The Films: About
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See also:
Behind the Scenes |
Key Points:
- Live action shorts and supposedly one feature film, "Depth", were made in support of SOMA;
- The films were produced by Imagos Films, an independent film company based in Seattle, WA;
- The first two short films (and the ARG which accompanied their release) were inspired by the SCP Foundation;
- The production codename for "Depth" is "Project Apophis";
- "Vivarium" and "Mockingbird" were shot back-to-back at LeftJet Studios in Seattle, WA, over the course of nine days;
- "Depth" was shot primarily at the Satsop Business Park in Elma, WA, over the course of 23 days, ending on the 1st of August 2014;
- The first pick-up shots for "Depth" were obtained at LeftJet Studios over the course of a week, ending on the 6th November 2014;
- The final session of pick-up shots, and final wrap on the film, occurred on the 13th of May 2015;
- Like the first two teaser films, "Depth" will be an internet release, but its details on IMDb also hint at a possible theatrical release;
- "Depth" was allegedly to be released at the same time as SOMA on the 22nd of September 2015, but this didn't come to pass and the actual release of "Depth" is still a mystery;
- Portions of "Depth" began to appear as a daily series on the Frictional Games YouTube channel on the 28th of September 2015;
- 2016 saw the beginning of a new social media campaign which heavily implies that the full version of "Depth" will be released in that year.
Several live action films have been made in support of SOMA, offering background and context for the game's plot. The first two films, "Vivarium" and "Mockingbird", were short teaser films which were part of a wider ARG (alternate reality game). A full-length feature film called "Depth", [1] [2] whose codename is "Project Apophis", [3] has been produced and is awaiting a general release. Originally, it was due to be available sometime in 2015, according to the film's director in a September 2014 interview with Renegade Cinema. [4] However, it appears to have been pushed back to 2016, with a new array of social media teasing for the film beginning in January of that year, including the use of the hashtag #2016. [5] When the existence of "Depth" was first made public, it was expected to be released congruently with the game, taking place "eleven months after the [...] asteroid strike" which sets the stage for SOMA's storyline, [6] [7] but the September 2015 release date of SOMA came and went, leaving the actual release of "Depth" uncertain, up until the January 2016 social media teasing campaign began.
The first two teaser films were accompanied by a corresponding "file" on the official SOMA website. These files, and indeed the films themselves, were heavily inspired by the SCP Foundation, an online creative writing community which focuses on horror stories involving the containment of otherworldly specimens. [8] The remaining 5 vacant slots were populated with new files on the 22nd of May 2015, [9] further expanding upon the back story of the PATHOS-2 research facility and its inhabitants. Short GIF animations, apparently taken from "Depth", were included in 3 of the new files: Surveyor, Pseudomemory and Warning. [10] [11] [12]
The production of the films was contracted to Imagos Films, an independent film company based in Seattle, WA. [13] The director of the films is Don Thacker, who is also the head of Imagos and has a performance role in the feature film "Depth". [14] The scripts were penned by both Mikael Hedberg (Frictional Games' main writer for SOMA) and Don Thacker. [15]
"Vivarium" and "Mockingbird" were shot back-to-back at LeftJet Studios in Seattle, WA. [16] [17] Each film took roughly 3 days to prepare and shoot, and both were completed during September 2013. [18] [19] [20] [21] "Vivarium" was released to the public via the Frictional Games YouTube channel on the 1st of October 2013, and "Mockingbird" followed a week later on the 7th. [22] [23] "Depth", too, will be an internet release, but whether or not this is the only format in which it will be available is unclear; a "theatrical ratio" is included with its technical specifications on IMDb. [24]
Preparation for "Depth" involved training some of the actors in floatation tanks, in combat and stunt work, and in wire suspension. [25] [26] [27] The film was shot primarily at the Satsop Business Park in Elma, WA, which contains large nuclear cooling towers and industrial areas. [28] Virtually all of the actors are based in or around Seattle and many have had past experience with Imagos Films, including the first two teaser films. [29]
Among the film-making techniques employed for the short films is the use of green screen and CGI. "Depth", too, will make use of these technologies to some extent, as can be seen in the images on the Behind the Scenes page. [30]
Pre-production of "Depth" began sometime in May of 2014, [31] with principle photography wrapping on the 1st of August 2014 after a 23-day shoot. [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] Pick-up shots were obtained at Leftjet Studios over the course of about a week in November 2014. [37] [38] The final session of pick-up shots, and the final wrap on the film, occurred on the 13th of May 2015. [39] The release date of "Depth" is listed as the 22nd of September 2015 on IMDb, but this has turned out to be inaccurate. [40] A definitive release date has not yet been confirmed by either Frictional Games or Imagos Films.
