WHAT IS AETHER: A WEBSERIES?
Aether is a 12-episode sci-fi drama webseries. It tells the story of two teens, Tyler and Bernadette, who are beta testers for a brand new, fully immersive gaming system called Aether. It’s a VRMMORPG - that stands for “virtual reality, massive multi-player role-playing game.”
Inside the game, there are adventures, quests, and a pristine world, based off of our own, for them to explore. The game world is set in a post-apocalyptic future. For those who are wondering Aether is an adventure epic quest type game, not a first-person shooter. There is plenty of content already out there focused on that and we want to be different. We want to explore the fun and joy that can be found in going on a grand adventure. And that is what Aether is, a grand adventure. The real world is set in the not-so-distant future, where universal wifi is common, but homework is still a drag. Where gaming graphics look as real as real-life, but parents and teens are still at odds.
In their real lives, Tyler and Bernadette have real problems that many of us can relate to. Tyler struggles at school partially because of his gaming habit. Though he does try. Bernadette is strong and independent. She does not need a knight in shining armor to rescue her. Though she does get herself into sticky situations now and again where a partner comes in handy. Each episode also reveals details of a conspiracy going on behind the scenes of the new technology. In the wrong hands, it could cause a global crisis.
WHY ARE YOU MAKING AETHER?
We are a group of award-winning filmmakers passionate about telling new stories in new ways. We are based in the beautiful state of Virginia, where we’ve all been working in the film and television industry for many years. Each of us has a unique skill-set to bring to the table.
One of our main goals is to showcase the talents of the amazing actors and crew based here in Virginia. To make that happen, we want to create original content, born from storytellers right here at home. “Aether” is one such story, and we plan to shoot this project right here in Eastern Virginia, with the crew and talent based in this area.
The Aether webseries is actually a prequel to a larger sci-fi political thriller that we are hoping to shop around soon. We want to pitch this full-length television series to platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, or a television network. Having a full television series produced right here in Virginia would bring jobs to the creative workforce, as well as helping bring money to the state and other industries.
In April 2018, Netflix sent an open letter to the governor of Virginia, stating their strong interest in shooting more films and shows in this state. Could Aether be one of those shows?
This webseries will serve as a proof-of-concept, when we are ready to pitch the full show to networks. That is why it is crucial to get this project off the ground now. But we need your help to get there and realize these dreams.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
We need $6,000 to produce the first 6 episodes of Aether. All of that money goes toward what you actually see on screen, such as wardrobe, props, and locations.
After that is raised, we have a stretch goal to raise an additional $$$$, in order to pay our cast and crew. As of now, the cast and crew are generously volunteering their time to work on this project. We want to be fully funded - stretch goal and all - so we can do justice to this story and to the amazing people who are helping us create it.
WHERE EXACTLY DOES THE MONEY GO?
Your donations will cover the following budget items:
In-game Wardrobe $1,300
Real-world Wardrobe $500
Props $450
Locations $500
Meals for Cast & Crew $1,360
Expendables $190
Fees $300
Production Insurance $1400
TOTAL $6,000
WHAT ARE THE PERKS?
Glad you asked! To the right, you can browse the different funding areas available. Each area comes with a different perk - a thank you gift from us to you. In addition, you (or your business) will be listed as a special thank-you in the credits. We deeply appreciate ANY donation amount. We realize there are a lot of worthy projects out there, and we are humbled that you’ve chosen to support ours.
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS I CAN HELP?
Yes there are! We understand not everyone can contribute financially. But, there are other important ways you can help this project succeed:
First, please help us spread the word to other potential donors by sharing this campaign link on Facebook and Twitter.
Secondly, please invite your friends to join the “Aether: A Webseries” group on Facebook. This is where we are building a fanbase for the show. Establishing a fanbase NOW, will help us demonstrate to networks that there’s interest in producing this series. This is one place where the numbers really matter. So please, join the group and invite friends!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/287690758669835
