The Plunge of Icarus
The inaugural CineNovel®
CineNovel®, (a trademarked company) has been formed to create a new genre of illustrated storybooks for the burgeoning e-book market and computer-capable e-readers, as well as publishing a line of unique, high-quality coffee table books in traditional print.
CineNovel® represents a new faucet and direction for the graphic novel, utilizing actors, props, sets, wardrobe, and still photography (much like shooting a film), and marrying the still frames to a full literary manuscript with dynamic graphics for a thoroughly unique visual reading experience.
The Story
The Plunge of Icarus is a highly imaginative futuristic story set on the isle of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Mount Olympus has been resurrected, built into an omnipotent air force power, lording its dominance over the Earth in a strange, never explained war. The pilots that make up this force have been raised since birth to believe they are the new Greek gods, taking their names from the pages of the Greek Myths. Each day they take their supersonic planes into endless sorties over nameless targets in the north, doing battle with an equally nameless enemy, never questioning what it is they do.
Icarus is Olympus’ top flier. A fearless, emotionless, dutiful fighter pilot who never questions his actions – until one day when he comes face to face with the never before seen enemy. The experience sends him into a tailspin of confusion and sets him on a course of discovery, for the truth behind Mount Olympus’ global intentions, as well as his own emotional saneness.
The Plunge of Icarus is an insightful story about life, death, and war – wrapped inside an unexpected romance, as Icarus finds love with the beautiful Adrasteia (The “inescapable one”), one of the nymphs of the island.
Warning: This project contains mature themes and is intended for a mature audience.
The Production
Principal photography has been completed on The Plunge of Icarus and we are currently in post-production, compositing the images and creating CGI.
For The Plunge of Icarus we shot green screen on-stage in Hollywood, with background plates shot at various locations, including the Frank Loyd Wright/Ennis House and (due to a rare US Air Force endorsement) Edwards Air Force Base.
The Platform
This is a major independent publishing effort, intended for a global market, set to be a major game-changer in the rapidly evolving e-reader market. Starting a publishing company and being able to produce this unique work as a finely printed coffee table book and adapt it for e-readers is an expensive undertaking. CineNovel® is intent on remaining totally independent and to complete this project with the quality it deserves and in a fashion that will ensure the emergence of a unique brand.
This is a rare opportunity to be involved with the nucleus of a new genre of storytelling while perpetuating the spirit of independence in an increasingly corporate landscape.