sure what their plan is for Australia.

Best,
Brent

This update was in May last year ... seems we may never now what The Fall was all about, maybe one day the story will continue = Webyter 27th Jan 2010

Sony Pictures Television Announces Mobile Game Slate

2008-04-01T06:23:00.000+08:00

as posted on PRNewswire

Six New Titles To Be Released in 2008

LAS VEGAS, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Pictures Television (SPT) announced a slate of six new mobile games to be released in 2008 today at the CTIA convention in Las Vegas. The games, based on some of the studio's feature films and television shows, and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system games, are scheduled to come out from June through November of this year. Other titles, not yet announced, may also join the line up.

"We are extremely proud of this slate and thrilled to offer our mobile partners more of the high-quality games they've come to expect from us and that consumers love to play," said Eric Berger, senior vice president, mobile, SPT.

The titles released today are:

Hancock: The Mobile Game, based on the feature film starring Will Smith, Jason Bateman, and Charlize Theron to be released July 2, is a "one button" game designed for a broad casual audience. Hancock soars through Los Angeles in pursuit of criminals, saving people in danger, while keeping damage to a minimum. Players use Hancock's superhuman strength to set the situation right.

Afterworld Global Contact is the first mobile game to be developed from a multi-platform series with an established community. An adventure game where players travel the world in search of their families, confront challenges and try to reestablish global communications, Afterworld Global Contact includes an online component that rewards players with exclusive web content.

Rock & Roll Jeopardy! is a musical sequel to the mobile game Jeopardy! Deluxe, based on the hugely popular syndicated game show. This rock n' roll version features specialized content, thematic artwork and gameplay enhancement, where players compete against two AI players for virtual cash.

Wheel of Fortune Road Trip is an extension of the Wheel of Fortune Deluxe video game, based on American's favorite game show. Incorporating new features and a sense of adventure, each game will be themed to a city as players complete their journeys.

Quantum of Solace, released to coincide with the film of the same name, brings back Her Majesty's Secret Service agent James Bond in an exciting 2D action game for mobile phones. Capturing the essence of Agent 007's style, players of Quantum of Solace chase down enemy agents, engage in intense firefights and escape dangerous situations that only Bond could survive.

LocoRoco(TM) is back in an authentic mobile adaptation of the incredibly successful PSP(R) system videogame. Tilt and jump LocoRoco past obstacles, find LocoRoco's friends the MuiMuis and grow LocoRoco to find hidden areas in levels.

as posted on PRNewswire

TV tangled up in web

2008-03-01T09:39:00.000+09:00

as posted on Variety

Internet fare struggles to land solid base

By DIANE GARRETT

"Quarterlife," beacon of dreams for many a scribe, has yet to make a dime online. The web skein has found a steady aud since its early November launch, but its viewership is tiny compared with online sensations such as "The Landlord" and "I'm (bleeping) Ben Affleck," last week's answer to "I'm (bleeping) Matt Damon."

Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick's twentysomething serial, which bowed on NBC last week to miniscule ratings, isn't alone. Programmers are still trying to figure out how to build -- and retain -- an aud for serialized shows online. Last week, Disney-ABC Television Group launched Stage 9 Digital Media, an experimental new media division, bowing the comedy skein "Squeegees" on Feb. 28.

Web mavens like to compare the medium's programming to television circa 1947, when networks were still trying to figure out what would translate on the smallscreen. To gauge what works best online, they are experimenting with episode length, series duration and frequency.

After all, primetime doesn't exist online; nor do runtime restrictions nor minimum series orders. Comedy tends to work best, but other genres have gotten some traction online, most notably Michael Eisner's "Prom Queen" thriller and the sci-fi "Afterworld."

So far, there's one general rule of thumb: Shorter is better -- but it's got to be good, or viewers will quickly bail.

"I haven't seen a lot of regular programming that has really taken off yet," says former Mouse House TV and UPN topper Dean Valentine, who launched Comedy.com a couple of weeks ago. "There's very little that has burned up the broadband wires."

He believes the real money won't start flowing into Web programming until someone manages to create a brand online, but concedes that isn't an easy task given the untamed nature of the Internet.

"It's like evaluating what worked after the first season of network television," says Brent Weinstein, who runs 60Frames, an agency developing a variety of web series with artists including Joel and Ethan Coen.

At this point, the biggest online hits tend to be viral one-offs rather than episodes from ongoing skeins. "The Landlord," starring Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's foul-mouthed two-year-old, has racked up more than 50 million viewings since its debut on FunnyorDie.com last April, and Sarah Silverman's "I'm (bleeping) Matt Damon," which originally aired on b.f. Jimmy Kimmel's latenight talker, got roughly 8 million viewings in a few weeks. "I'm (bleeping) Ben Affleck," Kimmel's "We Are the World" style response featuring cameos by Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz and Robin Williams, was viewed by millions online a few days after it aired on his show Oscar night.

Web skeins, on the other hand, are lucky to nab 200,000 viewings per episode. "Quarterlife" maintained a relatively healthy aud of 100,000 an episode as the skein unfolded; its producers say total viewership amounted to 6 million viewings, with 4 million coming from MySpace and 1 million from the show's dedicated website. (It drew a little over 3 million on Feb. 26 in its first -- and likely only -- airing on NBC).

The trick to establishing a web series, all agree, is to build a property that viewers want to return to, like they do with a newspaper or favorite TV show. Otherwise, programming won't break through the many offerings online.

"People are still conditioned to one-offs rather than shows," says Drew Reifenberger, who heads Turner's Super Deluxe site. "It's a definite challenge for us."

The site has had more luck with self-contained comedy bits than with series incorporating ongoing plots. For instance, the last three installments in "Derek & Simon," a web skein created by Bob Odenkirk, struggled a bit for that reason. Super Deluxe reworked upcoming skeins to make episodes stand alone better.

Through experimentation, "Afterworld" creator Stan Rogow determined that Web crawlers want episodes short -- 3-minute installments worked best -- and they want them updated daily. He said it took him and his co-creators a long time to map out the 130-episode sci-fi show, which was a popular skein on MySpace, spending north of $3 million to produce it. Although he says they will "do OK" financially, Electric Farm decided that 130 episodes were too many and will do 50 at a time going forward. Their next skein, "Gemini Division," stars Rosario Dawson.

Online video consumption is soaring -- topping 10 billion views Stateside in December, according to ComScore. The org determined that the average online video viewed lasted 2.8 minutes and that Google, which owns YouTube, accounted for 32.6% of the activity.

However, advertising, while also growing, is lagging. And it definitely doesn't cover the cost of production for most of the Web series popping up online. To help underwrite the costs, producers are lining up sponsors, but even they don't necessarily cover costs.

In November, Eisner told the New York Times that "Prom Queen" cost $3,000 per 90 seconds, that it made a couple thousand dollars and that the sequel lost money. "Quarterlife," meanwhile, cost north of $80,000 per 8-minute episode; sponsorships by Toyota and Pepsi didn't fully cover the costs.

"The amount of money some entrants are spending would never allow them to make money," says Jim Moloshok, exec chair of GoFish, a network of children's content and veteran of HBO, Yahoo and Warners. "I don't think anybody is making any money yet. It's a business that is supported by venture capitalists and investors trying to build for the future."

Digital tenpercenters say they advised the scribes streaming into their offices during the strike that anything designed for online better be a passion project, because a big payday would be unlikely. They say plenty of writers remain excited about the ownership and creativity that online programming promises.

Undeterred by the fact "Quarterlife" has yet to make money, Herskovitz is actively seeking another series to mount alone.

"I'm dealing with the same frustrations everyone's dealing with scripted online programming," Herskovitz said in the wake of "Quarterlife's" "disappointing" bow. "The numbers aren't there yet. That's just a fact of life."

The good news, Reifenberger says, is that Net crawlers stumble on their programming every day, causing some unusual spikes in activity. And because it's still a relatively small business, the stakes are lower, opening programming up to more experimentation.

"This is truly the fun part, because we are in a state of constant reinvention in terms of the business models and the entertainment business itself," Rogow says.

"It's still the early stages," Reifenberger concurs. "Anybody that tells you they've got it all figured out is fooling themselves."

as posted on Variety

Season 2 Contest

2008-02-23T09:07:00.000+09:00

Our friends over at Afterworldtheories.com have had a great idea to start a contest, so I thought that I'd share the info.

This is their contest, so please e-mail Ranger Sergeant at info@afterworldtheories.com if you have questions about this. I don't know anymore than what is here (like what the deadline is), but I am working on my uber-theory.

With the downtime between the end of Season One and the Beginning of Season Two the Afterworld Theories website is running a contest with the Grand Prize being either a $25 Starbucks gift card or $25 cash (winner's choice). (We're a fan site and we're poor...if you don't like $25 you're more than welcome to go back to watching Hello Kitty's Adventure World)

Rules:
1) Based on Afterworld Season One (Episodes 01 - 130) create a theory on what you believe is going to happen in Season Two.
2) Post that Theory on the Afterworld Word Wall or email it to info@afterworldtheories.com. All entries for this contest must be received and recorded one week before the first airing of Season Two episode one.
3) Whomever has the theory closest to what occurs in Season Two wins.It's easy, it's simple, it's $25 for whomever is closest to predicting what happens to Russell.

Sony Pictures Television International Networks Group Promotes Pamela Parker to Senior Vice President, Business Affairs and Acquisitions

2008-02-14T06:49:00.000+09:00

as posted on EarthTimesORG

CULVER CITY, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) announced today that Pamela Parker has been promoted to senior vice president, business affairs and acquisitions of its international networks group. The announcement was made today by Marie Jacobson, SPTI's executive vice president of programming and production, international networks.

"Pamela's significant contributions to the international networks group have fueled the expansion of our network portfolio and the overall breadth and depth of our programming," said Jacobson. "Pamela has proven her ability to steer multiple priority projects across the line at any given time, from big ticket acquisitions, to format adaptations, to talent and production deals. Pamela is widely respected both in the industry and by her team to be a no nonsense negotiator and passionate supporter of network initiatives."

Based at SPTI's worldwide headquarters in Culver City, California, Parker heads acquisitions and business affairs for the international networks group. She is also actively involved in the local execution of several of SPTI Networks' light entertainment franchises, including Six Degrees of X, Brazil's Next Top Model and The Amazing Race Asia, and SPTI's increasing investment in the multi-platform digital content space. Additionally, she negotiates and drafts multi-territory acquisitions for SPTI's approximately 50 television channels outside the United States, including AXN, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Animax.

Prior to her promotion, she had been vice president, business affairs and acquisitions, since 2001. She played a vital role in the negotiation of Afterworld, a co-production between SPTI and Electric Farm Entertainment and continues to spearhead acquisitions for Animax Mobile, SPTI's latest venture in the branded wireless space. Under her leadership, SPTI's international networks group has been able to acquire rights to air such hit U.S. series as Damages, CSI, Lost, Desperate Housewives, House, The Shield, 'Til Death, countless studio and independent movie packages, as well as the rights to adapt numerous international hit formats into local language versions, such as American Idol on SET Latin America and Indian Idol on SET India; and The Amazing Race Asia, which airs on AXN Asia.

Parker joined SPTI in 1999 as director, business affairs and acquisitions. Before joining SPTI, she worked as an entertainment and corporate attorney for the law firm of Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro, LLP in Los Angeles. Prior to earning her J.D. from New York University School of Law, Parker worked in film and television production with several independent production houses in NY.

About Sony Pictures Television International

Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) is the division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) responsible for all television business outside of the United States. SPTI operates three complementary lines of business: 1) distribution of SPE's feature films and television programming to television, mobile and digital content delivery outlets around the world, 2) local television production in key international markets, and 3) international television networks. In addition to being a leader in the distribution of current and classic U.S. and international films and television product worldwide, SPTI produces high profile, locally produced television in local languages. With dedicated offices in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Miami (Latin America), the People's Republic of China, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom, SPTI currently oversees production in nine regions of the world and is the leader in international television production among all major Hollywood studios. SPTI's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in the SPE's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with almost 50 networks in more than 130 countries reaching more than 300 million households worldwide. SPTI is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

Contacts: Ron Sato Sony Pictures Television International +1 310 244 4687 ron_sato@spe.sony.com Gabriella Alaimo Thomas Sony Pictures Television International +1 310 244-3538 gabriella_alaimo@spe.sony.com

Sony Pictures Television International

as posted on EarthTimesORG

After Afterworld

2008-02-06T04:29:00.000+09:00

So what are we to do now?

Catch up with the journals?
Come up with theories about the fall?
Wait 5 more weeks until journal entries after Episode 130 begin to appear.
Write fan fiction?

or E) all of the above.

I have some new interesting theories...not so much as to the tech side of how the fall took place...but as to why the Gov't/Parthia/Adena/etc were messing around with this stuff to begin with.

Episode 130: When The Levee Breaks

2008-02-01T17:21:00.000+09:00

Wow.
Weird.
Somehow it is satisfying for a season ending, yet leaves SO MUCH to be answered.

I think that the story regarding coming home and Janelle be gone was very well done.

I thought that Kizzy would be the one of the two that survived....and as this episode was going on, I thought that Kizzy would be the one who walked through the door. Or else that Season 2 would be all about Russ searching for Kizzy.

Gwen walking through the door? That was a surprise.
Her story about Kizzy being held somewhere was a surprise. I suppose that Parthia/Hastings have always been aware of Kizzy for some reason, so it shouldn't be a suprise that they have her held somewhere.

But the curveball of all curveballs was that final satellite shot and the voice over of "I didn't think that he'd make it this far".....wow! talk about opening up a whole new set of questions.

I can't believe that this was the final episode of the season. It's been like 30 weeks (including the interuptions) since Afterworld began. I can't wait for season 2 to begin.

Well I hope that you all have enjoyed these blog postings....remember to check the AW website for more journal entries. If I go into withdrawl about AW, I'll probably start writing a bit about those. The Afterworld website just posted Episode 100, so there are 6 weeks away from wrapping up....which means that it a little more time than that until the final journal entries get posted. But I believe that there will be some extra journal entries between Vegas and Seattle that should be going up periodically.

last episde tonight ...

2008-02-01T06:56:00.000+09:00

I have not watched an episode since Russ woke up in Africa in someone else's body, and I must thank Drew for taking over on the commentary, I will make the effort to watch tonights episode and make a comment on it, hopefully I won't post any spoilers, and hopefully watching this will inspire me to go back and watch what I have missed out, and back post for these posts, but that depends on how this session of episodes finishes, I am still confused about the season stuff, early in the year it was said that season one finished around episode 30, but now it appears we are coming to the end of season one, I'm sure this makes sense to some of you, especially you "anom" - and could someone explain to me why the writers were allowed to work on this ...

Episode 129: 809 W Blaine St

2008-02-01T03:04:00.000+09:00

In case you get interested to search for this address....it doesn't quite exist....it's between 2 existing houses. I had to look. I dialed 867-5309 a lot back in the day. I'm just weird like that.

So will there be any replies to Russ' calls for Janelle and Kizzy?
Any guesses? gut feelings on this?

I don't have much inside info, on this...but my guess is that it is one of the two. To have both would be too happy of an ending (and statistically impossible)....to have neither would be too much of a downer.

My guess is that Kizzy survives, and I base this on the fact that Jack Hastings had an ultrasound photo of her, that hasn't been fully reconciled...so perhaps she was of interest to Parthia, because she had a certain genetic marker? - just a guess.

Episode 128: Shoemaker and Associates

2008-01-31T04:09:00.000+09:00

Hmmmmm, I'm sure that it is natural to blame onesself like Russ is doing....but come on, Adena/Parthia/etc has a conspiracy that is so vast, I'd wager that they already would have known about the smart plasma/progammable genetic marker patents from MicroMed in Spokane whether or not Russ had done an ad campaign for them. Russ may have made them at most a little more aware, but his contribution to fall is negligible.

Selling technology to the world is a noble cause! (so says the man who sells technology to the world).

Still it all does come full circle.

Is Russ the only one trying to figure out what caused the Fall? Just wondering why no one else has tried to shut off the EMP (or perhaps they have and failed, or perhaps that will be left for the sequel). Would the Parthia folks back in Oklahoma only have sent one guy on this mission? Seems like something of an "eggs in one basket" strategy, which they might try to avoid, since the EMP is essentailly imprisoning Parthia survivors every 47 minutes.

Also as a side note - - - in the past the creators of Afterworld have said that the city scapes that they use are not to scale, and not accurate...but are rather an amalgamation of notable landmarks in a city. I tried to figure out where Russ's office was, before remembering that Brent Friedman had said that. Although if they were accurate, based on proximity to Smith Tower, the office of Shoemaker and Associates would be just south of downtown Seattle roughly next to Qwest Field......although the position of the Space Needle proves the point about "an amalgamation of notable landmarks).

Episode 127: The Emerald City

2008-01-30T02:43:00.000+09:00

Well Seattle is "a sort of prison". Except a prison that is pretty easy to break into.

So a well intentioned group of leaders went overboard with their policies and made Seattle an isoloated community.

That sounds so much like a government.

"Underground Seattle" is one of the biggest over-statements in the world.
I remember as a kid watching the Scooby-Doo episode about underground Seattle, and it was like a whole city with house and buildings and roads was underneath the streets...(yes, in hindsight this completely defied all laws of physics and engineering, but I was like 6 at the time).

After that build up in my mind, the official tour that you take to see Underground Seattle, is a totally let down. It's basically a bunch of cramped basements that are connected to each other. There is no room for houses, or streets, or monsters.

Of course, like any other big city Seattle has sewers and service tunnels underneath it...which looks like where Russ found the "orphans".

So this late in the journey will Russ finally use a gun to kill someone?
I think not.
I'm wagering on the security guy being someone that Russ knows.
As Russ would say "Sometimes the universe works out that way."

Episode 126: North By Northwest

2008-01-29T03:26:00.000+09:00

So despite Russ' previous contact with the Cartel, and how he had helped them, his legacy as The Walker continues to grow out of control.

Who are the people that are attacking the Cartel shippments? Are they some how related to what's going on in Seattle? Or just a bunch of terrorist types?

And what is going on in Seattle? They weren't kidding when they called it a "closed" city.

It looks like it could be a prison.

This is the last Monday that I'll be writing this daily update for a while......strange to think that the 3 minutes of AW each day have become so ingrained in the routines of my life....and probably the lives of thousands of viewers.

Episode 125: Unholy Alliance

2008-01-26T03:13:00.000+09:00

One of the things that I really love about Afterworld is that even though I had a good idea of what was going to happen in this episode...the writers are able to deliver it in a fresh, entertaining way that is still filled with tension and drama.

