Afterworld (Sci-Fi Show)
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| Afterworld | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama Science fiction Mystery |
| Created by | Brent V. Friedman & Michael DeCourcey |
| Developed by | Based on a Concept Developed by Brent V. Friedman & Michael DeCourcey |
| Directed by | Stan Rogow |
| Starring | see below |
| Narrated by | Roark Critchlow |
| Theme music composer | Sam Winans |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| No. of episodes | Originally planned for 130, but the series has been extended. |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
Stan Rogow Brent V. Friedman |
| Producer(s) | John Alexander Reed, Adam Sigel and Marlin Davis |
| Running time | approx. 3 minutes per episode |
| Broadcast | |
| Original airing | February 28, 2007 |
| External links | |
| Official website | |
| IMDb profile | |
Afterworld is an American science fiction television series created by writer Brent V. Friedman and artist/filmmaker Michael DeCourcey. Its naturalistic future setting, modelled after traditional Western movie motifs, presents an atypical science fiction backdrop for the narrative. Friedman served as executive producer, along with Stan Rogow.
Afterworld premiered in the United States on the YouTube and Bud.tv on February 28, 2007 with the production website being launched in May, 2007. The series quickly built a loyal fanbase but did not really take off until August, 2007 when it was 're-released' on MySpace. In conjunction with that release the series was also released in Australia on the Sci Fi Channel and also as a mobile pod-cast.
Contents |
[edit] Production
 |
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (June 2008) |
[edit] Format
Flash video file
[edit] Plot
After travelling 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, while recording and telling all of the events in his journal. Afterworld is the story of Russell's 3,000-mile (4,800 km) trek across a post-apocalyptic America as he encounters the strange new societies rebuilding themselves. Along the way, he also attempts to solve the mystery of what caused this global event, which survivors refer to as "the Fall."
In addition to new forms of government, Russell discovers that technology has failed due to a persistent electromagnetic pulse, a product of a collection of satellites that was activated almost simultaneously to the Fall. An additional side effect of the EMP is the rapid mutation of many forms of life, including Shoemaker himself. He describes that his night-vision has improved dramatically, along with his endurance. Other examples are seen in cattle Russell happens across, who're dying of a previously unheard of flesh-eating disease.
Russell's journey eventually brings him to a nearly deserted San Francisco, and the headquarters of an organization known as the Parthia Group, who had developed a form of nano-technology, which identified humans with a particular genetic makeup.
[edit] Cast
[edit] Main characters
Russell Shoemaker (Age: 30) The protagonist of Afterworld, an advertising executive from Seattle, Washington. In hope of scoring big by spreading his campaign, he travels to New York City. On the first night he realizes that something is wrong and later finds out about the Fall. He starts travelling home after the Fall. During his journey he come across many people and creates friends and enemies. He hears many theories about what may have caused the Fall from various factions and individuals during his journey.
Janelle Shoemaker Russell's wife and mother to his daughter, Kizzy. Her last residence was Seattle before "The Fall."
Kizzy Shoemaker The daughter of Russell and Janelle Shoemaker. Russell has several dreams of his daughter which could prove to be important throughout the series.
[edit] NYC characters
Officer Delondre Baines A fair NYPD mounted police officer. She witnessed "The Fall" firsthand during her night beat. The event had a profound impact on her. Delondre eventually finds herself in New Eden, and, after being converted to their belief system, is sent to kill Russell Shoemaker, known to the members of New Eden as The Walker, under the guise of the Fourth Horseman.
Mr. Tanaka A Japanese immigrant and World War II atomic bomb survivor. He also survived the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers. Tanaka gives Russell the first compelling theory about "The Fall."
Battery Bill Just embarked on a lucrative trade business with Flashlight Sue. Murdered by The Pack (a gang of hooligan survivors) before he could start his new life with Sue.
Sue Hollister A.K.A. Flashlight Sue Joined Battery Bill as a business partner after "The Fall," but is devastated when Battery Bill is murdered by The Pack.
Marla Baker Lost her husband to "The Fall" and is a mother of Jason Baker. Russell attempts to protect Marla and Jason from the violent gang, The Pack.
Jason Baker Marla's seven year old son who is rescued by Russell from The Pack.
[edit] Philadelphia Characters
Eli Lost everything he had in 1999 for reasons he does not disclose. He became homeless in NYC shortly thereafter. He rescues Rusell when he is severely injured in a bicycle accident. He gives Russell the idea that carrying a gun will only cause more violence and problems, so Russell takes Eli's advice to heart and discards his firearm that Delondre gave him. Russel later has a dream of Eli, where tells him that he was originally a wealthy jeweller in New York, but broke down after shooting an innocent man who he thought was trying to kill him.
Jack Hastings Although Russell does not actually encounter the actual Jack Hastings in this part of the series, he raids Hastings's mansion for vital supplies and information. What Russell discovers is that Jack Hastings is the Speaker of the House of Representatives. After reading several documents in Jack Hastings' office, Russ discovers that Jack could be a possible terrorist and key figure involved in "The Fall."
Ed Hanley Astronomer from Virginia and a fugitive from a religious cult that was created after "The Fall." Russell runs into Ed while he is being chased by the infamous cult. Ed hands him a picture of something from outerspace and tells him to run when he witnesses his chasers.
Horseman #1 Not much is known about the first horseman during Philadelphia episodes except that he is one of Ed's hunters.
[edit] New Eden, PA Characters
John Daggert A.K.A. JD Former insurance salesman. He experienced a life-changing awakening when he witnessed his son's disappearance during "The Fall." Now he is the self-appointed leader and prophet of New Eden. He shows Russell a picture he had taken of his son disappearing during "The Fall."
Abby A home schooled teenager before "The Fall." She is now one of JD's loyal disciples.
Luther Gates A former mailman originally from Maryland. Reluctant occupant of New Eden because he was captured by the horsemen (New Eden's assassins/kidnappers.) He shows Russell through a telescope that there is a satellite or EMP in outerspace, which means that not all of technology had disappeared. He also helps Russ escape New Eden.
[edit] Broadcast history
Bud.tv : February 28, 2007 - present
Youtube.com : February 28, 2007 - present
Myspace.com : August 2007 - present
Sci-Fi Channel : August 2007 - present
Vuze.com : March 2008 - present
Channel 4 : April 12, 2008 - present
Axn East Asia : May, 2008 - present (Daily) 7.00pm Sin
[edit] External links
- Afterworld.tv - The US Afterworld Production Site (only available in selected countries)
- Broadcast Quality Afterworld Episodes: - Released on March 28, 2008 all AW episodes are now available to view in broadcast quality on Vuze (only available in selected countries)
- Afterworld Word Wall - The US Afterworld Discussion Forum (only available in selected countries)
- Afterworld Theories.com - US Afterworld fan site with a plethora of afterworld resources including original scripts from the show, a record of all major theories about the show, research links, and a section where the Afterworld Production Team answers fan questions.
- SciFi Channel Australia: Afterworld
- Afterworld Blog - Daily blog update about Afterworld