The story of "Depth" seems to have strong links with the story of SOMA. The casting call for the film states that it takes place in PATHOS-2, [7] which is where SOMA also takes place. At a Crypticon 2014 panel discussion with the film's production company, Imagos Films, it was further stated that the film is a "collaboration with Frictional Games set in the universe of Frictional‘s highly anticipated sci-fi survival horror game SOMA." [41] That the film was alleged to be released "congruently" with the game further suggests that the two are closely related, although this congruent release didn't happen. The story of SOMA, which was released on the 22nd of September 2015, is now known to connect quite strongly to events and characters depicted in "Depth".
On the 28th of September 2015, the first in a daily series of short portions of "Depth" began appearing on the Frictional Games YouTube channel under the title "SOMA: Transmissions". They can be seen here. Please note that they contain minor spoilers for SOMA, so be sure to play the game before watching the videos.
To find information in social media about the films, check the following hashtags:
"Vivarium"
#dupersecretproject (Twitter)
#dupersecretproject (Instagram, via Iconosquare)
"Mockingbird"
#fupersecretproject (Twitter)
#fupersecretproject (Instagram, via Iconosquare)
"Depth"
#projectapophis (Twitter)
#projectapophis (Facebook)
#projectapophis (Instagram, via Iconosquare)
You can also follow the social media accounts of the Cast & Crew.
The first two teaser films were accompanied by a corresponding "file" on the official SOMA website. These files, and indeed the films themselves, were heavily inspired by the SCP Foundation, an online creative writing community which focuses on horror stories involving the containment of otherworldly specimens. [8] The remaining 5 vacant slots were populated with new files on the 22nd of May 2015, [9] further expanding upon the back story of the PATHOS-2 research facility and its inhabitants. Short GIF animations, apparently taken from "Depth", were included in 3 of the new files: Surveyor, Pseudomemory and Warning. [10] [11] [12]
The production of the films was contracted to Imagos Films, an independent film company based in Seattle, WA. [13] The director of the films is Don Thacker, who is also the head of Imagos and has a performance role in the feature film "Depth". [14] The scripts were penned by both Mikael Hedberg (Frictional Games' main writer for SOMA) and Don Thacker. [15]
"Vivarium" and "Mockingbird" were shot back-to-back at LeftJet Studios in Seattle, WA. [16] [17] Each film took roughly 3 days to prepare and shoot, and both were completed during September 2013. [18] [19] [20] [21] "Vivarium" was released to the public via the Frictional Games YouTube channel on the 1st of October 2013, and "Mockingbird" followed a week later on the 7th. [22] [23] "Depth", too, will be an internet release, but whether or not this is the only format in which it will be available is unclear; a "theatrical ratio" is included with its technical specifications on IMDb. [24]
Preparation for "Depth" involved training some of the actors in floatation tanks, in combat and stunt work, and in wire suspension. [25] [26] [27] The film was shot primarily at the Satsop Business Park in Elma, WA, which contains large nuclear cooling towers and industrial areas. [28] Virtually all of the actors are based in or around Seattle and many have had past experience with Imagos Films, including the first two teaser films. [29]
Among the film-making techniques employed for the short films is the use of green screen and CGI. "Depth", too, will make use of these technologies to some extent, as can be seen in the images on the Behind the Scenes page. [30]
Pre-production of "Depth" began sometime in May of 2014, [31] with principle photography wrapping on the 1st of August 2014 after a 23-day shoot. [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] Pick-up shots were obtained at Leftjet Studios over the course of about a week in November 2014. [37] [38] The final session of pick-up shots, and the final wrap on the film, occurred on the 13th of May 2015. [39] The release date of "Depth" is listed as the 22nd of September 2015 on IMDb, but this has turned out to be inaccurate. [40] A definitive release date has not yet been confirmed by either Frictional Games or Imagos Films.
The story of "Depth" seems to have strong links with the story of SOMA. The casting call for the film states that it takes place in PATHOS-2, [7] which is where SOMA also takes place. At a Crypticon 2014 panel discussion with the film's production company, Imagos Films, it was further stated that the film is a "collaboration with Frictional Games set in the universe of Frictional‘s highly anticipated sci-fi survival horror game SOMA." [41] That the film was alleged to be released "congruently" with the game further suggests that the two are closely related, although this congruent release didn't happen. The story of SOMA, which was released on the 22nd of September 2015, is now known to connect quite strongly to events and characters depicted in "Depth".