I'm really going to miss this series about a week from now. The three minute format is just perfect for when I'm sitting down at my desk with a second cup of coffee...it's really become something of a routine/habit/ritual for me. Somehow is 3 minutes they are able to provide more entertainment than most of the crap on TV today (especially with the writers strike here in the US).

So Russ and Subu make a quick alliance because they both hate Arnold and barely escape from the building....I was a little surprised by Arnolds lack of reaction to the news that his book had been switched out....maybe that was from him being over-confident that he would defeat Russ.

So I guess it is on to Seattle now, find his family and then start turning off the EMP.

For both Janelle and Kizzy to have survived the fall, and the past year or so in the post-fall world would be extremely long odds. Both I'll be surprised if one of those two isn't around next week.

Episode 124: Matter of Time

2008-01-25T03:27:00.000+09:00

ASo much keeps getting revealed, which just leads to so much more needing to be revealed.

I think that Arnold killing those 2 bounty hunters was a bit pre-mature...and will likely lead to his death tomorrow at the hands of Subu. You could say that Arnold 'jumped the gun'. Sorry it was SO hard to resist that terrible pun.

On the Afterworld homepage Subu's bio concludes with "Subus strange past will ultimately determine his true allegience". His Before Fall background (per that bio), is listed as "???"

Arnold must have had much more of a stake in the decision making process that led to the Fall...if he is going to such great lengths to cover it up, there is (I'm guessing) evidence at Adena that links him directly to this project.

Thanks to the readers here (and Wikipedia) for my Grey Goo education! I never claimed to be a scientist, I just sell technology to the world.

Episode 123: Truth in the Clouds

2008-01-24T01:43:00.000+09:00

So the EMP was supposed to stop the nano-technology virus...but instead it seems that it activates it.

The Parthia folks (and those at NORAD, etc) had hardened rooms to protect themselves against the initial fall...but they probably weren't counting on the EMP repeating every 47 minutes. They were planning that they would all survive and be able to take control of everything.

Anyone with some science background please chime in about the plausability of this nano-virus and how the EMP would affect it....

Episode 122: Project: Continuum

2008-01-23T04:19:00.000+09:00

Pretty intense.
Pretty darn cool.
Russ is getting some answers, and finding more questions.

So the Fall was caused by some nanotechnology that targeted a gene that only humans had...and Russ and the other survivors must not have this gene. I am guessing, that among other things, the EMP was the distribution method (this is just a guess, I don't have an science to back up the distribution of a "nano-virus" by means of an electro-magnetic pulse)

Adena created the technology, Parthia funded it. But why?
Who would be crazy enough to sign off on this kind of idea? (OK sure, the obvious answer there is some lunatic in the government...but still killing BILLIONS of people is a pretty big job, that would have involved a lot of people).

Did Parthia all know (or think) that they had the survival gene? How connected with them was Arnold before the Fall?

I was surprised that Arnold survived last week....and I'll be surprised (and wrong) again if he survives this week. Or perhaps he will survive to be the arch-enemy of Russ...the Dr. No to his James Bond.

Episode 121: A New Chapter

2008-01-22T02:20:00.000+09:00

Well it looks like we are heading on a train to get some answers (well at least Russ is going to be).
So hopefully we will find out what Parthia is up to...who it is that Arnold is working with/for...and the truths about the fall that Arnold and the NWH are so desperate to bury.

Rumor has it that the next AW season will be overseas...and also from a different point of view than Russ'....maybe Delondre going overseas will tie into that?

I love the plotline about switching the books...if you don't agree with the lies that someone is telling...then change thier book! ha ha ha...it's a classic.

Episode 120: The Sting Part 2

2008-01-19T03:33:00.000+09:00

Nice job on the switch out of the books, and the great, big bluff by Delondre.

It's a bit of a change for Russ to be working with (and exposing to danger) others like Delondre, Lulu and Kang...but it was needed for the job.

So is Delondre going to accompy Russ north to Seattle? Or does he want to go alone? Or does he want to go alone, but she comes anyway? That's anybody's guess.

I guess by this point in Afterworld, I shouldn't be a bit surprised by Russ' massive success at avoiding conflicts...but I really thought that there was going to be a showdown that led to Arnolds death. Of course that would rob of us of his reaction to the switch on the books.

So Russ said that there is going to be some big Parthia news and pieces coming together in the "the next chapter"...which is needed since there are only 2 weeks left. Can you believe that?

Episode 119

2008-01-18T03:47:00.000+09:00

Clever plan to get the New World Historians distracted by threat of Russ, so they protect the books, but not the paper and ink.

Has anyone else noticed that among the women who survived the fall, an extremely high proportion of them are very attractive? I'm sure that this is just keeping in line with the creators inspiration from comic books, etc....OR maybe hot chicks are genetically superior?
-Okay, sorry, that was a random rabbit trail of a thought....damn this cold medicine....I can't focus on anything.

Who are the volunteers? Is Russ going to end up with a crew to work with/protect?

Episode 118: On The Record

2008-01-17T05:10:00.000+09:00

An interesting episode where Russ gets to use some more of his "I'm in the same boat as you, pal" charm.

Kang is a printer, but he doesn't have a large supply of ink and paper. He must get his supplies from the Cartel. I guess it wouldn't make sense to have that much inventory on hand.

As I recall, the Cartel guys liked Russ and didn't like the Historians too much, so I was expecting that Russ would call in a favor or two. Perhaps, the Cartel only cares about the money, which would fit their M.O.

I've got a bit of a cold (a large bit of a cold) so I'm writing this through a cold-medicine-induced haze...so my apologies that it is overly brief.

Feel free to comment and add more!

Episode 117: First Edition

2008-01-16T03:56:00.000+09:00

Very clever idea that they came up with to somehow switch the pages, and have copies of Russ' journal sent out.

The World According To The Walker!

Is the Afterworld team going to auction off copies of the journal (like JK Rowlings did for that extra Harry Potter book)? Probably not...but it would be cool to have.

The interview should be interesting...there is a lot to happen in the next 3 episodes this week...heck there is a lot still to happen in the 13 remaining episodes.

Can you believe that there are only 13 episodes left?

These last few episodes seem to be more action/plot driven than introspective, though that is to be expected as the tie up the plotlines. Tomorrow may have some more deep thoughts in the interview.

Episode 116: The Shipment

2008-01-15T05:45:00.000+09:00

"Librarians with guns"....great line by Delondre to describe her take on the New World Historians.

Delondre is a good devoted friend. I'm glad to have her back.

Arnold and his crew have gone through a lot of trouble to drag Russ (and many others) through the mud in their book. I have a hunch that they (at least in part) knew of the Fall before it happened. Not meaning that they caused it, but revisionist history is usually done by people with an agenda and something to hide and something to prove.

Another hunch that I have is that Russ might come across some documents explaining what Arnold is hiding sometime this week.

Another hunch is that Arnold does not live past Friday....(less confident on that one).

Another reference to San Francisco as "Frisco"....it's like fingernails on a chalkboard to hear that. Hopefully, they fix that error in future releases...no one who'd been here (like Russ in his business of selling techonology to the world), would call it that.

No Picket Lines Online

2008-01-14T07:39:00.000+09:00

as posted on washingtonPost
The Internet Alternative to TV: Web Series Created With a 'Freer Hand'

By Joshua Zumbrun
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, January 13, 2008; Page M06

It's the Internet's fault that the writers had to go on strike, so surely the Internet will come through in our moment of need and satisfy our hunger for pre-crafted dialogue. That's only fair, right?

Well, the Internet is trying.

On MySpaceTV, the video-sharing site attached to the popular social network, the show "Quarterlife" has generated a lot of buzz. Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, the creators of "thirtysomething," about the angst of being in your 30s, and "My So-Called Life," about the angst of being a teenager, have now brought us a show about the angst of being in your 20s.

The lure of the Internet was too great to resist for the industry veterans.

"In general it's been harder and harder to do what we do on television," says Herskovitz. "Networks are much more branded than they used to be. They take a much stronger hand in what their programs should look like, sound like, feel like."

A show on MySpace gives its creator more artistic latitude. "I was definitely interested in being a freer hand and being independent," Herskovitz says.

Herskovitz's and Zwick's freer hands nevertheless caught the attention of NBC. So, starting in February, the show -- its title is a reference to the post-college quarter-life crisis -- will be repackaged from its current six-to-eight-minute episodes into an hour-long format on the network. Already written and produced, Season 1 will air regardless of the strike.

The status of a second season, online and on TV, is up in the air: A major point of contention between Writers Guild of America and the studios is the compensation writers should receive when their work appears on the Internet.

Though available on MySpace, it's best watched on its own site, http://www.quarterlife.com, where each episode is available on a large, almost-like-a-TV video player, instead of the small window and grainy quality of a YouTube video.

"Quarterlife" centers around Dylan (actress Bitsie Tulloch), a socially conscious wannabe writer, her roommates and the three guys next door. The show is prominently supported by Toyota: Several early episodes revolve around the three guys, aspiring filmmakers, struggling to suppress their artistic vision to produce a commercial for a Toyota dealership.

Another popular series on MySpaceTV follows a cast of recent college grads making their way in the world. "Roommates" follows eight friends, all highly attractive girls of questionable virtue. While "Quarterlife" is filmed by an omniscient cameraman, "Roommates" uses the conceit that the characters are filming their own lives to share them on MySpace.

The show is produced by Scott Zakarin, perhaps best known for E! Entertainment's "Kill Reality," a reality-TV show in which the stars of other reality-TV shows produced a real movie called "The Scorned."

as posted on washingtonPost

Episode 115: Treasure Island

2008-01-12T06:10:00.000+09:00

Wow, what an interesting change of thought at the end...and what a cool episode.

These past two episodes are both on the short list of ones that I've watched twice in a day, because they were so good.

So who is the guy in the monitor? He looks Arabic, but I think that he was speaking French. Are some (most??) of the other EMP substations being monitored? I'm curious as to why Russ didn't comment about or to that guy.

Those dang New World Historians. It looks like next week so is going to be a big show down in San Francisco.

Episode 114: A Little Help From My Friends

2008-01-11T09:56:00.000+09:00

There are just some episodes of Afterworld that would make such great movie scenes.

Flying a hot air balloon out across San Francisco Bay, and then crashing it into the bay and swimming to Treasure Island!!! How cool was that.

So the Bay Bridge is a toll bridge, that makes sense, since it is a toll bridge now...and saves you a lot driving around the Bay. But doesn't it seem a little extreme that the guys who are collecting the tolls to get into SF, have some seriously high powered weapons? Who else would they have put those in place for?

My thought is that these aren't a random bunch of tough guys trying to extract a toll...but rather that there is something in San Francisco that is being guarded. Perhaps SF is a closed city like Seattle? That hasn't been mentioned.

So now that Russ and Delondre are on the island (it's a small island, which the freeway runs across)...it shouldn't take long to find that government installation and see what happens when the flip the switch...but being that it is an island, they are in for an adventure trying to leave...Treasure Island isn't far from Alcatraz (the other large island in the area), so you know that swimming from the island is NOT a good option.

I never cared for Helm (and I think that AW writers did a great job of casting him as a total a-hole). So is his greed going to cost him his life?

Episode 113: Story of the Gun

2008-01-10T02:10:00.000+09:00

Russ has a way with words and people, and once again it doesn't fail him.

Some interesting recaps in this story about the recent history of Russ and guns.

I suppose that viewers have widely differing views on guns, especially given the global nature of Afterworld. I'll leave the gun control debate to a different blog space....

I'm glad to see that Delondre and Russ are back on the same side. I was beginning to wonder after Episode 112...she seemed to have a strange look in her eye. But she's such a great character in AW, that they couldn't kill her off (yet?).

So on to San Francisco....but did I hear Russ call it "Frisco"???? Frisco is in Texas. No one from San Francisco, or familiar with it would call it "Frisco". A minor faux pas by the writers....or perhaps that was intentionial, since maybe Russ isn't familiar with San Francisco. (although being a tech guy from Seattle, I would think that he should be).

Episode: 112

2008-01-10T01:47:00.000+09:00

Well they finally got this one posted.

Interesting, so Delondre isn't just a Horseman and a bounty hunter, but she's a believer in JDs sect.

While the picture is interesting, and I'm sure amazing to see, how does it PROVE anything?

Russ probably did JD a favor by stealing and allowing the mythology of the Picture and the Walker to grow...not that JD would care about that favor.

No new episode on Bud.tv

2008-01-09T03:31:00.000+09:00

Episode 112 hasn't been posted yet on Bud.tv.

Too bad, they had been on a good streak for 2008.

Episode 111: The Fourth Horseman

2008-01-08T03:23:00.000+09:00

Wow, that deserves the Biggest Twist-At-The-Ending Award.

I think that Delondre is going to have a lot of information for Russ.

I'm guessing that they will become allies/traveling companions, despite whatever mission she is on as "The Fourth Horseman".

I don't thionk that Delondre was one of the original Four Horseman that Russ met back in Pennsylvania...so they must replace themselves somehow.

So how is it that even though she had been watching him through binoculars for days, that she didn't recognize him? Sure he's grown a beard...

My "afterworld experience"

2008-01-08T03:09:00.000+09:00

So you may have heard about the big storms that hit California at the end of last week.
Our house was on of the lucky 1.3 Million that lost power on Friday.
Sure it was only out for about 7 or 8 hours (just over seven in the main stretch and 2 short outages)...so it's not like it was a major life changing experience (or really even a hardship).

One thing that I did notice is that we tend to forget about is that heat is also gone, when the power goes out. We've got a normally insulated house, but after several hours, the tempurature really drops. I don't think this is accurately reflected in AW. In fact, if you think about it...Russ would have really frozen his arse off long ago.

Episode 110

2008-01-04T16:06:00.000+09:00

So it was Helm who was trying to sabotage things in Lake City and get people to leave. That isn't too much of a surprise.

The questions that I would normally have right here are what is Helms connection with Parthia, and what does Parthia want with Lake City.....which also seem to be Russ' questions.

And the 4th horseman is coming...I hope that Russ gets some information out of him...and perhaps he'll be able to take the horsemans horse to help get to Treasure Island and Seattle quicker.

So "later" they would find that the algae was good food???? How much later? Well I guess we'll find out that in February... :)

Episode 109: The Bottom Line

2008-01-04T03:41:00.000+09:00

So evidently the bacteria weren't coming from the lake (still though as mentioned yesterday, since the EMP was effecting people and animals....there should be some greater effects on microscopic organisms).

Someone is poisoning the townsfolk, trying to make it look like it is the lake water. (When it is put it that way it sounds very Scooby-Doo).

The "hidden variable" is it the Cartel trying to get the Lake City folks to move, so that they can move in? OR is it Helm trying to get that land? OR some other bad dude who just wants some prime water front real estate? OR maybe it is someone that the Circle Elite booted out of Lake City?

If you've never been to Lake Tahoe, it is one of the most naturally beautiful places on the face of the earth, it is a prime vacation spot year-round. I would think would still have some value after the Fall.

Episode 108: The Devil Inside

2008-01-03T02:59:00.000+09:00

The title brings to mind that great old INXS song....the AW team has done a good job of coming up with clever titles for each episode, many times with a double meaning, a common phrase, or a subtle pop culture reference.

Sometimes when a situation arises in AW, you think..."Yeah, that should have been happening the whole time".

The bacteria in the lake, according to Helm, are mutating into something dangerous. I'm not microbiologist...but if the EMP were affecting humans and large animals, I would think that it would have a greater effect on small (microscopic) organisms.

Nick seems to be obviously hiding something...maybe it's just a fear of losing control.

Also, as a sidenote....there don't seem to be many (any) holidays in the Afterworld. I think that there might have been Christmas trees in Oklahoma, but that is the only reference that I can find. When was the last time that Russ had a birthday? Sure as the Walker it is hard for him to keep a calendar, but people like the Cartel and such must have had calendars. I guess that my point is, that if it were me...I would try to cling to keeping holiday traditions (at least a couple), to retain some sense of normalcy in this new world and some sense of connection with the past.

Episode 107: What Lies Beneath

2008-01-01T17:58:00.000+09:00

The perfect community, that isn't so perfect after all.

Reminds me of an old Star Trek episode, actually. (Not meaning that this AW episode is a rip-off, as this is a common theme in sci-fi)

In my book, any group that is called "The Circle Elite" is too big for their britches and is due for some come uppance....real soon.

So what is killing the people? The Circle Elite? Or some virus/disease that Russ and Andrew will need to go on a quest to find a cure for?

I've bashed Bud.tv a lot, but I've got to give them credit for getting 106 and 107 up in a VERY timely manner! Credit where credit is due.

Happy New Year ... from Downunder

2008-01-01T06:38:00.000+09:00

A Happy and Prosperous New Year from Downunder, its 2008 here, just after 6:30 am, and we wish you a Happy New Year and remember the beginning is just the end ... no wait that's not right, the end is just the beginning : )

106: Lake City

2008-01-01T04:16:00.000+09:00

dVery cool method of transportation on the hot air ballon.
Surprising that we haven't seen that before.
There are a lot of low-tech things that we sometimes forget about, but are pretty neat.
(If you've ever been on a hot air balloon ride, you know what I mean)

So the "closed city" concept got some additional explaination that I was wondering about last post.

The cliff hanger at the end here makes it had to comment, since I think that Lake City is going to have a set of unforeseen challenges for Russ. Has the Cartel gotten to Lake City? That's one possibility.

Episode 105: Simple Pleasures

2007-12-29T01:50:00.000+09:00

An episode that was sad, but also inspiring. Much like real life.

The death of a friend (and I'll take the liberty of assuming that Johnny and Russ had quickly become friends), often does have the strange duality of sadness while at the same time spurring you on to action.

In fact, I recently lost a good friend and mentor, who I would call my "hero of the blogosphere"....has that improved my writing? probably not...at least not yet, but it has made me take extra time with my daughter, led me to do more adventurous things, etc....I mean you can only worry about your weight or cholorestol level or whatever problem you have so much, but sometimes you've got to live. I'm not sure why we were put on this planet, but I am pretty sure that it wasn't to count calories and drink light beer.

Russ then goes and makes peace with his memories of his parents. His relationship with his parents hasn't come into play yet, so there may be more to that side plot.

As a side note - Why is Seattle a "closed community"? As far as I can remember there hasn't been another "closed community" mentioned...please feel free to add your insights. Was the effect of the fall less in Seattle (seems doubtful)? Did some para-military group seize control? Seattle (the city itself) wouldn't be a hard place to secure...since there is so much water around there, there are really only 2 roads/bridges in from the east, 3 or 4 from the north, none from west. But why close off Seattle?

Episode 104

2007-12-28T03:52:00.000+09:00

Of course, shutting off the EMP couldn't happen without a glitch...could it?

