Our Story
Michael Dziura and Archangel Media are in the process of creating a multi-format, digital multi-platform, Sci-Fi/Western graphic novel in the tradition of
Escape From New York, the
Mad Max trilogy,
Blade Runner,
Heavy Metal and
Epic Illustrated. The goal is to bring the flavor of the early 80s (the days of compelling, cutting-edge, adult-oriented graphic monthlies, sardonic anti-heroes, and complete disregard for taste) into the 2010s, and to do so with all of the tools that the 21st century has to offer.
Volume I (or the first season) of
Starfish will be released in monthly chapters, each of which will be presented as either a short film, comic, prose narrative, or a combination of these forms.
Chapter 1, "Accident and Force," is currently in pre-production, and is scheduled to be shot in August and September, and edited and finished in October. Release is scheduled for January 2012, with eleven more chapters to follow.
We plan to release Volume I in multiple platforms, including through a dedicated website, and on mobile devices.
We know this is an ambitious project, but we are all intensely excited, dedicated, and driven, and we hope to get all of you just as excited.
Starfish is a story about what happens when individual liberty and collective responsibility collide.
It is a story about honor, duty, and difficult choices.
It is a story about love and promises.
Most importantly, it is a story about hope in the face of despair.
Oh, and there are totally sweet guns, genetically enhanced soldiers, a ton of bloodhsed, and plenty of mind-blowing surprises.
We have a script, a camera, two incredible leads, and a computer. We are ready to go . . . with a little help from you.
The Impact
The funding deadline is Michael's 41st birthday, which seemed a good date to wrap up the campaign. Don't hesitate to give early, though, as we have already started working, and we can always stand to raise more than our goal. Besides, early birthday presents are just as awesome!
What We Need & What You Get
We have the cast and the basic equipment, but we really need your help in order to make our dream a reality. We might be able to make this first chapter without assistance, but that would only make it "good enough," and it would leave the full story arc unfinished. We want Starfish to be everything it can be, and that takes more funding than we currently have. Your contributions will help throughout production and post-production, with everything from image and sound recording/capture and processing, to ammunition, props, and costumes, to location fees, to visual effects, to distribution and promotion.
Please help us in any way you can, and we promise to make it count.
Every cent will go toward the creation of a dynamic, exciting, and innovative story.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please help us to get the word out. Share this link with your friends, and ask them to share it with their friends. The only way truly independent storytelling can continue to thrive is through the efforts of a large community.