On the 28th of September 2015, the first in a daily series of short portions of "Depth" began appearing on the Frictional Games YouTube channel under the title "SOMA: Transmissions". They can be seen here. Please note that they contain minor spoilers for SOMA, so be sure to play the game before watching the videos.
To find information in social media about the films, check the following hashtags:
"Vivarium"
#dupersecretproject (Twitter)
#dupersecretproject (Instagram, via Iconosquare)
"Mockingbird"
#fupersecretproject (Twitter)
#fupersecretproject (Instagram, via Iconosquare)
"Depth"
#projectapophis (Twitter)
#projectapophis (Facebook)
#projectapophis (Instagram, via Iconosquare)
You can also follow the social media accounts of the Cast & Crew.
References:
[1] IMDb listing for "Depth".
[2] "Imagos Films writer/director Don Thacker and select cast discuss DEPTH, an upcoming trans-media feature film collaboration with Frictional Games set in the universe of Frictional‘s highly anticipated sci-fi survival horror game SOMA."
[3] "Depth" is referred to as "Project Apophis" throughout the production's social media communications.
[4] The September 2014 interview with director Don Thacker, in which he outlines the details of the upcoming feature film "Depth".
[5] This tweet from Imagos Films on the 14th of January 2016 marks the beginning of a new social media campaign to advertise the film's release sometime in 2016.
[6] "#DEPTH will be released congruently with the horror game - the game takes place 19 years in the future... #projectapophis #crypt14"
[7] This casting call for "Depth" explains its plot as follows: "Eleven months after the surface of the earth was destroyed by [an] asteroid strike, scientists in the sub-sea facility Pathos 2, struggle to remain sane, alive, and human in an increasingly threatening environment."
[8] Thomas Grip: "First I guess I have to settle the big debate: Are these inspired by SCP? And, yes they are! That was actually the pitch for the whole thing: 'Let's have some SCP-like texts on the website to give out spooky and fragmented info before the final trailer is released.'. The game itself is however not very close to the SCP-style at all."
[9] This forum post denotes the addition of 5 extra "Files" to the SOMA website.
[10] The "Surveyor" File, apparently showing a short clip from "Depth".
[11] The "Pseudomemory" File, apparently showing a short clip from "Depth".
[12] The "Warning" File, apparently showing a short clip from "Depth".
[13] Imagos Films on IMDb.
[14] Don Thacker's credits on IMDb.
[15] Mikael Hedberg's credits on IMDb.
[16] "We start the #fupersecretproject. #imagosfilms @ LeftJet Studios"
[17] "Being fuper ferious on the fet of #FuperSecretProject. With @ImagosFilms, @LeftJet Ftudios. Filming imminent."
[18] "Build day 1 on #DuperSecretProject @ LeftJet Studios" [18th of September 2013]
[19] "Stuck in mega traffic otw to the set of #fupersecretproject. #imagosfilms @ Imagos Films" [24th September 2013]
[20] "12% means something awesome happens Monday... #dupersecretproject #fupersecretproject" [27th September 2013]
[21] "That's a wrap on the #fupersecretproject! Thant you so much, my incredible cast and crew!" [27th September 2013]
[22] See the published date in the video's details.
[23] See the published date in the video's details.
[24] The technical specifications of "Depth" on IMDb state: "16:9 HD (internet release)" and "2.35 : 1 (theatrical ratio)".
[25] Don Thacker: "Put another two actors into the tanks overnight at @floatseattle for #projectapophis."
[26] Vanessa McMeekin: "Actors prepare at #stuntschool for #projectapophis."
[27] Don Thacker: "Prepping for some wire work. #projectapophis #sancaseattle"
[28] The Satsop website describes its facilities, and as can be seen in the Behind the Scenes location images, this facility is used extensively in the shoot.
[29] Check the résumés and biographies of the cast in the Cast & Crew section.
[30] As can be seen in this image from the set of "Depth", green screen technology is used extensively.
[31] The casting call for the film explains that the film "shoots late May-June, in the Seattle, WA area."
[32] Don Thacker: "Principle photography has wrapped on #projectapophis." - 2nd of August 2014 PDT
[33] Tracy Shrier: "It's about that time for #projectapophis to #GTFOH #filminWA http://instagram.com/p/rM-KPMC8i8/" - 2nd of August 2014 PDT
[34] Josh Truax in conversation with other members of the production, on the 2nd of August 2014 PDT.
[35] Wonder Russell: "Last day here [at the Satsop Business Park]." - 1st of August 2014 PDT
[36] "'You just came off a 23 day shoot, what are you going to do with your life?' #projectapophis "
[37] Tweet from the make-up room on the first day of the pick-up shoot, posted on the 31st of October 2014.