The big question is "will Johnny live more than 47 minutes?" (or however long it is until the next EMP burst.)

I really hope so....but I'm not holding my breath. If Afterworld has taught me one thing...it's not to hope for a neat, clean, happy follow up.

Treasure Island is in the Bay between Oakland and San Francisco. So it looks like Russ will be heading to the coast, and then it's 700 miles straight north to Seattle....of course things won't go in that linear of a fashion.....will they? :)

Episode 103: Prisoner of Fate

2007-12-27T15:11:00.000+09:00

Well I like that I was right about the effect of the EMP/mini-fall on the civilians.

I still don't like watching and writing about 2 episodes so close together...I meant to watch one earlier and one late tonight...but there were appointments to be kept, and friends and beer and pizza....so I watched 102 and 103 pretty close together tonight.

The EMP might be about to be turned off. and it might mean that those inside the NORAD facility will be able to get out and live for more than 47 minutes. That will be cool to see.

I love the line "I was just passing through and stopped by to save the world".

Episode 102: NORAD

2007-12-27T15:00:00.000+09:00

Okay, so along, I've been rooting for Russ to get to NORAD and shut off the EMP, because that would seem like "victory".

In this episode Russ meets Sam Rhodes who has been trading with the folks inside NORAD, and is the only survivor from when the civilians were let out of NORAD.

So it seems that after about 30 minutes passes in the outside world that the civilians who left NORAD all vanished, except Sam, in a very "fall-like" situation. Does this mean that everyone who is inside NORAD and other strongholds are still suseptible to the fall.

Could this time period coincide with the EMP?

I'm really starting to wonder about the reason behind the EMP.

Now that Russ is a prisoner at NORAD, I think that we'll find out a lot more this week...possibly from someone inside who is overly chatty. :)

Episode 101: Road to Redemption

2007-12-27T03:47:00.000+09:00

3 new episodes are up today. I'm going to try to view and blog about them at seperate times. So I'll hope to have 102 up this afternoon (pacific time) and 103 up tonight.

Episode 101, a little information about Russ' childhood. He's back in his old hometown?

That should come into play. I wonder if he will run into some old high school buddies, or perhaps even his parents?

You would think that if the Parthia Group wanted him to get into NORAD, they would have given him a little more information.

Has anyone been keeping track of how much time has passed since the fall? I'm guessing it's got to be getting close to a year and half or 2 years. The weather seems remarkably nice in Colorado. Meaning that it is somewhere between April and September, but no mention of oppressive heat was mentioned in Vegas so that rules out May through September. Or else the weather patterns are drastically different since the Fall. Although even if they are different, it's still goign to be cold in the mountains, especially in the winter...and Vegas is still in a desert.

Russ is sporting a new beard. A new look for a new man???

An episode titled Road To Redemption...so what redemption will be found in NORAD?

So the Pathia Group back in the Midwest wanted Russ to go here and stop the EMP. So who is running the EMP? Are the Partia Group and the NORAD group longtime rivals? (I'm guessing that they are both splinter groups from somewhere inside the US government...or perhaps even larger than just in the US).

EMP Trivia ...

2007-12-26T17:49:00.000+09:00

in the latest episode of Dr Who (BBC), an EMP blast, from a Cyborg, is used to kill other robots (the Hosts), in the episode (Christmas Special - Voyage of the Damned), a devise that is inside an alien that has become a Cyborg is used to "kill" some other robots, seems that EMP is the trendy weapon of the moment ...

No New Episodes...and Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T07:22:00.000+09:00

No new episodes on Bud.tv this week(so far)...I don't know if there have been any in Australia.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I'll post an update when this is something new on bud.tv

Merry Christmas ...

2007-12-26T05:26:00.000+09:00

... and a Prosperous New Year to all readers

and remember this fan site is not maintained, operated by, or owned by Electric Farms Entertainment™ or Sony Pictures Television International™. The content of this website is purley informational and any views or opinions exspressed herein are the views and opions those individuals and are not necessarily the views or opinions of Electric Farms Entertainment™ or Sony Pictures Television International™.

ATTENTION ALL CANADIAN FANS!!!

2007-12-24T17:30:00.000+09:00

We apologize for the delays but we are happy to finally announce the confirmed launch of Afterworld in Canada. Here are the facts:

Starting Jan. 11, 2008, Afterworld will be available in Canada on the Superchannel at their website: www.superchannel.ca

Hope you enjoy the show,

The Afterworld Crew

as posted as a comment by Brent

Episode 100: Monumental

2007-12-22T03:04:00.000+09:00

The monument was very cool...actually, I'm surprised that no one has come up with such a thing already (or perhaps they have, and Russ just hasn't run into it).

It seems that after any disaster that tributes and monuments spring up which is part of the healing/greiving process.

Russ puts Janelle and Kizzys names in the book. I'm not sure that they are both gone.

So Russ is on to NORAD. My thought is that this is where the EMP is that he is going to shut down.

Really though there are 30 episodes left and a lot of plot lines to tie up (or leave hanging for a second season....although the second season is not "officially confirmed or scheduled", and is "rumored" to take place outside of the US.) So maybe only the plotlines related to Russ get tied up, but the overall "what caused the fall" plotlines don't. I think that might be very unsatisfying for some viewers. But if EVERYTHING gets explained, the second season will have less mystery.

Still he's got a lot to do in the next 6 weeks.

Episode 99: Grim Reaper

2007-12-21T04:24:00.000+09:00

Well Russ is back to normal.

Did anyone guess that it would be Eli who came back into the story? I didn't see that one coming...but it got things back on track.

Russ as the protagonist is someone that I really identify with (I sell technology to the world, roughly the same age, married, with a daughter, reliant on using technology, used to live in Seattle...and if I were in NYC when the fall happened, I'd be focused on getting back to my family as well).

So for me, even though not much happened in this episode in terms of action, I enjoyed the introspection. I think that we all have pasts where we can look back at things and see nothing but failures (if that's what we want to see), but the reality is the are a ton of triumphs as well.

So is Eli like a "guardian angel"? I'm not sure how to reconcile his statement about "being in limbo"....is he the only one with the status?

Is it like Heaven and Hell closed for a few moments or had No Vacancy during the Fall? (idea inspired by Death Cab for Cutie)?

While it's cool that Eli came back, and maybe he comes back again...the series would just get too weird (I think) if it really got in to exploring "the people in limbo".

Episode 98 : End of the Road

2007-12-20T02:01:00.000+09:00

Definitely a different side of Russ in todays episode.

Obviously we all "know" that his suicide attempt isn't going to work...or else the last 32 episodes are going to have him as a ghost. (ha ha ha).

Some interesting introspection in this episode.

So does he change his mind about suicide or will someone like Ted or (maybe Gwen? or Liam??) rescue him?

Frequently Asked Questions about 47 and The 47 Society

2007-12-19T17:02:00.000+09:00

as posted on 47Society

What is 47?
In short, 47 appears to be the quintessential random number of the universe. In other words, when a number appears randomly, more often than not, that number is 47. In other other words, if you asked people to pick a number at random, more often than not, that number would be 47. Of course, if 47 shows up more than any other number then it isn't truly random, but using the word random makes the whole phenomenon easier to describe.

What is a "47 Sighting"?
Anytime you notice the number 47 anywhere in your life or in the world (or elsewhere). There are a variety of interpretations as to what constitutes a bona fide "47 Sighting." Whatever your definition, we encourage you to share your 47 sightings and stories with the 47 Society Mailing List.

What is the 47 Society?
The 47 Society is an international interest-group that follows the occurence and recurrence of the quintessential random number: 47. Many suspect that the coincidental nature of 47 carries some mystical, metaphysical and/or scientific significance.

The phenomenon may have first been documented at Pomona College in 1964, when Professor Donald Bentley proved that all numbers are equal to 47. Coincidentally, 47 seems to occur on or near the college campus with amazing frquency, even by enthusiast standards.

But make no mistake: 47 is everywhere and people were noticing it long before 1964. The 47 Society Web Site is the global source for 47 information.
Aren't You Just Seeing 47 More Because You're Looking For It?

No.

Still not convinced? Try this simple experiment. Pick another number. For the next three to six months keep your eyes open for both. 47 will show up more. If you find out otherwise, please let us know!

What's The Pomona College Connection?
In the 1960's, Pomona College's Professor Donald Bentley completed a mathematical proof that stated that all numbers were equal, therefore all numbers were equal to 47. Since then, students at Pomona have been quietly indoctrinated in the ways of 47. Some believe, some doubt. But it is listed in the student handbook right after "Glee Club". At this date, we have been unable to obtain a copy of Professor Bentley's proof, however, 1968 Pomona Alumnus Wayne Phillips corroborates its existence.

What's the Star Trek Connection?
A Pomona College alum has been a writer and producer for the various Star Trek TV shows and films. He indoctrinated the other writers several years ago (while writing for Star Trek: The Next Generation). Since then, nearly every Star Trek episode has included some mention of 47. Some "Trekkies" have put together their own excellent pages dedicated to these 47s. Since these are more frequent and deliberate than randomly-occurring 47s, we generally discuss only the most cosmically significant of these sightings in our own forums. Kirk would have wanted it this way

What about OTHER numbers?
Our research indicates that numbers have lives of their own. 47 appears to be the most playful number, frequently showing up in unusual and/or surprising ways. Other numbers have their own characteristics, and we have heard heated testimonials from followers of some of these numbers, including 3, 11, 19, 23 and 42.

Keep this in mind: 47-spotting is fun. There is no need to make 47 your favorite or lucky number in order to appreciate its synchronicitious ways. Just relax, observe 47 as it reveals to you, and share your experience with the 47 Society.

as posted on 47Society

personally I prefer the number 42 ... you know - life, the universe and everything ... so long and thanks for all the fish ... but then again what we are really talking about is synchronicity ...

Episode 97 - Change of Plans

2007-12-19T01:19:00.000+09:00

"I'm not going home."
OK, well that sure sums up a BIG change of plans for Russ.

I guess that if you've been following the clues/leaks, you'll know that (per content on MySpace), Russ at somepoint goes to NORAD. And we know that shutting off the EMP becomes a focal point for him.

Speaking of the EMP, is anyone else intrigued about why it is every 47 minutes? Did the AW team just randomly pick that number? Was it chosen because it's far enough apart to get a few things done, but still often enough to be inconvenient? Or is there some scientific reason for that number? I wish I had remembered to ask that one in the chat.

So since he's in Vegas, and NORAD is Colorado...going to Portland is not on the way. My guess is that he either tries to get a transport to Denver, or find his way there on foot. So instead of going about 1,000 miles Northwest, he is heading about 800 miles East..through some serious mountains.

Anyone else surprised that the Horseman was a kid?

Also, it looked like a Polo mallet that the Horseman had, now I'm no expert on Polo mallets, but I think that a good whack from one of those upside the head would do some SERIOUS damage to a fellows skull.

Episode 96 - The Third Horseman

2007-12-18T03:04:00.000+09:00

I really hope that this weeks story arc reveals more about the Horsemen.

Especially after the chat with the AW guys, I've got a lot of questions about who the Horsemen are, and what they are up to.

Will the Horsemen even care about Russ' peace offering? I'm not really sold on that idea.

Maybe I'm slow this morning (first cup of coffee), but was it clear about whether or not Russ was going to get a ride to Portland? Or is it that he is unsure?

All in all, not a lot happened this episode....maybe that's just because it's Monday of a the story arc, or because it's the second episode I watched this morning, or maybe it's because of the aforementioned coffee deficit.

Episode 95 Convergence

2007-12-18T02:54:00.000+09:00

How is it possible that that episode was only 3 minutes and 3 seconds long?

There was enough plot/story/action that it seemed like 10 minutes or more. And I mean that in good way.

I love how the EMP comes back to bite everyone, because they were so consumed with their "distraction". Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I see this as a commentary that despite the massiveness of the fall, Man is still slow to learn. Especially slow to learn that we aren't the center of everything.

At about 47 seconds in, doesn't it look like Ted is in the ring about 2 seconds away from landing an attack on Charles...but then he doesn't.???? Anyone else confused about that?

Well thanks to Bud.tv it's on to Episode 96, a "double bill" of my own today!

More troubles with bud.tv

2007-12-15T04:36:00.000+09:00

Well Episode 95 still is not up on bud.tv today. Hopefully, they will get it posted over the weekend.

More from the Chat

2007-12-14T08:04:00.000+09:00

So here are a few "gems" from the Afterworld team on last nights chat.

Their next project will be similar in webisode format, but a completely different story line called "Gemini Division". It will feature Rosario Dawson. I'm not sure if she will be actually appearing in it, or just doing voices, or if it will be an animated version of her.

The will likely be some sort of Afterworld sequel, likely taking place outside of the US.

The creators are funny guys.

They (or someone at the company) is familiar with this blog, and they like Webyters' work.

SPOILER ALERT ***DON'T READ BELOW OR RISK SOME SURPRISES BEING RUINED*** (NONE of these are MAJOR, as there was LOTS that the AW guys couldn't tell)

*************I'M SERIOUS DON'T READ BELOW, UNLESS YOU WANT TO FIND OUT STUFF BEFOREHAND.

*********THIS IS LIKE SHAKING YOUR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND TRYING TO GUESS WHAT THERE ARE, AND IT'S ONLY DECEMBER 13th!

****LAST WARNING ***************

Here are a few bits of info from last nights chat:

-Russ does reach Seattle.
-The end is "bittersweet"
-Lake City is a destination (not sure if they were refering to the Seattle suburb "Lake City", or to some "Lake City" that springs up in the Afterworld.
-In Episode 123 the "Jack Hastings/ultrasound photo" plotline comes back into play.
-Russ will run into Delondre again
-Russ will run into JD again <<<--- Evidently NOT JD himself, but rather the influence of JD, in an unexpected way.
-There are 2 more horsemen to deal with
-There is more to the horsemen than we think
-There are lots of little "clues"/"seeds" that have been planted all along
-The deformed child in Texas was result of the EMP
-Shutting down the EMP is very important
-The Fall and the EMP have different causes
-The New World Historians view on the Fall/EMP is on the right track (although they have some facts wrong)
-Gwen still has a role to play
-Russ' look is based on Paul Newman

Have a great day!

another critics post

2007-12-14T06:50:00.000+09:00

as posted on Digitopia by Anna

Afterworld is an online TV series that started a few months ago. At first when it came out I was HYPED. I thought it would be perfect to report on for this class. The basic plot is:

Sometime between 5 and 6 AM EST, the world as we knew it suddenly,inexplicably, changed. After traveling to New York City on a business trip Russell Shoemaker wakes to find all electronic technology dead and more than 99% of the human race missing. Driven by a need to discover the truth and determined to return to his family, he embarks on a journey to his home in Seattle. Afterworld is the harrowing story of Russell's 3000 mile trek across a post-apocalyptic America as encounters the strange new societies rebuilding themselves. Along the way, he is forced to confront his greatest fears while unraveling the mystery of what caused this global event.

Over time, Russel figures out that something called an 'ENP' destroyed everything. Never fully explained, its something like an electromagnetic wave that was able to turn off technology and wipe out humans. But within about 20 episodes, the spastic plot line began to get to me. Every 3 or 4 episodes, a whole new subplot came up. He'd meet someone new, get chased by someone new, etc. Bascially, whoever wrote Afterworld tried to cover every single post-apocalyptic archetype ever written. There are those who respond to the disaster by pumping up their religion, retreating into nature, or just losing it because of a longing for survival. Because of these crazy subplots that just kept piling up I couldn't manage to form a coherent blog entry. Afterworld is a fun series but isn't making any general statement just yet. Any great Digital Age point it could make is lost. Eventually I lost track of episodes and I don't think I can catch up now. Sometimes, the greatest Digital Age attempts just turn to dust.

as posted on Digitopia by Anna

Episode 94 and the chat

2007-12-14T03:12:00.000+09:00

A big thanks to Webyter for posting the chat with the guys from the Afterworld team, that took place early this morning (or last night) depending on where you are in this world. As it was in the middle of night for me, I was only there for about the first half of it or so.

Make sure that you have a look at his posting of the chat. I have lots of thoughts and theories about this, which I'll write up later (perhaps tomorrow)...and I'm continuing to come up with questions that I SHOULD have asked. The bottomline is that everything seems to tie back together, and so a lot of the plot lines that may be "unresolved" will be touched upon. (AfterDrew is my handle in the chat if your curious).

Episode 94 continues with the fight between Russ and the Berserker. As one would expect, Russ doesn't survive with brute strength, but rather with his intellect.

The military guy who shows up the end, doesn't look familiar to me.

To me this just strengthens my theory about a strong connection between the Cartel and the US military. Did the military survive because they had the food and supplies at their bases, as well as training? Or did they survive because they KNEW what to be prepared for.

Salazar wants to give the people what they want, but Russ fighting a double bill is ridiculous. Will Ted step in to fight? Or will Russ perhaps offer to fight Salazar (against Russ' nature)?

a portion of the Live Chat

2007-12-13T19:30:00.000+09:00

sorry guys I arrived late, but here is a portion of the Live Chat
(thanks to Ultima Ratio for the bits before I got there)
...

