The Silent
Universe—an edgy SciFi drama with a “choose your own adventure”
twist—premiered on
www.silentuniverse.com and
iTunes.Until
recently, podcasting
has been a high-tech version of a poor man’s talk radio. On
February 15th, the Silent Universe—an edgy SciFi drama with a
“choose your own adventure” twist—premiered on
www.silentuniverse.com and iTunes (first episode available at
here. More available
here.). In the series of
monthly episodes, agents of the secret counter-terrorist
organization “SERENDIPITY" will fight to undermine the deadly
efforts of dictators, assassins, warlords and political
extremists. But what makes this dramatic podcast truly unique is
that its audience will be able to guide the storyline by giving
ideas and feedback through a dedicated set of internet
forums.
With
a style of drama that mixes elements of “24” and the new
“Battlestar Galactica,” each episode of the Silent Universe
reveals layers of suspense and intrigue that leaves audiences
guessing at what twists its plot will take next. Its motley cast
of characters includes weapons specialists, a computer hacker,
an ex-mercenary and even a casino tycoon, all forced to go to
extreme lengths to prevent tragedy from striking the solar
system. In a world where nuclear weapons are common to even the
poorest countries and the United Nations is nothing but a quaint
historical footnote, even the smallest conflict between powers
can threaten to plunge mankind into Armageddon.
Interactivity is the key to Silent Universe’s appeal, though.
Fans will have the opportunity to participate directly in the
story development process, working side-by-side with the
production team by offering critiques and suggestions in the
online forums (www.silentuniverse.com/forums).
This kind of “open” storytelling will encourage listeners of the
Silent Universe to get invested in the podcast; upgrading them
from a passive audience to active loyal partners in the series—a
point that is often lost on large scale entertainment producers
today.
Starting on February 15th, and proceeding at an
episode-per-month pace, the Silent Universe podcast will paint a
world that is futuristic, yet hauntingly reflective of modern
themes. The 11 episodes of its first season will draw in
audiences with its unapologetic exposé of human interest, while
maintaining the thrill of a masterfully written SciFi adventure.
With a talented cast of professional voice artists and an edgy
concept which takes pride in turning space opera clichés on
their ear, the Silent Universe will prove the viability of a new
paradigm in podcast production.
The Silent Universe podcast is a StarKnight Interactive
production, featured at
www.silentuniverse.com. Brainchild of maverick writer J.
Marcus Xavier, whose imaginings have earned him public
recognition from sources like the Sci Fi Channel’s Science
Fiction Weekly, Nintendo Power Magazine, NetSurfer Digest and
TheForce.net, the podcast represents the next innovation in a
pathway of interactive online storytelling first championed by
Xavier in TrekWars: The Furry Conflict (www.furryconflict.com).
iTUNES Subscription link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=121046937&s=143441
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac,
Mac OS, Macintosh, iTunes and iPod are trademarks of Apple.
Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
