Three years, enough research documents to write an impressive thesis paper, simulations, weapons training, discussions, designs, and a whole lot of action. In Dawnrunner terms, this all equals our first Sci Fi Episodic Series: TERMINUS. It was late in 2009, during the production of THE DARKEST MATTER, that Dawnrunner Writer Dan Bower and the DR team was getting ready to bed down for the night on our green screen soundstage (on military cots all lined up neatly in rows, much like a field barracks) that the idea was born. Starting with complaints about a recent Sci Fi film that was done (poorly in our opinions) we started discussing what we would do differently. Well, after a lot of work, and so much research as to make my high school teachers absolutely glow with pride, we are ready to announce our intentions to the world.
TERMINUS is a Sci Fi Action film, hell bent on changing the playing field for the genre. We’ve packed so much science into our action, it’s mind boggling. Our entire philosophy was, “We don’t have to prove it will work, we just have to prove it’s possible.” Geoff Peck, VFX Producer for Dawnrunner – has been doubling as a physicist in his copious spare time (sarcasm), and developing an intense amount of future-tech centered around this very militaristic war episodic. From numerous conversations with actual rocket scientists and physicists, to reading every journal entry we could find (dating as far back as 50 years old in some cases!), everything you see, feel, or is eluded to in the show has some grounding in reality. This was all important to us, for one critical reason: realistic space combat.
Writer, and debut Director for Dawnrunner – Dan Bower, is at the helm for this show! Having a passion for historical maritime combat, as well as military tactics in general, the call was made to put him in the drivers seat. It’s already been a fun ride for the crew, as very detail oriented Dan sculpts this action packed, tragic landscape of Humankind. The artwork of TERMINUS is incredibly important as well – resident Art Director Andrew Bower has really stepped up both his game, and his department for the challenge. In order to keep the two opposing fleets from sharing any kind of detail, it was decided early on to separate the Visual Development Artists into two teams: Alien and Human. Andrew has taken control of the design of the Human forces, while Fiona Herse Woo – multi-talented and incredible Dawnrunner Producer, has taken charge of the Alien Forces. We are also incredibly excited to partner with Dani Yuan of Dagger-6 Productions for all of our Costume and Prop Fabrication! To round the teams out we have enlisted some of the best up and coming Viz-Dev artists from around the Bay Area, and we cannot wait to share what they’ve come up with! This is one of the most talented bunch of artists Dawnrunner has worked alongside!
We are incredibly excited to bring back to another project Mr. Steaphen Fick from Davenriche European Martial Arts School as our Fight Choreographer and Trainer! We had the distinct honor of working with Steaphen on our most recent Feature Film project, TERRA, and were amazed at the breadth and depth of his martial knowledge. His passion for his art, and the creativity and flexibility he brings to the project will definitely bring TERMINUS to a whole new level of action! With Space comes a myriad of challenges and unique opportunities for combat; zero-g with pressure, zero-g without pressure, the hostile environment of space itself, etc! In our talks Steaphen’s eyes light up at the mention of these situations. We can already tell he’s planning some amazing fights! To round out this team, Dawnrunner is also in discussions and contract negotiations with an Industry veteran Actor, Stunt Coordinator, Stunt Man and Military Technical Advisor – who has worked on such Dawnrunner favorites as: Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, This Means War, Psych, SGU, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn and more! What space series could claim to be trying to achieve realism without some wire-work?! So we’re also in discussions with some amazing wire-stunt coordinators and are in the process of designing the next generation of wire-rigs – no gravity for you!
As you can see, we’ve put together an absolute powerhouse of talent for this show. Every moment Dawnrunner has put into this world, the characters, the tactics, for the last three years has been to challenge not only previous genre classics – but to challenge real space exploration! It’s a secret passion of ours to get into space, to explore, to adventure – through production of TERMINUS we will bring this passion to life here on earth! Although, Elias Woo, Cinematographer for TERMINUS, is still advocating to do our zero-g scenes on the G-Force One!
Anticipate more updates on the cast, extended crew, sneak peaks, and exciting new developments now that we have officially launched Production! As usual, the Dawnrunner team and I plan to share our process and information with you along the way!
This particular character is a member of a nomadic tribe who are always moving to keep ahead of the blight. An ever expanding, lifeless desert. That sort of life breeds intrepid, independent, hardy individuals. I wanted to keep a simple utilitarian sort of garment, something that would stand up to the miles, being worn day in and day out, but also something that had individual touches for that same reason. If you had to wear the same stuff all the time, it better be something you like. Something that is “you”. that’s what costume design is all about. No teenage girl of any background wants boring clothes, so a little bit here and there to make it more interesting. A little touch of color on the sleeves, and claws of some desert creature for buttons get the idea across that she lives a tough nomadic life but adds what she can to bring some vibrancy to her world.
Here is some of the reference that influenced some of my thinking for these designs. It is a simple, rugged design, that has little additions to make it more personal. Beads, some embroidered edges, and a decorated pouch go a long way to make it seem like a real persons outfit. In the drawing I added revisions to do that same thing. Tough boots. Patches on the elbows, and shoulders where the wear and tear would be the heaviest from backpacks and such. But also those bands along the edges to add that personality.
The final version that we shot with just a short few weeks ago. You can see Katy in action, and also a closer view of some of the details. You also see Lily in costume and hers is another great example of the evolution of the costumes over the course of Terra so far, but I’ll get into that in another post.