#
MartinJAbel
awesome
#
Oblong
Were you inspired by as Afterworld reminds me of classics like 'I am Legend, 28 Days later or Z for Zachariah?
#
lexluther
how much does it cost to make each episode
#
moatee
Has any of the viewer feedback influenced storylines?
#
Ronny
Can you give us a hint to the ending?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Oblong -- All of those, plus others like La Jete, Jeremiah Johnson, the Quiet Earth, The Stand...
#
moatee
What inspired the storyline for Afterworld?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Moatee -- Yes, we've added a few things to the middle and later episodes based solely on web postings by fans. For instance, some smart fan pointed out that forest fires would be raging (without any one to put them out!) in our world... so we drew a few into the backgrounds. Just one example...
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Cost of an episode is between 12 and 15K USD. Kind of depends on how many characters and BG's and such but that's the ballpark just for art. Add musin, sound and voice talent above that.
#
AfterDrew
will "Gemini Division" have the same staggered distribution? The AW website is great, but it is 10 or so episodes behind.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Ronny -- Here's a hint: it's bittersweet.
#
Ultima Ratio
Was there ever any though of connecting Afterworld to an alternate reality game?
#
lexluther
have you thought about releasing afterworld on dvd
#
GAMMER
how many more episodes are you planing to make before you tell us what caused the fall
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
The primary influence for AW was actually Broken Saints, one of the first animated web series.
#
MartinJAbel
I'll have to look that up!
#
Ronny
Did you make the show more for TV viewing or web viewing?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
We've discussed it at length. Different kinds of games have been proposed and a mobile game is in final development now. We'll see. Brent and I both have games in our blood...in fact we met at Electronic Arts where we worked on a next gen console game that will be announced this month.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
AfterDrew -- G-D will have a similar multi-platform distribution but, hopefully, we will have ironed out all the wrinkles by then. ;) In truth, we have been trailblazing with AW and have, admitedly, made some errors. But they are being rectified!
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
AW will be on DVD after its completed its run all around the world.
#
lexluther
hey i just what to say you have made a great show. i'm just 13 and i tell all my friends at school about it
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ronny - we made the show for web viewing - but we created it in HD format so that it could be seen on TV
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
BTW, the DVD will have some nice extras, like some alt endings for eps, alt (comedy) VOs, commentary tracks, some outtakes and behind the scenes of both VO sessions and art production.
#
Ronny
Ooooh what errors? Would you ever do anything wacky like make a goof reel? (I know a little chidiish)
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
That's cool Lex! I have a daughter age 12 and she loves it too.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lexluther -- Glad to hear it! As a 13 year old, I'm curious how you relate to the show -- is the Fall a fear or a fantasy for you?
#
lexluther
a bit of both
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Cool...
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
That's how it is for me too.
#
AfterDrew
will the Hastings/ultrasound plot line come back into play? for me that was a loophole that is just sitting out there waiting for resolution.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
AfterDrew -- The Hastings/Ultrasound plot line gets touched upon later, somewhere around Ep 123, I believe.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ronny - we have some pretty funny images of BAD computer graphics - one in particular the mesh of Russ and Luther got corrupted in the data file and they merged like something out of The Thing. One of our animators kept it on his screen as a wallpaper...sick and twisted
#
MartinJAbel
haha
#
Ronny
HA that's funny :-)
#
MartinJAbel
Will you be in need of more artists at some stage? And what sort of artists might you be interested in?
#
Ultima Ratio
What in particular made Broken Saints stand out as a source for inspiration?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
The thing to remember about the AW universe is that it was set up to be like a video game. Imagine Russ is travelling through a 3-D game world, finding little clues and gaining experience for "levels" that may not come into play until later. So many clues were "seeded" way out of sequence, in terms of relevancy to the main storyline. But everything that appears IS relevant at some point or another... the question is HOW relevant? ;)
#
Vulcan Eddie
Greetings AW producer Animator I remember a post from D_ stating that you guys numbered around 15 for the production of AW,and you all pulled some freakish hours on two shifts. If its not too forward to ask,but hypothetically,how much does it cost to produce a project around the same size as say...AW?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Yep pretty funny - another one is that it is always easier to pose and move the character files around in the viewport without their clothes on...hi resolution mesh and memory and all. So sometimes it's pretty disturbing/hilarious to walk by and see nekkid characters posed on the screen.
#
MartinJAbel
I often thought a World of Warcraft type AW game would be extremely cool.. Any thoughts? ;)
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Ultima -- Broken Saints was a serious, epic story told in short episodes only on the web. With no marketing at all, it gained a large internation audience. That was very inspiring to me!
#
lexluther
is the emp really caused by the satellites or is it actually cause by the earth
#
Ronny
What is your background? Have you always been an animator?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Martin -- We have had many discussions with several companies about an AW video game. As of now, the only thing in production is the AW mobile game coming out next spring. Soon as we make a platform or PC game deal we will def announce it.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Martin - we are currently evaluating how we do our shows...and the size of the show. We are working with outside studio Gemini - running an internal crew is a lot of fun but it is also very expensive....We look for good all around CG artists who can do at least 3 things well....model, texture, animate, visual effects and so on. Generalists!!
#
lexluther
how much will the game cost
#
MartinJAbel
excellent thanks guys
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex -- The EMP was caused by a satellite network, just as the NWH's claimed. I think that's a pretty established fact by now. Only thing is, not all of the NWH's account was true -- they deliberately changed some facts. ;)
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Don't know how much the game will cost... sorry.
#
Oblong
I really like the transformation that Russell's character goes through from someone who could barely survive, sheltered from 'real' life through technology to a hero figure who is in touch with his surroundings. Is this a comment/ moral tale on how we as people should try to be in our everyday life?
#
GAMMER
i think it would be cool if you follow the story of someone besides russ who was following him is that somethink you might be thinking of doing down the line
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ronny - I started out as an Industrial Designer...and then came into CG and entertainment in 1991. check out my website for all the gory details. I worked for general motors as a designer and lots of computer and consumer product companies. In entertainment I've mostly done animation - worked on the Bionicle films for miramax...and also games as well working for both Disney Interactive and Electronic Arts....www.duaneloose.com
#
Ultima Ratio
There is a high amount of detail in the artwork seen in Afterworld, what was the production time like for an individual episode and for the entire series?
#
Vulcan Eddie
When did the concept form for AW? and whos brain did it fall out of?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Oblong -- Very perceptive! We really wanted Russ's journey to be one where others could live vicariously through his actions, learning from all the mistakes he makes (and yes, he makes a lot on purpose.) Part of the "theme" of AW has always been that Man has lost his ability to be self-sufficient when he detached himself from the natural world. The Fall forces Russ to deal with this possibility in ways that, we hope, will resonate with everyone.
#
Oblong
Thanks
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
That would be my brain. I wanted to explore my own fears of having to live in a world without technology and people, two of my great dependencies... ;)
#
Vulcan Eddie
heh good stuff!
#
lexluther
cool
#
lexluther
does russ ever shut down the emp
#
Oblong
I just love the grand scale of it - you guys don't do things by halves!
#
Ronny
Wow! that's impressive a lot of animation! you must really love what you do :-)
#
Vulcan Eddie
i can say that losing tech overnight would tend to spin me out a little as well :D
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ultima - We created all the art i very hi resolution. Film resolution in some cases - this allowed us to push in close as needed to create depth in the shots. backgrounds for each chunk of 5 took about a week, as did the posing (concurrently) then once we had the assets we could finish 5 episodes in 2 days. total time 2 weeks for 5.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex -- can't/won't answer that. But I will say it becomes a very active preoccupation for him... trying to shut down the EMP.
#
lexluther
nice
#
lexluther
does he ever met that girl that was a historien again
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ronny - yes we do love what we do. It's hard work and having good fans makes it all worthwhile....feeding the kids and paying the mortgage is nice too!
#
MartinJAbel
Do you have a storyboard or concept artist mapping out the scripts before you put it togethor?
#
Vulcan Eddie
AW animator,how did you deal with staring at a PC screen all day with out going crazier?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Another idea I wanted to explore was that of "prioritization." Are the priorities of our life today correct? Or do we value the wrong things? Talk amongst yourselves... ;)
#
AfterDrew
thanks a lot guys....I'm here in the US, and as you know...it's late! Take care!
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - Does Russ ever meet with Gwen again? Yes but... oh, I better not say anything more. ;)
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Night Drew!
#
lexluther
do we ever find out how the rest of the world is doing with out tech
#
Ronny
Absolutely! The idea of going back to basics is great. Because when everything is stripped away you just need water and to keep yourself (and family) safe to survive
#
Oblong
I don' think our priorities for many people in life are correct. Sometimes it just feels like work work work.
#
lexluther
well said
#
Vulcan Eddie
and fire!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Martin - when the writers have a solid outline we sit with them and our board artists create thumbnails of each shot using small yellow post it notes...when we leave the outline meeting we have a clear outline for the writers to complete their scripts and for us to plan the shots. We use the storyboards to make animatics - basically rough versions of the completed episode with voice over - matched to time.
#
Ronny
Sorry don't know why that appeared 3 times ;-) i guess i was stressing my point
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - Russ will eventually reach a major city on the West Coast (prior to Seattle) that will give some insight into the rest of the world.
#
lexluther
nice
#
MartinJAbel
Thanks, thats pretty cool :)
#
Astroboy
Why are the majority of women good looking in Afterworld...do the ugly one disappear thanks to the EMP?
#
Astroboy
Why are the majority of women good looking in Afterworld...do the ugly one disappear thanks to the EMP?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Any theories on the Serpent Mound? How it fits into the story?
#
MartinJAbel
haha!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Vulcan eddie - why would we want to keep from going crazy???? We have a pretty lively crew full of shenanigans...all day long. it's amazing we got it done.
#
Vulcan Eddie
EMP gets rid of uglies?*sticks his head into emp field*
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Astroboy -- LOL! Well, we take the same approach as all TV shows. We only cast hotties... in our case, digital hotties. Isn't there some theory that nobody wants to look at people worse looking than they are??
#
lexluther
serpent mound, does it have anything to do with p.g
#
Astroboy
haha
#
Astroboy
I LIKE THAT!
#
cyborg009
Wow the EMP is a mopdern day plastic surgery!
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - You may just be onto something... but don't quote me on that. ;)
#
Vulcan Eddie
hehe good stuff AW animator!
#
lexluther
haha
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
:)
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
They call me insane duane
#
Ultima Ratio
I think one thing we have all thought of from watching Afterworld is that where we are now survival isn't any where near as complicated as it could be... even if survival in the world as we know it has a different meaning.
#
Ronny
Oh that's just wrong! Am I the only chic here? I guess you wouldn't want to look at an ugly all day ;-)
#
lexluther
i got a question is this the first time the fall has happend
#
Vulcan Eddie
:( brb bbq on fire
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - Very good question! It's the first time in "recorded history" that the Fall has happened, yes.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ultima - the survival theme is an allegory of what we face everyday...about being conscious of our choices and the consequences of our actions. Russ faces those natural dragons throughout the show.
#
GAMMER
was gwen really working against russell and if so what were her orders
#
Ultima Ratio
Eddie: save me a steak!
#
Ultima Ratio
I've heard through the inter-tubes that there's a second season being planned? Have I been lied to?
#
Oblong
'Recorded history' love that idea - maybe explains some of the 'lost civilisations of the ancient world'
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
GAMMER - Can't give too much away... but Gwen was working for AND against Russ. As for her orders... you will have to wait until later in the Season.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Oblong -- Indeed...
#
MartinJAbel
Are you guys affected at all the the writers strike thats going on?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
We are under strict orders to NOT TALK ABOUT THE SECOND SEASON....oopps that was shouting. Anyway it's an embargo on talking about it....
#
Ultima Ratio
Fair enough ^^;;
#
MartinJAbel
I think you just implied there is a second season.. ;)
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
wish we could...but we will be spanked if we do
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Martin -- No, thank goodness. Digital media is not covered by the Writers Guild - that is one of the areas they are striking over!
#
Ultima Ratio
I see what you did there! :P
#
MartinJAbel
oh good, something that isnt affected!
#
lexluther
is that the people that survived only survived because they have a natural defence against what made the other people disapear
#
MartinJAbel
Did you have any inspiration for Russ's character?
#
GAMMER
i think after world rules how did you come up with it
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex -- The people who survived have... oops, can't give that one away. You'll learn all about that by end of Season 1.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Martin - on the art side our inspiration for Russ was PAUL NEWMAN....
#
lexluther
could it be a mutation
#
MartinJAbel
Paul Newman! Thats interesting :D
#
Vulcan Eddie
woot neuman
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Yes old blue eyes himself - calm, stoic, all that
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
GAMMER - AW was born from a frustration of network TV in the US. I wanted to tell a different kind of story in a different medium, using some of the storytelling techniques of TV... but inventing some new ones. Plus, I wanted to add in some video game compulsions and lite interactivity.
#
Ronny
I though he looked like the guy froom Prison Break
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - It could... or it could not. ;) Not gonna go there - sorry!
#
lexluther
how many more episodes will it be before russ gets home
#
Oblong
I heard i rumour that you guys actually photographed each location Russell travelled to - if so Wow, but also isn't that alot of work?
#
Jedi
has the story for afterworld been decided along time ago, or have the viewer reactions or theories come into play in driving the direction?
#
lexluther
are you guys all in the same building
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - Russ will not get to Seattle until the last week of Season 1. And he won't go home until the end of that week.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Jedi - The main story was laid out long ago. But we left in lots of room for fans to help flesh out the details of the world. I gave an earlier example of how fans have already affected the episodes, but the REAL place we work their comments in is in the journal entries.
#
Vulcan Eddie
As a fan of the alone in the dark game series ,i can appreciate the atmosphere that you guys came up with,and the set up of the clues/investigation.Is any other series in the works using this type of animation?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - Yes, we have an small animation studio/production facility in Santa Monica, CA.
#
webyter
Q for AW Producer ... as this is a web series, re-runs seem to be out of the question, as episodes are always available, in some form or another, the question is will these episodes always be available, or will they drop off the scope at some stage in time?
#
lexluther
good question
#
Ultima Ratio
AW very quickly deals with a lot of the worlds current issues (politics, climate change, over population, etc) and replaces them with an entirely new set. Was that an intentional choice or a side effect of the concept?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Vulcan - Yes, as mentioned earlier, we have another series in pre-production right now called "The Gemini Division," starring Rosario Dawson.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Oblong - Brent worked with a talented production designer, Michael Decourcey, who went from coast to coast before the production started and shot 15000 images...we used some of them in the show. Photographs of environments, buildings and such are the main basis for our backgrounds
#
Vulcan Eddie
thanks for that,got in a little late :p
#
GAMMER
are you thinking about creating any AW episodes following someone else
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Webyter - Good question. I think the plan is to keep the episodes posted, at least on the AW site, until the DVD release... at which time it behooves us from a businss standpoint to take them down.
#
Vulcan Eddie
Which one of you was the basis for the bezerker?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ultima - current issues are constantly in our minds when we create art and story. Our jobs is to create the myths and legends for our time.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
BTW, if any of you haven't checked out the AW Blog run by Webyter it's very cool -- do have a look!
#
webyter
ahh so please define a web series ?
#
lexluther
where will i be able to buy the dvds and how much
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Vulcan Eddie - you ask the most interesting questions...that would neither of us....the berserker was based on...well that would be telling....
#
Vulcan Eddie
:D
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Les luther - DVD sales are unknown at this point. It's been talked about.
#
lexluther
will a new world goverment form in afterworld
#
Ultima Ratio
AW Animator - that's a good point. I think that's what has made AW as popular as it is.
#
Vulcan Eddie
or was it all a conspiracy to trigger the nwo??
#
Frankie
how about doing it from another country ... instead of america
#
Frankie
like australia lol
#
GAMMER
i think it would be cool to follow gwen's story
#
Vulcan Eddie
lol
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Lex - there are several versions of a new world government forming I think...the New World Historians, New Eden...PArthia and so on.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
"A web series" is one that uses the web as it's primary source of distribution. So, even though the show is broadcast on Sci-Fi Channel, AW was always meant to be a multi-platform show... with our website as the nexus point - the place where you could watch episodes, explore the storyline in other ways, and chat with other fans about the story.
#
Frankie
hehehe
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
GAMMER - Gwen will weave herself back into the main story pretty soon. She is a pivital character in our universe.
#
webyter
will the episodes drop off myspace and youtube?
#
cyborg009
Will we know the secrets to Afterworld by the time Russell reaches Seattle?
#
GAMMER
thanks
#
lexluther
is gwen working for someone else besides the historians
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Webyter - Not 100% certain, but I think the episodes will eventually drop of MS and YT... residing only on the AW site until the show has run its course worldwide AND until the DVD is actually released.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Frankie - we've explored other countries a bit- certainly kept it open as a possibility - the episodes in Ghana for example....and some things coming up point in that direction. I think that one of the great things about this story is that it is a universal fall and all countries will have their own stories to tell....start writing! :)
#
Ultima Ratio
*does the math on Australia's popuation after the fall* about 4000 people in Sydney and 21000 in the entire country... that makes for a pretty empty landmass :P
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Cyborg -- You will know SOME of the secrets. You will know how the Fall occured and who was behind it... but not WHY.
#
Frankie
sheesh ya dont ask much ... lol
#
GAMMER
i was about to ask that
#
cyborg009
Ahhh..... so do we have to wait for Season 2..... and thus your spanking!
#
Vulcan Eddie
terra nullus?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex -- Gwen is a complex character. Suffice to say she is working for a number of people... ;)
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
the first rule of fight club is -Don't talk about season 2
#
MartinJAbel
lol
#
Vulcan Eddie
:D
#
cyborg009
I think I am in fight club. I will live my own season 2 and make it up!
#
lexluther
how many seasons are you making
#
Vulcan Eddie
So has anything come out about the populous that has dissapeared ?
#
Ultima Ratio
Speaking of Fight Club, Tyler Durden's vision for the future is kind of similar to AW
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
cyborg - yes I will come back i n two weeks and if it's not done then....
#
Vulcan Eddie
lol
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Right now we are only focused on Season 1. We just finished production last week. After the holidays we will start contemplating Season 2...
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Tyler Durden for President in 2008!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
ultima - that movie and the book that inspired it is a favorite of mine. Our lives are what we make of them.
#
Vulcan Eddie
adam segal is on the tube now lol
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Vulcan - You will eventually learn what happened to the "missing" portion of the population.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Really -ADAM!!!!
#
Ultima Ratio
That's good to know. I'm a die hard Chucky P. fan. \o/
#
Vulcan Eddie
lol yup
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Our Adam??
#
webyter
Q Galaxy Girl: Will SciFi Australia be leaving the episodes available for us for an indefinite period or will they drop off here soon?
#
Vulcan Eddie
yup
#
Vulcan Eddie
its a select moment interview
#
lexluther
what caused the rain in the first episode
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
What's He wearing? LOL
#
Ultima Ratio
Soylent Green!!
#
MartinJAbel
good question Lex!
#
Vulcan Eddie
blue t-shirt lolz
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - The rain will be explained later in the season (you're coming to hate that answer, aren't you?)
#
Vulcan Eddie
hes selling it pretty hard there D_
#
Vulcan Eddie
:D
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Any theories/guesses on how the Four Horseman storyline pays off?
#
Ultima Ratio
hm, haven't seen the horsemen in a while
#
Vulcan Eddie
are they aspects of humanity made flesh?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Vulcan - You are far more imaginative than us!
#
Oblong
Hopefully the people of New Eden will beat the horseman to death and free themselves.
#
Vulcan Eddie
eeeep shh shh,my mrs will want me to do things..
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Never fear, there are FOUR Horseman and we've still got two more of those nutjobs riding around out there somewhere...
#
lexluther
are the horse man they linked to why the people disapeared
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
LOL!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
And we may have seen them...just didn't know it.
#
Ronny
My computer is slowly dying but just wanted to say that it was great to talk to you and thanks for taking the time to talk - you guys must be tired overe there. Congrats on a really great show its great to see a well written plot and beautiful design
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - No, the Horseman are linked to why people RUN!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
By Ronny - thanks for stopping by
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Thanks, Ronny! Glad to call you a fan.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
See you in Seattle... ;)
#
cyborg009
We are still here! Is Will smiths movie "I am A Legend" a follow on to Afterworld or did AW pioneer the way for the blockbuster?
#
Oblong
The horsemen are a bit too KKK for me - very scary.
#
lexluther
there crasy
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Onlong - the resmblance is purely intentional
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
I AM LEGEND is based on an old book (50's I think) by Richard Matheson. It's already been made into a movie three times.
#
Oblong
Saw the trailer for I am Legend - the lonely New York streets looked sooo eerie. It would be so weird to be Russell and wake up to that.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Some say that I am Legend is the best Vampire book aver written
#
Oblong
I've read it and I think it is.
#
cyborg009
Do you think AW sparked the revival?
#
Ultima Ratio
J.D. might not really be their master... the horsemen of the apocalypse weren't really known to work for people if you know what I mean... >_>
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Cyborg - no we didn't - It's been in development for 6 or 7 years.
#
lexluther
do we see delundra again
#
webyter
YES
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
Not sure anyone already ask about this..but can you give some insight about the Ferrel Boy?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Ultima -- That's the question about the Horsemen... are they really otherworldly or just doing JD's bidding?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Obviously Webyter knows more than most...
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
I for one would like to see Delondre again - -
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
...or he's just guessing. ;)
#
Vulcan Eddie
lol
#
cyborg009
So where to after Afterworld??
#
Ultima Ratio
I'd be inclined to say they're just men in armor on horses... but at this stage anything is possible lol
#
lexluther
i bet there mutants
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ultima - I'd be inclined to agree...but we may be surprised
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
The Feral Boy. He represents one of the first survivors to manifest "psychic" powers -- there will be others. The question is, why are these changes in humans occuring? Were they accidental or intentional? Talk amongst yourselves... ;)
#
Vulcan Eddie
Russ needs a tricorder....
#
lexluther
yeah
#
webyter
I would GUESS that Delondre was their at the beginning and will be there at the end, but always in the background, somewhere ... and the Feral Boy is still looking for batteries for his light sabre
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Cyborg - Already mentioned it, but after Afterworld our company is currently in pre-production on another multi-platform series called 'The Gemini Division," starring Rosario Dawson.
#
Jimmyville
So how did you pick the cities for Russ to visit in afterworld? Are they your team's home towns, or just places you liked on the map?
#
lexluther
whats with the light sabre
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Russ would love a tricorder! In fact, he would love any piece of tech about now... ;)
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Jimmyville - Darts and map of the USA
#
Vulcan Eddie
so much for my theory on a pattern LOL
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Lightsaber - we're all children of George Lucas
#
MartinJAbel
Will Russ find any technology that does work? (sorry if I havent seen an episode where he does) lol
#
lexluther
your so right
#
cyborg009
Random Journery? How did Africa get on the map of the USA?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Webyter - A very logical guess. Only time will tell if you're correct. As for Feral Boy and his lightlabre... he's got bigger fish to fry these days. ;)
#
MartinJAbel
weird double post.. sorry
#
Ultima Ratio
*Thinking out loud* Evolution doesn't always work, on one end we get Liam on the other we get that mutated baby. Telepathy would be a natural way to overcome communication problems if traditional tech isn't operable...
#
Jedi
i feel bad for Russel.. will he ever find a nice town where everyones getting along great, treat him well, and he can simply put his feet up & relax.. or is he doomed to always wander into towns in crisis that need his help (or worse yet want him dead)?
#
lexluther
i think there all mutants
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Martin -Some tech does work and Russ will continue to unravel the mystery why. Batteries and non-integrated circuitry for example
#
Vulcan Eddie
perhaps normal evolution kicked back in properly due to the lack of electro-pollution ?
#
MartinJAbel
oh cool, so Is it possible to get cars working?
#
lexluther
yeah dont you remember
#
Ultima Ratio
or the fact that people now have the technological safety blanket snatched away...
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Jedi - stay tuned...he almost finds a nice town...but...
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - Feral Boy's lightsabre was just meant to be his "weapon" - a kid's toy he armed himself with in the days after the Fall. Because he thought he created the Fall and had no fear, the lightsabre became a symbol of his power... something he left behind when he went away with Russ and Gwen. Really, it was just meant to be an homage to SW but we've caught a lot of grief for it... ;)
#
Ultima Ratio
martin: ethanol moded electrics seems to work
#
Vulcan Eddie
every young boy needs his lightsabre,screw the critics!
#
Ultima Ratio
whoops the internet ate the plus sign
#
Ultima Ratio
whoops the internet ate the plus sign
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Vulcan - Very good answer. I like your reference to "normal" evolution.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Martin - Cars ?? I don't want to spoil the story for you. But Russ discovers lots of interesting circumstances and tech that continues to work in unexpected ways.
#
lexluther
i like the idea of the steam trains i wonder if they will get any sailing boats
#
Vulcan Eddie
heh,ive missed a few episodes,but it doesnt stop me from hatching theories lol
#
MartinJAbel
Ok, Im just going to have to catch up.. argh!!!!!!!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
lexluther - hmmm...Wind power...the smell of the salt air...the wind in the face...international adventure....hmmmm
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Martin - If you are attention challenged we do offer RECAP episodes. ;)
#
webyter
in WAR of THE WORLD the movie staring our fav hero (tom) he fixed a car by replacing the whats-it on the starter thingy, could Russ not do this and switch off the car just before each EMP blast hits, and restart after
#
MartinJAbel
nope I am determined to watch them all.. one by one..
#
Vulcan Eddie
if the network of satellites sends out a emp pulse every so often and it covers the world....why doesnt this net-work take itself out?
#
Ultima Ratio
I just had the best idea. Steampunk Afterworld.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Martin -- A man after my heart... oops, don't take that the wrong way. ;)
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
We love SteamPunk!
#
MartinJAbel
lol
#
cyborg009
Help me out Steampunk?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Webyter - Mr Cruise switches out the points and coil.....your theory is sound!
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Vulcan - Obviously the engineers behind the network were very smart people. ;) In truth, there is some evidence that a Black Box weapon as described in AW does actually exist!
#
Ultima Ratio
cyborg: replace electricity with cogs and steam
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Steampunk - mad max..Warhammer 40000
#
Vulcan Eddie
shudders......more worse than h.a.a.r.p?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Somebody whose fingers are not as cramped as mine please explain SteamPunk to Cyborg...
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Much worse than HAARP.
#
lexluther
what about the deformed child .was that caused by the emp
#
Vulcan Eddie
:(
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
According to Larry - our resident walking encyclpedia (who was also a weapons designer for Los Alamos Labs) animator - sucj weapons do exist.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
The reference material I found was one of the inspirations for the show... another piece of dangerous technology desgined to wipe out technology!
#
Ultima Ratio
Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction which came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used?usually the 19th century, or alternate history stories.
#
Vulcan Eddie
reminiscent of escape from los angele's !
#
Ultima Ratio
(thanks wikipedia!)
#
GAMMER
you guys really make a great show but how about giving away some ansers about the new world historians i beg you please
#
MartinJAbel
I still dont understand how 99% of the population can just vanish.. surely someone would have seen what happened?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
HAARP is similar in that it bombards the atmosphere with hi intensity electromagnetic radiation...similar to an EMP but it's more pernicious.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - What caused the deformed baby boy remains a mystery, but I'd put my money on the EMP.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Gammer - what do you want to know about the NWH?
#
GAMMER
please i must know about the new world historians i need ansers
#
lexluther
the emp raditation could break down cells on the subatomic level if it's strong enough
#
Ultima Ratio
p.s. cyborg 009? Are you a fellow anime fan by any chance? >_>
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Some people, like Delondre and JD, did witness the event. And you will meet others who saw the event even more dramatically. But it happened fast at a time when most people were asleep so...
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
hihihihih
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
The NWH are bent on rewriting history to suit their world view. Knowledge is power to them.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - Maybe. But is that enough to disappear billions of people?
#
Vulcan Eddie
yea haarp sets up a resonant pulse in the ionosphere using it as a gigantic capacitor (not the fall weapon)
#
Ultima Ratio
If only Russ could get his hands on a VCR :P
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
we love anime
#
webyter
yes it happened at about 5.00am in New York but what about elsewhere
#
lexluther
there must be another factor
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
Hey Guys..all this Chat is awesome! Busy Busy...if the AW Crowd is up for it we will continue for another 10 minutes?
#
GAMMER
got to go
#
webyter
time is relevant?
#
cyborg009
Newbie! : (
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
By Gammer thanks for coming by
#
Vulcan Eddie
aaargh i gots to go,but thanks for the answers guys,and good luck with the future!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
10 minutes more is good...
#
cyborg009
Brill
#
Ultima Ratio
Cyborg: weren't we all once? ^^
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
GOOD!thanks guys...let's bombard them with the last questions!
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Webyter - The Fall happened between 2am and 5am in the US (depending on timezone.) So the % of people who were awake to witness it is very small. Elsewhere in the world it's a different story, but for now we're only focused on the Russ's experience in the US.
#
lexluther
is the mound and other landmarks related
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Lex - There is great significance in the Serpent Mound. That is all I will say. (read about it online)
#
webyter
ah so we may focus on other parts of the world later?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
My favorite episode # 28
#
Jimmyville
Do you find that people love watching an episode per day.. or do they sit down and watch a week at a time? For your next series, are you keeping to same 3 minute episodes or are you thinking longer format?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Webtyer - That's the plan!
#
Oblong
Why hasn't Russell had any girlfriends it's all so platonic? I mean what are the odds his wife survived?
#
webyter
Yes the Serpent Mound must be significant, any connection to the Aztecs?
#
cyborg009
The combination of missing population with a lack of technology....evolves into dealthly diseases, consipiracty theories, religious zealots, terroists etc. Is there any hope for the New Wolrd being an impovement on the last one?
#
lexluther
and the egypitans
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Jimmyville - the poll we did showed that the audience on youtube and myspace preferred daily episodes 12 to 1. We're keeping the episodes 'bite-sized'
#
Ultima Ratio
It's surprising how much can fit into 3 minutes.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Oblong - Russ is old fashioned. But honestly, he really wants and needs to believe that his wife is alive... he has some regrets about their relationship that he wants to resolve.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Webtyer - There are myriad connections to the SM. Not just the site itself, but also what it represents.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
cyborg - I think that HOPE is one of the main themes in the storyline.The world devolves somewhat...but humanity and kindness, love and compassion survive and thrive. And of course Russ is driven by hope...hope that his family is alive.
#
Oblong
Relationship regrets......interesting.
#
lexluther
i got to go to sleep, school tomorrow. thank you so much for talking to me and keep up the great work .
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Ultima - What is surprising is how HARD it is to write three minute episodes. We usually write twice that much and then trim the episodes down -- "shaving the beard" is what we call it. That creates the eliptical nature of the voice over, which we've come to rather like.
#
Jedi
Are there any characters in Afterworld that are based on you two?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Night Lex! See you in Seattle... ;)
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Ultima - I have come to enjoy the simplicity of the short time...and the clarity it gives when we create the art....no fat.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
One by one they fall away... :(
#
Oblong
I like that - the idea of hope.
#
webyter
Afterworld ... is just the beginning, what is next, is Gemini a spin off?
#
Ultima Ratio
There must be a lot that can't quite fit in. Is that one of the reasons the journal exists?
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Well - if you want to see what Duane looks like - look at Robert Casey's license. Lots of hoo haw about how old I am. Hah!
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
"Gemini" is completely unrelated to AW. It will be a combination of live action and AW-style animation, again with an interactive web site and multi-platform release. The story, however, will be a little darker...
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Ultima -- Exactly. The story was always designed to be spread across the episodes AND the journals.
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Oblong - me too ...and second chances as well as hope
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
How about three more questions!
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Use them wisely...
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
last three.
#
webyter
the whole concept of Afterworld has been good, the roll has had obvious probs, but congrats to you all, I can't wait to see the series credits
#
Ultima Ratio
argh so hard.
#
Ultima Ratio
argh so hard.
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
Sorry Afterworld fans, but that's all the time we have for today's chat. I'd like to thank Brent & Duane for their time today - and we look forward to what's next for Afterworld.
A transcript of today's chat will be available on the SCI FI website shortly.
#
cyborg009
Is the human race evolving? if so to what? more people?
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
ops sorry go on
#
Ultima Ratio
Okay, I'm going to cop out and have you guys ask yourself a question!
#
webyter
Galaxy Girl is really Gretal in disquise
#
Jedi
before you go i did just want to say how much i've enjoyed afterworld.. you guys have greated an amazing series.. looking forward to what happens in Series 2 :)
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Cyborg -- The hope is that the Fall will ALLOW the human race to evolve. The opportunity is there... will we take it?
#
MartinJAbel
Why does eli like Taffy so much?
#
cyborg009
I know I know ...series 2
#
Oblong
Thanks for making such an excellent series. Love the interactivity. Looking forward to series 2. Will there be Afterworld the Movie if so will Tom Cruise play Russell?
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Is Afterworld the future of media? By that I mean, will 3 min, multi-platform series become the next wave of entertainment?
#
MartinJAbel
Oh thanks for talking tih us guys its been a pleasure
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
Webyter - we had a great crew. We'll get the credits thing sorted. Thanks for being online with us everyone! Stay tuned for more madness. - Eli's taste for taffy is out of this world.
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Tom Cruise???? I'd rather have Katie Holmes play Russell... ;)
#
cyborg009
Yo lo you rock!
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
Ok guys a big thanks to the Afterworlders and see you next Chat..that was EXCITING!! SCI FI ROCK!!!!!
#
AW Animator (Speaker)
zzzzzzz snore
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Eli likes the simple pleasures in life -- his story will be resolved shortly.
#
Jimmyville
Thanks guys!
#
cyborg009
Sleep well!
#
Ultima Ratio
Thanks all! It must be late in the states! Please get some rest! >_>
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Alright... it's 2:15 am here... it's time for me to "fall" into bed.
#
webyter
if Russ had never taken the trip he would not of had THE FALL
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Thanks for all the great questions! Let's do this again after Russ arrives in Seattle. I'm sure you'll have even more questions then... ;)
#
cyborg009
Will we know the answers to teh secrets of Afterworld by the time Russell reahes Seattle!
#
Jedi
good night guys.. looking forward to the rest of series 1 :)
#
AW Producer (Speaker)
Last answer Cyborg: yes... and no. G'nite!
#
Ultima Ratio
\o
#
webyter
so how do they switch this chat off
#
cyborg009
hopefully it comes back!!
#
Galaxy Girl at SCI FI Channel
Ok Guys I have an idea....those guys inside the Chat room can talk amongst yourself as long as you want, who leaves wont get in anymore....what do you think?
#
webyter
sounds good to me
#
Ultima Ratio
Sounds good to me.
#
Ultima Ratio
hive mind!
#
webyter
last to leave turns off the light

Episode 93: Showtime!

2007-12-13T05:53:00.000+09:00

Holy smokes!

Russ gets in to the fight, and it is not looking good.

Salazar clearly knows more than he's let on...he's not just a "pimp in Vegas".

How did he know about the EMP effect on the Berserker? Perhaps just from having his thugs watch the Berserker...but that wasn't long, so they figured it out quick or else knew something ahead of time. Maybe there are more "berserkers" in the prison in Las Vegas?

It is not supposed to be a fight to the death, but will anyone stop the Berserker?
Obviously so, because they aren't going to kill off Russ in this fight.

Still will Ted jump in to save Russ? OR will Russ get to the patch? Or will the fight end because Russ is out cold? (which still wouldn't stop the Berserker).

There is a lot going in Vegas. I wouldn't be surprised if Russ misses the transport to Portland that leaves tomorrow.

Episode 92: Debt Security

2007-12-12T04:29:00.000+09:00

Wow!
Another great episode.

So Ted it seems was just in that plush office for his conversation with Russ.

Salazar is so Las Vegas! The white suit is such a perfect touch.

Not a lot of mystery in this episode, but some great plot developments.

So if there are "Freedom Fights"...and obviously these aren't being sold on Pay-Per-View, then people must be coming to Vegas and buying tickets to the fights. So how much of the rest of Vegas is alive with gambling? It would seem a long way to go just to see a few fights....and people must be paying to see the fights, or else it is purely for the Cartel/Salazars enjoyment.

So will Russ fight to get Teds freedom? Perhaps he will if Ted promises to stop using his name in association with the Suicide Squads. But still Russ is such a pacificist, that I don't think friendship with Ted is going to enough to draw him into a fight. Salazar wants the celebrity that Russ has. That could definitely be something that Russ uses to negotiate with to find a way out without fighting.

So does anyone have more details on this chat in Australia? I heard it is at 730pm (but since there are several time zone in AUS, I'm guessing that is Sydney time? Can anyone confirm?). If so, that would be 130AM for me.
Thank you!

Episode 91

2007-12-11T02:45:00.000+09:00

WOW!

What a great episode. The best that I can recall off the top of my head.

So the Cartel and Graves and CAN get Russ closer to Seattle...and they seem to be a reasonably benevelont group.

I love the irony about Vegas being used a prison...all the glitz and glam now a prison. The Cartel is taking credit for the Wordwalls....interesting, but if they could use Morse Code, wouldn't more people have figured things out? The Cartel has such "advanced technology"...maybe it's because they solely focused on re-building, instead of hanging on to the past, or getting sidetracked with nukes, or cults or whatever.

I still suspect that there is some association with the US Military. Perhaps not formal, perhaps just a few survivors we soliders who knew how to survive and had lots of supplies. Or perhaps they might know a lot more about the fall and might have perpared specifically for it.

The guy at the table is Ted Murphy from the Memphis episodes (at the blood clinic).

Now clearly Russ would want to disassociate himself from Ted or any other terrorist, but will the Cartel believe him? Will there be some guilt by association? Russ is a pretty bad spot now.

To remember Ted Murphy's name, I had to go back to the Afterworld.tv website....and it is a great website...it's a shame that they can't post their own videos first.

As I was poking through that site, a few other names/thoughts came back to me...what is going to come of the Jack Hastings/baby plotline.

What caused the fall? The Cartel are doing a great job of putting things back together after the fall...but no new theories on what caused it. (so I'm having to make up my own).

Episode 90

2007-12-11T02:25:00.000+09:00

Well, it's a bit late, on account of Bud.tv having their usual (once every 2 weeks or so) issues...and compounded by the fact that I went out of town for the weekend.

Episode 90 seemed like things got back on track in the Afterworld

?who is Graves
Is he really with the cartel? perhaps like a regional manager or something?
It is possible that Fishman was a just a rogue agent for the cartel who was abusing his power, and the cartel is more of a trading organization than an extortion group.

Russ is now riding with the cartel and his "special code" can take him anywhere that the cartel goes. Which would make it far to easy for him to get at least close to Seattle, so I see something going wrong there.

Then again with only 40 episodes left and he's got to get to NORAD (per mySpace) and he's probably going to have a few episodes with his family, and there have to some episodes to set up season two...maybe faster transportation is needed.

So the cartel and their vehicles are still subject to the EMP, so does that mean that every 47 minutes they pull off of the road and disable the battery/alternator/etc?

they are driving military vehicles, which means that their base of operations is a probably military base...which would be a great place to go for supplies, etc in the event of fall.

So far Russ has ran into more people/groups that want to hurt him than help him. Some how I think that Graves has more to do with this. I mean he could have just had Russ killed or locked up, so maybe he wants information...maybe he wants to help...maybe the cartel has something against the New World Historians?

I'll find out in about 5 minutes when I watch the next Ep!

Episode 89

2007-12-07T02:40:00.000+09:00

Well a Keane's condition was caused by the fall and the EMP, and Russ causing him to calm down was just good timing.

So are there more bersekers? There must be.

So what caused Declan Keane to be become the berserker? I have a feeling that we'll find out soon. Possibly working at the ethanol plant? Although ethanol is relatively low in toxicity, perhaps that combined with the EMP? Maybe, but that doesn't sound like good science to me. Perhaps it has something to do with the fish from the creek that they were eating.

This Fishman guy in the cartel isn't going to be happy that his doctor is dead...so whether or not Russ fulfilled his deal, he's going to have some work to do to get out of this one.

Episode 88

2007-12-06T03:04:00.000+09:00

Today is my first "official" post on this blog. So who is this "Drew" guy you might be asking, and what qualifications does he have?

I'm just a big Afterworld fan. I am in no way associated with Afterworld team, but since I really dig Afterworld, I've been searching the web for blogs/discussions/etc...and came across this blog...which unfortunatley stopped being updated...so I decided to start writing some updates and asking some questions, and the rest is history.

I watch AW in the US, on Bud.tv. I'm not a fan of the Bud.tv service as it tends to be questionable in its reliability. About every 10 episodes or so Bud.tv will screw things up and have link that doesn't work, etc...even though the Afterworld.tv website is SO MUCH better, I just can't stand to be 10 episodes behind.

My hope is to ask some questions, make some comments/observations, and hopefully spur on some dialog and discussion....so please feel free to post your comments!

So on to Episode 88....
the first thing that I noticed is that the tag says "Russ encounters his first Berserker". Which means that there are more than just Declan Keane. Now personally, I can't hear the word "Berserker" without thinking of that Eastern European guy in Clerks singing the song "Berserker"...but that is a totally different story.

So who are these berserkers? Obviously the fall caused some people (probably based on them being near a certain geological place) to have some sort of psychosis that causes this. Declan Keane calmed down for the first time when Russ appeared, and he freaked out when approached with out Russ being there. I'm guessing that happens again when he next encounters Russ.

The cartel is going to really pissed at Russ for this....and of course at Keane. Will Russ be able to protect Keane and get him back to where he's from? Or will the Cartel kill him.

Honestly, todays episode seemed quite predictable. I doubt that I was the only one who expected Keane to calm down in Russ's presense...or that Russ would make friends with Josh....or that since Josh had opened up, he would soon die. It wasn't a great episode, but it was needed to move the story along.

new author on blog ...

2007-12-05T06:55:00.000+09:00

I have invited Drew to start posting on the blog, he has been posting comments lately since I stopped contributing to this blog, I have been posting Drew's comments as new posts but now Drew can post his own, so I for one look forward to reading his contributions ...

Episode 87

2007-12-05T05:30:00.000+09:00

"A window of opportunity becomes a trapdoor" a great line, and a great summary for Russells journey.

Russ seems pretty focused on crossing the Mojave. Why not trade for a ride? In fact he seems set on crossing the Mojave, enough that it makes me think that he is going to end up going a different way.

So he has totally blown off Partia's mission to NORAD. That's going to come back to get him.

Any wagers on if Russ can subdue the wild man (possibly with some power that he got from Liam??).

as posted as a comment

Episode 86 Needles. The cartel. and CARS!

2007-12-04T05:53:00.000+09:00

I've been waiting for something like this, finally people have figured out how to make cars run. Although you'd have to guess that with the mass dissapearance, the existing roads would be pretty blocked up with cars.

So I wonder what this "modified electric system" is? Does it go into a protect mode every 47 minutes? My expectation for cars would be older cars, but it looked to be rather new vehicles there (I'm no expert, and there weren't any details, but it looked like newer vehicles, I could be wrong).

Is the Cartel just another group like the many that Russ has come across? I think not. That would just be too obvious.

Is the "Afterworld" of life after the fall a second chance for humanity? If so, it sure doesn't speak well for human nature. Stripped of our technology, and social structure, etc would life really just become like Lord of the Flies? It's hard to see how it wouldn't.

as posted as a comment

Episode 85

2007-12-01T06:58:00.000+09:00

Once again the episode ended how I thought it would, but the AW team took a different route to get there.

So Gwens loyalties to the NWHs are deeper than they are to Russ. But I'm really still driven to find out what her real motivations are, or who she is really working for.

It's been a longtime since we've heard about Parthia, the NORAD mission, the EMP, etc.

I'm still a bit troubled by the fact that the NWHs can have a steam train, but you can't get a car to work...I mean understand why a new car wouldn't work...but shouldn't you be able to get say a '65 Mustang or some old '50s Buick be able to run?

I love the ending speech. Is he becoming "the Walker"? I doubt it.

So whats the deal with "Liam's acceptance" of things the way that they are? Of all of the characters, he has been the most affected by things NOT being the way that they are. Not just his home life, but he sees into other peoples lives. Does acceptance mean losing his gift? On the one hand that would suck, but they do need to tie up that plotline, or else we'll be wondering about another Kofi-trip each week.

So where to next week? NORAD? California? Or (my guess) some twist that I haven't thought of.

as posted as a comment by Drew

Episode 84 Spoiler Alert

2007-11-30T05:43:00.000+09:00

Well I know that we've all gotten used to the continuous plot twists that the AW team comes up with, but this was a curveball that I did not see coming.

In 10 seconds we find that Gwen has betrayed the New World Historians AND Russell.

Which of course then opens the question, who (or what group) is she working for?

Was she travelling with Russ under Arnolds orders? Or from her "real" bosses?

It seems like if she is an inside spy (double agent) sent to bring down the New World Historians, that she could have told Russ her mission, unless she has been completely playing him for information as well.

It's been a long time since Russ mentioned his family. I suppose that would be normal for anyone, but I think that they will be alive and tie back into this story.

as posted as a comment by Drew

Lost ...

2007-11-27T06:24:00.000+09:00

after the recent episode with the Ferel Boy and the light saber, this fan has lost the plot, with no explanation to explain the scene with the light saber, this fan is starting to wonder where this show is going and why, I have not even bothered to watch the show for sometime let alone do the recaps/commentary ...

Episode 78:

2007-11-22T06:09:00.001+09:00

Episode 77:

2007-11-21T19:18:00.000+09:00

Afterworld catch-up

2007-11-20T06:09:00.000+09:00

as posted on Interwebrity Blog

WATCH BEFORE YOU READ!

Burden of Guilt
Liam, the Feral Boy (yay he has a name!) recounts the events of “The Fall” from his perspective and explains how he thinks he caused it. Even though he obviously didn’t cause the fall, it’s interesting to see how these events affect the young kids - something the series had yet to explore.

:-I :-I :-I

Prey
Russ and Gwen discuss taking Liam with them - Liam overhears this, flips out and runs away - straight into the jaguars hangout. Russ and Gwen take off after him through the forest when Russell has a vision of where Liam is. Cool that the psychic (?) connection between Russ and Liam is growing - uncool that nothing really happened.

:-I :-I

Deja Vu
Russ and Gwen find Liam surrounded by the jaguars. They’re out of bullets and flares, so Russell pulls out a special light and launches it at the predators - it explodes, causing them to flee. This prompts Liam to trust them as pseudo parents and he joins to make a threesome. While heading towards Seattle, Liam tells Russ that he had a dream about him - he saw Shoemaker with a beard outside his house, although he didn’t venture inside because he was “too scared”. What does that all mean? Why was he too scared? Only time will tell.

Creepy and cool that we get the first glimpse of the future and that there is a full on connection going between Liam and Russ.

:-I :-I :-I :-I

You can view the latest Afterworld episodes on the official Myspace page.

as posted on Interwebrity Blog

Episode 76: Helpless

2007-11-19T18:49:00.001+09:00

Liam battle a strange illness, as Russ hunts for a cure

... a strange new symbol appears on the interactive map ...

Russ journeys get even stranger as he finds himself in another country, the other side of the world ... in a another body ... commentary to come soon

Episode 75: Deja vu

2007-11-19T06:41:00.001+09:00

Once again, Russ finds himself protecting people he cares for

after The Fall Russ had a lot of Deja vu, you know that feeling that you have already lived thru an unfolding situation, there he was with Gwen and Liam, out of ammo, backs against the wall, a situation he had actually been thru before, we see shots of back in New York, as the "Gang" breaks in the door, and gets shot, a strange calm came over Russ then, a feeling that they would be alright if he did not fight the situation ... but that night in the jungle, he had no sense that providence would intervene, it was clear that their lives were completely dependent on him, but this time he felt up to the challenge, after everything he had been thru, he knew that what ever he needed to survive was probably in his possession, Gwen liked to joke about the light that Russ carried, the light was a dangerous luxury, like nitro, if the fluid was jarred with extreme force it would explode, that was Russ's hope, an explosion the jaguars flee the scene ... his brush with death seemed to convince Liam that he could trust them, that they would be there for him, protect him from the real world, Gwen suspected that he subconsciously planned the whole ordeal, sort of an audition for his new parents, that was hard for Russ to believe, but with Liam you never really knew what was going on, in that amazing mind of his ... they left as a threesome, heading north-west to Seattle, Russ was already playing out how he would explain his new family, when he had another Deja vu moment, I had a dream about you Mr Shoemarker, I saw you walking up the street ... Liam described Russ's house, his letter box, that's my address, my house, you're going to make it home Mr Shoemarker, did you go inside, did you seem my wife, daughter, I was to scared to go in scared, what could he possibly mean, he wanted to push Liam to tell him more, but he sensed he was not ready, in the same way that he was forcing Liam to face reality, he would do the same for Russ, when he was ready, it was a symbiotic relationship that they were forming, one that would bond their futures and change their lives

afterworld it dont sucks

2007-11-17T20:43:00.000+09:00

My name is Duane Loose...and I am the Sr. Art Director/Production Designer for the series afterworld. It's great to read your posts. You're passion and knowledge shows through!! Great comments all the way round.

As of this writing our team is working on the final 10 episodes: 121 through 130. We're scheduled to finish next Wednesday - the day before our Thanksgiving Day in the USA. And I for one will be giving thanks that we're done...believe me. The project has been challenging for many different reasons...some of the factors have been quite unexpected. The speed and pace of production for example. Our saying is that a day in 'afterworld' production is like a week or 2 on any other production we've worked on. We literally move at a speed and pace I've never experienced anywhere before. it's fun, exhilarating and very challenging. We've worked very hard to bring this show to life - and much of that time we've been inventing the process and creating the pipeline at the same time. I call it -running the race while I'm tying my shoes. You might think that as professionals we would have had it all figured out before we started. Nope. Plus it's not like anything any of us have done before. Similar - but deceptively difficult and very easy to underestimate how challenging it is to tell a story visually with 4 poses, a 2 1/2 D parallax BG and some moving mist and skies. Hah! Easy. Nope. Fun and challenging? Yes!

Our rule of thumb is to keep each episode to 10-14 shots with 5 to 7 backgrounds. We found this to be a produce-able number- allowing us to currently pump out 10 episodes in 10 days or less. We have achieved an episode a day for the past 20 episodes...but we don't recommend it. Many things break at that pace - usually the artists. It may sound like an excuse but there is quite a difference between a single one-off render and the number of elements that go into a full episode. When you look at the actual time it takes in each phase - the math is never simple addition or subtraction - always multiplication and division. As in sometime orders of magnitude greater when render a 20 second shot with 4 characters - each one with 4 poses. That's 16 poses at 4 to 8 K - 30 minutes a pop and 8 CPU hours later you have your renders. Multiply that number by 12 for the average number of shots times 5 for the number of concurrent episodes being worked on and you...well you get the picture. We are happily busy and that includes running a 10 am to 8 pm and a 2pm to 12 am double shift.

We use a very basic production design process - beginning with a solid produce-able script, a beat outline, storyboards and animatics - then into background creation, character posing and rendering, shot compositing and editing. We usually iterate twice at each production step to make sure that what we make in the next step is well informed and correct.

Our team is composed of a great mix of mostly senior artists with a combined credit list and years of experience that are pretty amazing in their variety and quality. I've enjoyed this experience perhaps more than any in my career. I hope you don't mind me putting in my thoughts on your thread - I think I can shed a little light on some of the comments.

As I read your comments I found all of them to be more or less accurate in their intent and I would probably make the same assumptions if I hadn't been on the inside of the production experiencing the production pipeline first hand. So, here's some data.

Poser: By the time we are finished with afterworld we will have created over 80 characters for the show. Most of those have been created in the past 4 months. Poser is perhaps the best procedural tool for quick character creation ever created. It's enabled us to create the cast for each chunk of episodes - usually in a matter of days, a week at most for each. We have a very close relationship with the Poser folks. They've given us some fantastic support including fixes and tools for some of our needs. We use the latest version - poser 7. Poser lacks a network rendering capability - so we've written some custom scripts and utilities to allow us to batch render. While this is not ideal- it works. We will absolutely continue to work with Poser for character creation - but will probably use another package for animation and rendering in the next season. We've investigated some promising tech that would allow us to bring Poser assets into Lightwave for example.

One factor that we deal with every day is render times. We typically have multiple characters in a given scene- sometimes we have many characters. To keep the heartbeat cadence of the style we change poses approximately every 3 to 5 seconds. We also render our images very large - a minimum of 2K and usually 6 or 8K resolution. This gives us maximum flexibility when we composite - starting tight and close and pulling out wide for example in the same shot. So we work hard to set up the lighting and geo elements to get the best quality we can at that size while optimizing render times. We use a lot of image based lighting - -which speeds things up dramatically.

Another factor in our look is that we are not trying to be a movie or animated TV show. Because of the speed of production we chosen not to execute cloth or hair simulation - yes it would be beautiful but ultimately those things don't help or hinder the story telling and always slow us down on the render side. We have artists that are experts in those areas but that's not an element we chose to focus on. In the end we chose to lean hard into color, atmosphere and animated atmospherics with good looking characters exhibiting good specularity and solid expressive acting.

In addtion to Poser we use Lightwave, After Effects, Final Cut. Maya, Premiere, Particle Illusion and several other support tools. On the database side we use a library version-ing software called perforce and a render manager for our 20 proc renderfarm - Qube. We also use Vue D'esprit 6 infinite for many of our BG plates and matte paintings. We use 2 sets of Sapphire plugins for after effects - those are awesome. We purchase models from Turbosquid, DAZ and Content Paradise as well as using free models wherever we can scavenge them. As you can see- Poser is integral but ultimately very small part of our pipeline- albeit the single greatest factor effecting our production speed as it concerns rendering.

Another factor in the pressure of production is actually related to afterworlds release in Australia. When Sony told of us of their plans we barely had a few dozen episodes 'in the can' and a similar situation on the scripts - (did I mention that the final scripts were finished a few weeks ago?) Sony, of course, asked for a commitment from us to meet the rollout plans for SciFi AU. we looke at the schedule. After our nervous laughter subsided and we all had a stiff drink or two - we hitched up our britches and went to work . That was July. Since that time a team of 15 artists and 1 to 4 writers have written and produced 100 episodes to the quality you see in all it's glory before you. Are they perfect? No. Do some of them suck? Yes. And the vast majority of the episodes continue to be a fascinating convergence of graphic novel, anime art with a great story that we all, well most of us anyway, find engaging, relevant and worthy of our devotion...not only as an audience...but worthy of our time as artists and creators as well.

That's a lot of information. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach me at duane.loose@gmail.com.

cheers

D_

as posted on the AU forum pages

Episode 74: Prey

2007-11-15T20:43:00.000+09:00

Liam runs away and Russ must locate him before the jaguars do

courage is not a lack of fear, it's taking action in spite of your fear, Russ knew it would complicate matters bringing Liam along, but it never crossed his mind that Liam would be scared to leave with Gwen and him, Russ finds the note, you saw how he handled those Jaguars, maybe he has adapted to his environment, maybe he is comfortable here, frankly he is better to survive in this jungle than we are but Russ felt that Liam was no longer equipped to handle situation, Russ asked Liam about the Jaguars, he said they were his friends, he saw everything that survived The Fall, as his friends, animal and people, because we all lived, but by the grace of Liam ... you mean he thinks he controls everything, with his mind Russ concern was that he had taken that control away, when he told him he did not cause The Fall, you do remember we are out of bullets and flares ... they head off into the jungle, it seemed to Russ that Liam's belief, his power gave him a complete lack of fear, something the animals could sense, but Russ know worried how he would fare in the wild now with out that power, without that belief, that he was the master of his universe, I now you feel responsible Russel but it will be impossible to find him now without a trail pratically speaking Gwen was right, but Liam had shown him, nothing was impossible anymore, we see Liam with his light saber, again, this connection between them, it seemed like it had to be a two way street, I saw him, Liam he is in trouble it was becoming clear to Russ that this connection between Liam and him, was evolving, their fates becoming intertwined, go away, leave Russ could feel Liam's heart rate, as his lungs constricted, the fear finaly set in, and in that moment he was nothing more than a scared little boy, Russ knew he could not magically restore Liam's belief, which meant their only hope was to banish their own fears and find some new courage within

Episode 73: Burden of Guilt

2007-11-14T19:05:00.000+09:00

Russ learns what happened to Feral Boy the night of The Fall

the weight of the world is too much for any man to bear, let alone a nine year old boy, but Liam was not like any other boy, he believed he had brought on The Fall, to punish his parents, Gwen was dubious, but given the boys obvious psychic powers, it was a claim that Russ felt he had to hear out ... Liam said it all started at a baseball game, something he had already tried to show Russ once in a dream, every game Daddy said he would come and see me play, something always came up, last game of the season he made him swear he would come, Daddy where are you, he was always busy with his phone calls, and his laptop, and Mummy was always on her stupid treadmill watching TV - I wish you would all just go away when he woke up the next morning, Liam got his wish, Daddy, Mummy his parents were gone along with all the technology that he felt kept them away from him, where is everybody, he said he did not mean to get rid of everybody, but he just wanted to teach his parents a lesson ... Russ told Liam that he understood how he felt, Kizzy had accused him of the same crime, several times, and his parents, no doubt were guilty as charged, but Russ assured Liam that he did not cause The Fall, it took Russ a while to lay out what he thought had actually happened, he asked a lot of questions, Russ did not think that he fully understood, but eventually he went to sleep ... Gwen wasn't so easy to appease, she did not have the connection that Russ had to Liam, so all the drawings did not make sense to her, not like they did to Russ, Russ told Gwen that there was no rational explanation, you had to look at the world thru Liam's eyes to understand, his need for forgiveness was so strong, he somehow reached out thru his dreams, searching for someone, anyone, who could set the record straight, and tell him the truth about The Fall ... the only thing that makes any sence at all, is that you were the one that came to help him Russ appreciated the compliment, but Russ knew that easing Liam's guilt wasn't enough, surviving alone had obviously taken a terrible toll on the boy, we have to take him with us Gwen Russ was trying to shift the burden, from Liam's shoulders to his, but as it turned out Liam wasn't quite ready to let go of his guilt

Afterworld - by a Fan?

2007-11-13T22:27:00.000+09:00

Over the weekend it occurred to me that if this writer's strike in Hollywood drags on to long we'll all be reduced to having conversations with real people instead of yelling at tv screens. The horror!

So, until the strike ends, I'm going to offer up every Monday my favorite webisode shows. First off is Afterworld.
Sure it's flawed in its apocalyptic imperative thinking, and the main character has all of his priorities set in a world that no longer exists, but I enjoy picking out all of the mistakes and pondering what I would do if I were in his shoes. The animation, if you can call it that, is clunky and about as innovative as a flip book doodled in detention. Also, the writing is inconsistent to its own mythology and often contradicts itself within even a three minute webisode.

Enjoy!

as posted on U-Holler

Episode 72: Something in the Air

2007-11-13T21:44:00.000+09:00

Surrounded by predators, Russ & Gwen fight for their lives

Russ had been hunted by horsemen and mercenaries for ideological reasons, but he had never been hunted for food ... and in that moment he was sure glad that Gwen had a gun, brilliant, no rounds left, the sudden possibility of being eaten alive, seemed to trigger the unexpected defense mechanism, he could feel his whole body going numb, like it was preparing for the pain, Russ was not one to pray, but he was not above right then, the Feral boy appears, with a light sabre!!! ... who ever heard his prayers, definitely had a sense of humor ... with Gwen now equally intrigued, they followed the boy a little further, into what used to be an up scale neighborhood, Sedona, is the home to several ancient vortexes, and their was something in the air at that house, Gwen was unsettled by it, but Russ found himself, drawn in, like a moth to a flame, lured by by the promise of something, the crude portraits were clearly the work of a child, but their were details that almost implied something divine, it was like that room was some kind of window to the rest of the world ... Russel you need to see this, there was some connection between Russ and the boy, and it was not just in his dreams, he had seen Russ's waking life to, and from the look of the portraits, he was not the only one that he was spying on, it was all pretty unsettling ... from some photos it was clear that the boy had lived here before The Fall, what do you want, why did you bring us here an only child, of parents that dont seem to have survived, I've been waiting for you, I've cleaned my room, everyday and I'm really sorry, sorry for what, I made them disappear, my parents, and everyone, but I want them back/span>

Recap of Season 1 & 2 ... with Season 3 sneak previews

2007-11-13T17:47:00.000+09:00

Recap of Season 1 & 2? posted on MySpace with preview of Season 3!!

Here is a video re-cap of episodes Seasons 1 and 2 including a special sneak preview of things to come in Season 3, which begins with Episode 61.

AFTERWORLD (www.myspace.com/after worldtv) is a Sci-Fi series rolling out daily (Mon. – Fri. 7PM EST/4PM PST) on MySpaceTV. Follow the harrowing journey of Russell Shoemaker, as he seeks to discover the truth behind “The Fall” which rendered more than 99.9% of the population missing and all technology dead.

as posted on Afterworld MySpace Video page

... well excuse my confusion but we are already getting Season 3 down under, I was under the impression that we were still in Season 1, so I can assume that Season 2 started with episode 31, well we are blessed down here, no break and the roll out continues ... : ) ... actually it is about time that we (AU) got a bit of a break, we always seem to get the back end of roll out deals ... so good stuff Sony, and the Afterworld crew, keep those episodes coming

Episode 71: Welcome to the Jungle

2007-11-12T18:08:00.000+09:00

Russ has a real-life encounter with the Feral Boy

almost a year into the trip, and camping out was almost second nature for Russ, but what lurked inside the Arizona jungle was totally unknown, having someone like Gwen to watch your back, Russ was sleeping like a rock ... did you order room service Russel, you can see him, please don't run away, I just want to talk to you, we're going after him, you can't be serious ... in the week they had been traveling together, Russ had told Gwen about everything that he had seen, since leaving New Your, but he had not told her about the Feral Boy, who claimed he caused The Fall, no wait we won't hurt you ... how do you explain to a rationally minded person, about a boy that has actually been in your dreams, for months, Russ knew how crazy it sounded but, he tried to explain, the boy had led him to some fascinating revelation, Russ had watched enough Discovery Channel to know a Jaguar when he saw one, he also knew they were not indigenous to the area, they did not hunt in packs, so whatever caused the change in them did not really matter, mutated or not they looked awfully hungry, a killing floor, my God they herded us, ... Russ was hoping this was just another Feral Boy dream, that he was still asleep in the furniture store, but those Jaguars were as real as a heart attack

Afterworld on SciFi ... this weeks schedule

2007-11-11T09:17:00.000+09:00

November 12
7:30pm Episode 1071
10:30pm Episode 1071
November 13
8:00am Episode 1071
3:30pm Episode 1071
5:30pm Episode 1071
7:30pm Episode 1072
10:30pm Episode 1072
November 14
8:00am Episode 1072
3:30pm Episode 1072
5:30pm Episode 1072
7:30pm Episode 1073
10:30pm Episode 1073
November 15
8:00am Episode 1073
3:30pm Episode 1073
5:30pm Episode 1073
7:30pm Episode 1074
10:30pm Episode 1074
November 16
8:00am Episode 1074
3:30pm Episode 1074
5:30pm Episode 1074
7:30pm Episode 1075
10:30pm Episode 1075
November 17
8:00am Episode 1075
3:30pm Episode 1075
5:30pm Episode 1075

SciFi Competition ...

2007-11-11T09:12:00.000+09:00

SCI FI was giving you the chance to WIN 1 of 5 PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems and 1 of 10 PlayStation®Portable entertainment systems.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the 5 major winners who won 1 of 5 PLAYSTATION®3 : Ignat Vinko, Matthew Whyte, Tracey Carpenter , David Verhagen, Tina Khoury. Congratulations also to the 10 runner ups who won 1 of 10 PlayStation®Portable: Kym Charles, Chris Williams, Jake Lintorn-Terry, Irma Crews, Tim Taylor, Esther Doel Henshall, Jason Loh, Dorji Lau, Jason Phillips, Rob Eke.

The Best Sci-Fi Web Series of 2007

2007-11-10T16:40:00.000+09:00

2007 isn’t even over yet, but it would be pretty damn hard for anybody else to create a science-fiction as immersible as what I am about to share with you! But first, I’m going to rant the apparent differences between Commercial and Independent media. (skip the next paragraph if you don’t care).

Traditional television and it’s disruptive, incoherent nature have been miserably failing to the likes of ‘user generated’ video media. It would be my (presumptuous?) assumption that people are simply tired of reality television shows, sitcom’s repetitive story-lines and sugar-coated premises with no present-day relevance; besides the fear factor. Nothing too surprising, the commercialism that fuels it’s creation has diluted it’s quality. While in the inter-world, YouTube offers user-generated content that cannot be persuaded by profit.

‘Afterworld.tv,’ is a prime example of this tantalizingness we know and love as ‘Independent Media.’ It is an on-going Cross-Platform Science-Fiction Internet Series that took off with a quiet bang early 2007. Took me 8 months to stumble-upon this Sci-Fi series, but only 3 hours, 30 cups of Maté and a lot of ‘wow’ factor to zip through all 53 episodes (and rising). Every second I was on the edge of my seat, intensely involved and interested in it’s mind-blowing take on the end of the world. If you are like me, and delve into the end-of-the-world type sci-fi, this is right up your dark alley!

Each episode of Afterworld is 3-5 minutes long. Each one a tastefully and masterfully digitally animated wonder manufactured to leave you hanging from a 1000 foot cliff; every damn time. The creators release a new episode daily, Monday through Friday, with a recap video every Saturday.

A little background on ‘Afterworld:’ Afterworld is a premise based on the life of a man named Russel Shoemaker from Seattle. Russ takes a business trip to New York, one that is supposed to change his family’s financial life forever. Radical change was in his future, but not the way he expected. Upon waking up in his 4 star hotel room and making a trip to the lobby, he was shocked when there was nobody around. It didn’t take this frightened city-slicker long to figure out an unknown and very mysterious event had occurred which resulted in the disappearance of 99% of the population, and the extinction of technology and electricity. At first Russ is scared and lost, without a plan. But as time goes on, he finds other ’survivors’ and learns more about his own humanity. His decision to make a 3000 mile voyage back Seattle to reunite with his family comes quickly; and this ill-planned voyage becomes a discovery of the truth, accompanied by a plethora of clues that obscurely outline the cause of ‘The Fall.’

as posted on synthesisNet "by na3s"

Afterworld on YouTube ... Santa Fe, Epsiodes 66-70

2007-11-10T07:48:00.000+09:00

check out my compilation of clips from this week ... at this stage it just a simple compilation with some background music from the Afterworld website, a visual summary of the week to compliment my written summaries ... I hope to expand it as time goes by ... please take the time to explore my blog, you will find news and summaries of each episode, as they were aired downunder, for those viewers outside Australia, the newer episodes may be spoilers for you so beware : )

Episode 70: Change of Heart

2007-11-10T05:31:00.000+09:00

Cale and his stepfather finally put aside their differences

there is nothing more unpredictable than human nature, Gwen believed we were doing the right thing, not getting involved with the settlers battle, and at first so did Russ, but when he saw the Wayfarer Inn, he had a change of heart ... now I see why you get in to such trouble Russel Barret was one step ahead of him, you get your kid to surrender or I arrest you for obstruction of justice, Barret was haselling Cale's stepfather, alright, OK, I'll try, Russ hope was that if locals saw how Barret was abusing his authorities, they would revoke it, Russ told Barret people were going to get hurt or killed, including his men if he pushed this any further, whack, down goes Russ, but just like Cale, Barret was not about to back down, you should of run while you had the chance, Gwen saves the day again with her gun, let him go, you got spunk missy, but you're going to get yourself killed, ditto, you people hired me and my boys to protect you, this area is safe, ask Gavin Webster if he is safe, dragged from his home, threatened with arrest, unless he helps hunt down his own son, that's not protection, that's fascism, Russ told them that they had set this in motion, and it was up to them to stop it, but Cale had other plans, he said it was their fight not his, returning most of what he had stolen, Cale promised from here on out to trade with the locals, we don't want your tainted goods, and we don't want freaks like you, we are not freaks, we are just different Cale touches Barret, Barret drops to the floor, it began with Gavin, his change of heart, started a chain reaction, and with their amazing new energy source, it became clear their was nothing that community could not accomplish, it they worked together, for Gwen and Russ it was another adventure that brought them closer, but deep in the jungle that used to be the Arizona Dessert, they were about to encounter something that would tear them apart

Episode 69: Fight or Flight

2007-11-09T05:42:00.000+09:00

Russ wrestles with the decision to help the Mole People fight

fight or flight, it is said that our response to a situation is automatic, that a man will make a quick decision if a fight will cost him his life, but when the fight involves many lives, that decision becomes increasingly complex, we've got about ten minutes until they cross the stream ... Cale was painfully naive, never actually prepared for this moment, but he gave a passionate speech none the less about taking a stand, this is our home, they have no right to make us leave, they have guns, we can't fight them, they will kill us all, they will kill us anyway, there is more of us than them, we can take them, it was obvious to Russ that Cale would not get a consensus before Barret and his men stormed the settlement, so Russ came up with a plan to buy some time, Russel good luck ... according to Gwen the electricity was generated by friction in the mineral content, that meant fast flowing water would carry a nasty charge, don't even think about it, fortunately Gwen came thru in the nick of time, Russ felt like Moses, watching the Red Sea wash away the Pharaohs men, We'll be back and next time, we ain't taking no prisoners ... back to Cale, if we don't take the fight to them, Russ told Cale he would help any way he could, but Gwen brought him back to reality, for a man that refuses to carry a gun, you sure seem eager to go to war ... hard to admit, but Russ had gotten caught up in making a stand, but not entirely for the right reasons, Barret Long represented everything that Russ had come to despise, he was JD and new Eden he was Arnold and the Historians, intolerance and abuse of power, but it was clear that Cale would not flee or back down, follow me and we will be free, fight or flight, the decision was Russ's alone, and he had to ask himself, was this battle really worth risking his life for

Episode 68: Sanctuary

2007-11-08T06:16:00.001+09:00

Cale leads Russ and Gwen down into the realm of the Mole People

Earth has always been host to strange phenomenon, but after The Fall it sometimes felt like they were on another planet, after his mum disappeared he could not cope with his dad, and he headed underground,the stream had become electric, but he had never felt so alive, it was like magic, not magic, Gwen figured it was the mineral composition of the water charged by the EMP ... it was the Cobalt power, just on a larger scale, something obviously Cale was immune to, Gwen touches the water, and gets hit by a strike of electricity, and falls back, that would be quite dangerous if the water flowed fast enough, Russ found the idea of a new energy source rather intriguing, Gwen was fascinated by how the water had altered their physiology, how it had slowed their heart rate and metabolism to sub human rates, allowing them to absorb the electricity, the settlement even had luxuries that others didn't, an endless supply of light and heat, but their was one major drawback, the settlers gardens were all above ground, which attracted the attention of the Militia, the settlers had clearly been enhanced by the water, but this had cost them the ability to heal, they need anti-biotic's for their infections, or they will die, NO, we can't go back up there, we can take care of our selves, All you Freaks, You are under arrest, the militia, no matter how fantastic the environment, seems like there was always something,or someone to remind us that we were still on Earth

Episode 67: The Settlement

2007-11-07T05:29:00.000+09:00

Russ & Gwen help one of the Mole People hide from the Militia

not all the changes that happened on the planet were biological, there were social mutations to, new forms of justice, law and order, the fugitive said the Militia had been tracking him for miles, but he was either to tired or to cold to keep running ... they said you stole supplies, you think I like scrounging up here on the surface, I only took what the settlement needs to survive, what the hell is he doing here, come on dad just one more time, Webster get out here, I'll do the looking, do what you have to, I assured Barret that we had not seen anyone, dogs don't lie, not like humans, I'm telling you there's no one here, beg your pardon, Barret burst into the bathroom, Gwen in the bath and the "mutant" behind the door" ... Webster, I won't these other rooms unlocked now, if you could of seen the look on your face Russell, for helping him, the "mutant" offered to show us a secret, it's a new energy source, you folks should not get caught up in this boys illusion, my illusion, your the one living in a fantasy world like nothings changed ... the boys mother had always been the bridge between the two, but when she disappeared, so did the tolerance ... the "mutants" father blamed The Fall on terrorism, figured it was only a matter of time before America was back in charge, the "mutant" blamed our government, said we probably provoked some country a deserved what we got, in his mind the fall was necessary, a wake up call, which is why he went underground, and started a settlement of like minded survivors, who were expatriates of the human race, trying to become completely self sufficient

Afterworld Production Team Answers - Season One, episodes #1 through #65, posted November 6, 2007

2007-11-06T18:36:00.000+09:00

• Asked by: compiled theorum
If we were to assume that all other life on the planet is unharmed (plants seem to be fine, maybe animals are too)…is the human genetic adaptation not to survive the Fall but the exact opposite?
The intent of this question is not entirely clear. We’re assuming the question means: “Were those who vanished the ones with a special genetic trait?” And the answer to that question is… not necessarily. All we can say is that those who vanished were genetically different than those who survived. Why? How? Those questions will be answered. Eventually.

• Asked by: darkurth2000
Does the Fall have something to do with all the calanders ending in 2012?
Not to sound coy, but… yes and no. The date has something to do with the “big picture” of Afterworld, but is not directly related to the events that caused the Fall. Confused? We hope so… ;)

• Asked by: DragonAngel
Who came up with the idea of making AW?
As mentioned in various articles and interviews (many of which are available online), the story for Afterworld was created by Brent Friedman. The original visual design was created by Michael Decourcey. The concept of an interactive multi-platform series (broadcast, broadband and mobile) was the result of many minds including both the above names as well as the other Electric Farm partners, Stan Rogow and Jeff Sagansky. Additionally, much credit must go to Sony for building a global digital distribution pipeline to facilitate this vision.

• Asked by: Gwynyvyr
Why would the the Polaroid type camera still be working after the fall when they have circuit boards?
After doing some research on this, we found that early models of Polaroid cameras do not have circuit boards. They were purely mechanical and/or powered by DC batteries. We are, admittedly, cheating when we show a “synch flash” on the camera, which implies a newer, chip-dependent model. We take this stylistic license because, well, it just looks cooler hearing and seeing a white flash before each photo materializes. ;) Also, it’s harder to find digital models of early Polaroids (which were also much more bulky) and it’s simply not feasible from a production standpoint to have one of our artists spending hours building a digital prop… when a similar (albeit anachronistic) model can be found for free online.

• Asked by: lilwillie
Why weren't animals effected by The Fall?
Animals do not have the same genetics as humans. But make no mistake, animals are affected by the EMP in ways both small and large.

• Asked by: Phenix
Did the PG really send Russell to shut the EMP off or are they getting him to find more out about Team Alpha?
PG’s agenda will be an ongoing concern for Mr. Shoemaker. To give away their intentions at this stage of the series would be disservice to the 100s of hours of writing we did on Episodes 66-130… where you will find some (but not all) of the answers embedded within this loaded question.

• Asked by: RangerSergeant
We all love Afterworld, what are the AW team's favorite online series?
Prom Queen! (kidding) Seriously, there is only one other series we feel compelled to plug here: the granddaddy of all web series – “Broken Saints.” If you have not seen this animated epic it’s definitely worth checking out.

• Asked by: RangerSergeant
Did the fall really cause the birth defect in the twin, or is that due to another more mundane cause?
To further expound on the animal question, it’s not the Fall per se which caused mutations or aberrant behavior – it’s more likely the EMP. But the full effects of the EMP (both positive and negative) will be another ongoing series of revelations that continue well into Season Two.

• Asked by: sevens
How do the New Edenites communicate so quickly over vast distances in a world without technology?
“Quickly” is a relative term. If you read Mr. Shoemaker’s journal you will notice that there is more time elapsing than the episodes often indicate or imply. What sometimes seems like a day or two later may actually be a week or two later. And you have to remember that the WordWall existed BEFORE Russell learned about it, so that method of communication is the most obvious answer. Another is simply explained by the fact that word on horse travels faster than word on foot. So with a few horsemen riding around, they create a dynamic information grid servicing just JD and New Eden. Also, you will eventually come to learn that JD has opened “missions” in other areas, increasing the number of horsemen from four to… (insert your guess here)

• Asked by: timtodd
What is AW looking for in a winning video remix entry?
A winning video remix should have evocative music that, when played over re-cut visuals, reveals a new tone or texture to Afterworld that wasn’t conveyed in the original video. For instance, the first Acid Planet winner’s video used an original song that emphasized the loneliness and emotional desolation of Russell’s journey, then it overlaid that song on scratched/distressed video that implied archival footage, adding a sense of nostalgia and loss already inherent in the song. So, in short, we’re looking for a remix that works on both levels – audio and video – to create a fresh and fully realized representation of our show.

• Asked by: timtodd
Can the sample video and loops from AW's first contest be used in the second contest

That is a question for Acid Planet, who makes the rules for the contest.

• Asked by: timtodd
What criteria does AW use in judging? Creativity, Immersion, Authenticity, etc...?
At the end of the day, it’s all very subjective. If a video has the aforementioned qualities it will probably elicit this response from our writing staff: “Coooooool!” The video eliciting the most responses of “Coooooool!” will win.

• Asked by: timtodd
What new elements (games/contests/features) can we look forward too?

We have a couple more in mind but nothing concrete at the moment. Soon as we nail something down you will be the first group to know.

• Asked by: timtodd
What unique challenges were involved in creating Afterworld?
A book could be written on this topic! First and foremost, the challenge of creating a new business model in the entertainment industry has been both incredibly satisfying and incredibly frustrating. Our learning curve has been vertical. And every day we make more discoveries through simple trial and error. The other challenge worth mentioning is the production process itself. While the writing of three minute episodes has proven deceptively hard, producing three minutes of “non-animation” has turned out to be a monumental task for a number of reasons, the most obvious of which is the incredible level of design artistry which goes into every episode. Other challenges involve the daily distribution of episodes to multiple portals (all of which require different formatting)… the production of the journal (which was never intended to be as complex as it’s become)… not to mention the marketing and messaging of a multi-platform series to an audience not even sure what that phrase means!

• Asked by: timtodd
What has been the most unexpected development, from production to publishing and user involvement?
Most unexpected? Probably how unforgiving fans are with free entertainment! ;) When a promised episode is a couple hours late, man do we hear about it. Of course, we try to take fans’ impatience as a compliment. After all, the worst thing that could happen would be that no one cares…

• Asked by: X
Is the "Positive" in the genetic testing related to evolution in mankind, this evolution is a resistance to the electro magnitic charged atmosphere created around AC powered technologies?
Great question but the answer is simply too revealing. Here’s a hint, though: the genetic testing (found in Hastings’ house) is not necessarily related to the EMP, at least not in the ways you’re probably thinking (yes, we can read minds here.)

• Asked by: Anna
We always come into the story after Russ has escaped from the danger somehow, but just how does he manage it? We never actually see his escape, and yet in the next episode, he's far from his captors."?
It’s a fair question and, sorry to say, this answer is going to seem like a cop out. But the truth is, Afterworld does not do “action” and/or escape scenes well. We’ve tried a few and just were not happy with the results. We do know what scene has bothered you (yes, we read the Wall regularly) and that scene was scripted to indicate that while Charles was turning to shoot at Ellen, Russell wisely disappeared into the nearby brush. So that when Charles turned back… Russell was gone. After Subu extricates himself from Ted, he and Charles search the brush for Russell, but he’s vanished. In real life, this scene probably would’ve played out in 2-3 minutes… the entire length of an episode!

The point in all this is that we usually conceive the scenes in a realistic manner (or as realistic as most TV shows portray) but in our medium it becomes impossible to visually represent all the “action” beats in a given scene. And at the end of the day, our show is not concerned with the small details of escape so much as the emotional and psychological impact of the events on Russell. As writers it is not hard to contrive ways to escape almost any given situation – can you say MacGuyver? – so, in an effort to keep the story moving along, we often take the liberty of jumping you to the next meaningful encounter.

• Asked by: Anna
Just how is it that Bryson was unaware of the Fall itself, and yet knew that Russ had a bounty on his head?
Again, this detail does not move the story along so it did not make it into the episode. But an explanation was written in one of the drafts. And the answer is simple: he saw a “Wanted” poster somewhere on the fringe of the woods. The language on the poster is just vague enough that, we believe, Bryson could have just assumed Shoe had done what he’d done – committed a crime and fled into the Ozarks. Nothing about the poster says that the Fall has occurred.

And here are the most prevalent generalized questions I received in the latest round of emails and private messages...

• Have they ever reworked an episode because of forum posts?
Reworked? Not exactly. But we have “borrowed” some ideas from the Wall, as well as various suggestions on YouTube and MySpace. For instance, a fan pointed out early on that, with no one to put them out, there would probably be rampant fires burning in drier parts of the country – a fact we, admittedly, hadn’t considered. So we added that wrinkle to some latter episodes. Another example is many fans’ belief that Russell would be better off with a gun(s.) This was never a consideration in the early episodes – we had a point we wanted to make about violence begetting violence – but we decided to challenge this point of view in the second half of the season. We haven’t changed the point we’re making, but we have certainly modified our approach to explore this issue on a much deeper level… examining the emotional and psychological ramifications of murder (justified or not) on Russell.

• Have forum posts influenced the direction and feel that the story takes?
The forum posts have been incredibly enlightening. We have learned not only what fans like and don’t like about the Afterworld experience, but we have learned what details you focus and fixate on… what your expectations are for certain characters and subplots… and, most importantly, what kind or answers your are seeking. All this information has greatly influenced the way we wrote the last two weeks of Season One – it did not affect the facts as we have always known them, but it did affect the extent to which revealed or didn’t reveal certain facts. And ongoingly, we will continue to read the Wall as it will no doubt influence Season Two.

• Are any of the theories out there, close to the mark?
Interestingly there are a few theories out there that contain bits and pieces of what we consider “truth,” but we can honestly state that no theory yet posted comes close to explaining the Fall. That said, you must understand our job as writers was to create a complex and, hopefully, compelling backstory/mythology for our universe. To that end, we have taken great pains to build a narrative “swiss watch” with a lot of moving parts that would be very difficult (but definitely not impossible) to figure out. One hint: many important details have already been revealed by Episode 65… but those details may not have seemed as important to the big picture as they actually are. ;) Might wanna go back and watching some old AW episodes… oh, and read those journals again…

• Are there other stories being developed or to be developed? If so, will there be a beta test group?
By “other stories” we’re not sure if you mean other Afterworld stories… or other Electric Farm stories. If it’s the former, we will continue to reveal other characters’ stories in Afterwords. Through the “locked” sections of these stories we will be not only advancing alt storylines, but also planting clues to the bigger picture. Upcoming storylines include: Luther… Travis… Alice… and Ted (just to name a few.) If you’re talking about the latter, the next series from Electric Farm will be “The Gemini Division” starring Rosario Dawson. For more information on that show try a Google search…

• When the series finishes, will it be released to other media types (DVD/BluRay, etc?) If so, what extras might it include? (Timtodd phrased this the best)
We are planning a DVD release of Season One some time after the conclusion of the show’s distribution on web and mobile. On the DVD we are talking about including not only the original 2-3 min episodes but also the 15 min and 30 minute compilation episodes (one and two weeks, respectively, of episodes artfully cut together) – watching the show in larger clumps is, curiously, a much different experience.

We have plenty of “behind-the-scenes” footage on the making of Afterworld which will be included, along with some satiric remixes of certain episodes, a couple “lost” episodes and the original 8-minute “trailer” for Afterworld that launched the entire show two years ago. There will also be audio commentary tracks on select episodes and, Powers That Be willing, a preview of Season Two. Oh, and we might even throw in our secret recipe for Egg Salad (let’s see if anyone can guess the movie reference to that one…)

as posted on AfterworldTheories

Episode 66: Manhunt

2007-11-06T06:23:00.000+09:00

Russ and Gwen encounter a Millitia on the hunt for "Mole People"

sometimes the most difficult problem is solved by gaining a different perspective, that's what Gwen provided a fresh point of view on Russ current dilemma, go to NORAD or go Home ... it took Russ the better part of the day, but he got Gwen up to speed, great thing about Gwen is how she never pulled punches, always spoke her mind, feelings be damned, why do they need you to save mankind, she coincided that the EMP might be responsible for all the people disappering and the recent mutation, but if I were you I would do my homework on the EMP and Parthia, before I started switching switches ... there was no doubt that the planet and everything on it was going thru a radical transformation, but Gwen had a theory that Russ had not heard yet, she believed Earth was a living organism, that was dying, and like the human body does, the Earth cleansed itself of the toxins, mankind and all our technology, would turning off the EMP improve life, that's what he had to find out ... dogs barking, the dogs were owned by a Militia man, we are looking for Mole people, damn freaks have been looting our homes and stealing supplies, according to Barret, he and his men had been authorized by residents to hunt down these mutants, Russ looks to Gwen, what kind of mutants are we talking about, pasty white, beady eyes like rats, and live underground like the vermon they are, Barret told us it was not safe out tonight, there were sure to be some bullets flying, so one of the men recommended an Inn down the road ... new talk of mutants raised more question about the EMP, but the more pressing concerns were their accommodations ... sorry honeymoon sweet is not available, I suppose we can trust each other, for one night anyway, think I'll take a bath, Russ sees something green luminescent on the wall, then some footprints, he approaches the door, opens it, a mutant, Please, I need help

Afterworld on YouTube ....

2007-11-04T20:47:00.001+09:00

from YouTube user MDAaron1971

Episode 65: The Brother

2007-11-04T17:56:00.000+09:00

Amy gives birth to a second, unexpected baby

in the same way hope unites, fear divides, all of the harmony from the first birth disappears like a dream for the second, labor only lasted a few hours this time, but it felt like forever, a sense of dread hung in the air, there was no relief at all, it's a boy, I think ... that baby brought together all our fears in a form so, Russ actually felt nauseous, Gwen had to interbate for the child to breath ... it had no mouth, or nose, and not even any head to speak of, just a sack of flesh, esposed organs, you could hardly call it human ... Amy was sedated and the husband was with the baby girl, it won't make it, a child like this goes straight into ICU, the rest of its life will be spend on machines, Gwen believed a lethal injections was the only merciful thing to do, Russ disagreed, no parent would ever saction that, but Gwen insisted keeping the child alive without technology, require constant supervision, even then, you said it yourself Russell, we can't save everybody, I'll take the baby, under one condition, that the parents don't know it lived, it was a strange request, but Joan knew Amy better than anyone, knew that she was not equipped to deal with this child, but it was more than nobility, she all ways wanted a family, to take care of, Joan saw the child as a blessing, not a curse ... before The Fall, it would of been illegal to do what they did ... Amy and her husband were spared the burden of that second child, and the public were spared yet another thing to fear, at least until we learned what was causing all the mutations, Joan thanked us for all they did, they did not plan to leave together, they had been together for such a short time, but knowing the truth, how tangled up our lives would be, Russ would parted ways right there, but as it turned out Gwen would become a large part of Russ's life, for better and for worse

Episode 64: What Child is This

2007-11-04T07:18:00.000+09:00

The first child conceived after The Fall is finally born

the real miracle of child birth, is it's power to unite even strangers, in a celebration of life ... despite the ominous beginnings the four of them worked in perfect harmony, they put aside their personal agendas and fears, focussed only on the hope that a new born brings ... push, I need you to push Amy, Joan coached Amy along pushing her thru the pain, like only a big sister could, don't you dare give up on me, you can do this, and Amy's husband did the most important thing of all he held her hand, you are going to be OK babe, everything is going to be OK ... thirteen hours after labor began, they were rewarded with the most heavenly sound, a babies cry, it was a girl, a beautiful girl, and she was just as normal as the moon in the sky ... I'm so sorry babe, I'm never going to leave you and our little angel again, Amy decided to name the little girl Joan, I only wish that Mum and Dad were here, they would be so proud of you Amy, while Gwen ran thru post op procedures, Russ was elected to spread the good news, Russ told them the truth, every world of it, but it was not what some of them wanted to hear, it was like they wanted to know that the future of mankind was hopeless ... well that was a regular walk in the park, wasn't it, Joan confessed she was just as scared as everyone, that something unnatural would be delivered, she was going thru so many things, Russ offered her some advise, so many things are out of our control, you just cant save everybody, not alone anyway, you really are a saint, a knock, Doctor you got to come quick ... it did not take Gwen long to realise that there was still something inside Amy, something that wanted out, twins, Russell we will need more compresses

Episode 63: Complications

2007-11-01T06:30:00.000+09:00

Russ finds himself at a crossroad concerning Liam and Gwen

it was bound to happen, some people seeing the birth of that baby as a bad omen, despite all the warning signs though, Russ would not let himself go there, as a parent your greatest hope is that your child is born normal, but in such a strange world, what is normal ... we were all wrestling with the implications of that mutated calf, why would you bring that thing here, Amy needs to see what could happen to our baby, just because you are scared does not mean you have to scare her to, Gwen had given Amy a sedative to calm her down, but it was going to take more than that with the other two ... Russ told them, what Gwen had told him, that she had delivered more than a dozen babies since The Fall, and not one of them was anything but healthy, Russ also told them that he could relate to what they were both going thru, when his wife was pregnant there were complications, [a clue!!] an abnormal heart beat, the doctor said it could correct it self or result in a variety of birth defects, maybe even death, they were both scared, as the father Russ felt so helpless, it's all completely out of your control, no matter how terrified you are, you have to put on a brave face, Joan had never been married and never had kids, so this was all new to her ... just when Russ thought he had the situation under control, Gwen came in and said that they had a problem, Amy was going into labor, she was having violent contractions, and her water had just broken, Gwen did not have to say a word, they all knew this birth would not be normal

Afterworld Reimagined part 2

2007-10-31T20:17:00.000+09:00

About the Contest
If you’ve been following serialized media, then you know that Afterworld is the hottest thing around.

An episodic animated sci-fi series that’s got the ‘nets a’buzzing, Afterworld represents the next frontier in entertainment. And ACIDplanet.com ® will make you a part of it.

Russell Shoemaker learns that 99.9% of the population is missing, and all technology is dead.

Afterworld has provided us with music videos of footage compiled from the first 40 episodes of the show. These music videos feature New York City after 'The Fall', and Russell's harrowing journey to Seattle.

Your task is to create something new from the footage and/or audio provided. Be a VJ and edit the video with a remixed soundtrack and your own original score. Or create a remix of the audio to fit the video. Or leave the video alone, but create a new soundtrack. It’s anything you want – but, since this is a “VJ” event, it has to have video. Sharpen up your post-production skills and get to editing, ‘cause this is hot. And make sure your entries run two minutes or less.

On the third Monday of each month we’ll launch a new Afterworld contest. Entry periods end 11 days after launch, so you’ll need to stay on your toes. Winners will receive a bunch of swell prizes,including a Sony PSP, as well as having their entry posted on Afterworld.tv and MySpace.

How To Enter
First, create your remix of "Afterworld Reimagined part 2." If you don't already have ACID® software, download the free ACID XPRESS™ software. Next, download some of the loops. Using the ACID music creation software, paint the loops into your remix. When you're finished, return to this page and click the Upload My Entry button. Upload your track, and you've entered the contest.

Grand Prize Winner
• Sony PSP
• ACID Pro
• Sound Forge
• Vegas Pro
• Cinescore
• Five Standard Loop Libraries
• Two Cinescore Theme Packs
• Merchandise from Afterworld

Rules
• The contest begins Monday, October 29, 2007.
• All entries must be fully uploaded by 12:00 a.m. midnight PST on Friday, November 09, 2007.
• Entrants must be at least 13 years of age.
• Entrants must provide a Windows Media or Real Media version of their entry.
• Entrants must provide accurate contact information for the purpose of contacting winners.

At 12:00 a.m. midnight PST on Friday, November 09, 2007, the contest will be closed and no further uploads will be accepted. If you are new to ACIDplanet, you should create an account and upload a video as soon as possible so that you can work out any problems with uploading that you may encounter. Also, uploading a video can take a considerable amount of time. It's better not to wait until the last few hours of the contest to start uploading your entry.

Entrants must upload a Windows Media format or Real Media format version of their entry first. You will not be able to upload any additional formats after the contest closes, so if also you want to upload an additional format, please allow enough time to upload them both before the contest closing time.

Entrants must provide accurate contact information (valid e-mail and postal address) in their registration at ACIDplanet.com for the purpose of contacting winners. You can update your contact information here.

About Afterworld
Afterworld is a fully immersive sci-fi series with 130 episodes comprising Season One. A new kind of computer-animated entertainment that blends video games, graphic novels and anime into one dynamic experience.

Afterworld is about life on Earth after an inexplicable global event renders technology useless and 99.9% of the population missing.

The story follows the adventures of Russell Shoemaker, who wakes up in New York after 'The Fall' and is compelled to walk to Seattle in the faint hope that his wife and child have survived.

Russell's own harrowing journey, from technological dependence to total self-reliance, mirrors the world he discovers along the way, where other survivors are rebuilding society in strange and surprising ways. Piecing together the complex mystery of what caused the global event, Russell eventually paves the way for the bold new future of mankind.

as posted here

Video Reference: Afterworld

2007-10-31T20:15:00.000+09:00

My foray through YouTube brought me to Afterworld: an animated serial. Stylistically, this is what I am trying to achive: the gloomy ambience; the earthy color palette. Another thing that I noticed was that the characters do not move much. Most of the animation is done using Video Effects and Transitions. As I mentioned before, although the Heidi Ott dolls hold their poses well, getting convincingly realistic motion out of them will be difficult. So, my lesson from Afterworld: it isn't always necessary to have the characters moving in order to tell a compelling story.

as posted on Dollhouse Animation