[38] Wonder Russell: "Picture wrapped #projectapophis last night, straight into a three day intensive for #Actorswork today. All the make believe!" [7th of November 2014]
[39] Don Thacker: "Full wrap on #projectapophis. I’m collapsing now. Thankful. Broken, but thankful."
[40] The IMDb entry for "Depth" lists its release date as the 22nd of September 2015.
[41] Source of quoted text.
[1] IMDb listing for "Depth".
[2] "Imagos Films writer/director Don Thacker and select cast discuss DEPTH, an upcoming trans-media feature film collaboration with Frictional Games set in the universe of Frictional‘s highly anticipated sci-fi survival horror game SOMA."
[3] "Depth" is referred to as "Project Apophis" throughout the production's social media communications.
[4] The September 2014 interview with director Don Thacker, in which he outlines the details of the upcoming feature film "Depth".
[5] This tweet from Imagos Films on the 14th of January 2016 marks the beginning of a new social media campaign to advertise the film's release sometime in 2016.
[6] "#DEPTH will be released congruently with the horror game - the game takes place 19 years in the future... #projectapophis #crypt14"
[7] This casting call for "Depth" explains its plot as follows: "Eleven months after the surface of the earth was destroyed by [an] asteroid strike, scientists in the sub-sea facility Pathos 2, struggle to remain sane, alive, and human in an increasingly threatening environment."
[8] Thomas Grip: "First I guess I have to settle the big debate: Are these inspired by SCP? And, yes they are! That was actually the pitch for the whole thing: 'Let's have some SCP-like texts on the website to give out spooky and fragmented info before the final trailer is released.'. The game itself is however not very close to the SCP-style at all."
[9] This forum post denotes the addition of 5 extra "Files" to the SOMA website.
[10] The "Surveyor" File, apparently showing a short clip from "Depth".
[11] The "Pseudomemory" File, apparently showing a short clip from "Depth".
[12] The "Warning" File, apparently showing a short clip from "Depth".
[13] Imagos Films on IMDb.
[14] Don Thacker's credits on IMDb.
[15] Mikael Hedberg's credits on IMDb.
[16] "We start the #fupersecretproject. #imagosfilms @ LeftJet Studios"
[17] "Being fuper ferious on the fet of #FuperSecretProject. With @ImagosFilms, @LeftJet Ftudios. Filming imminent."
[18] "Build day 1 on #DuperSecretProject @ LeftJet Studios" [18th of September 2013]
[19] "Stuck in mega traffic otw to the set of #fupersecretproject. #imagosfilms @ Imagos Films" [24th September 2013]
[20] "12% means something awesome happens Monday... #dupersecretproject #fupersecretproject" [27th September 2013]
[21] "That's a wrap on the #fupersecretproject! Thant you so much, my incredible cast and crew!" [27th September 2013]
[22] See the published date in the video's details.
[23] See the published date in the video's details.
[24] The technical specifications of "Depth" on IMDb state: "16:9 HD (internet release)" and "2.35 : 1 (theatrical ratio)".
[25] Don Thacker: "Put another two actors into the tanks overnight at @floatseattle for #projectapophis."
[26] Vanessa McMeekin: "Actors prepare at #stuntschool for #projectapophis."
[27] Don Thacker: "Prepping for some wire work. #projectapophis #sancaseattle"
[28] The Satsop website describes its facilities, and as can be seen in the Behind the Scenes location images, this facility is used extensively in the shoot.
[29] Check the résumés and biographies of the cast in the Cast & Crew section.
[30] As can be seen in this image from the set of "Depth", green screen technology is used extensively.
[31] The casting call for the film explains that the film "shoots late May-June, in the Seattle, WA area."
[32] Don Thacker: "Principle photography has wrapped on #projectapophis." - 2nd of August 2014 PDT
[33] Tracy Shrier: "It's about that time for #projectapophis to #GTFOH #filminWA http://instagram.com/p/rM-KPMC8i8/" - 2nd of August 2014 PDT
[34] Josh Truax in conversation with other members of the production, on the 2nd of August 2014 PDT.
[35] Wonder Russell: "Last day here [at the Satsop Business Park]." - 1st of August 2014 PDT
[36] "'You just came off a 23 day shoot, what are you going to do with your life?' #projectapophis "
[37] Tweet from the make-up room on the first day of the pick-up shoot, posted on the 31st of October 2014.
[38] Wonder Russell: "Picture wrapped #projectapophis last night, straight into a three day intensive for #Actorswork today. All the make believe!" [7th of November 2014]
[39] Don Thacker: "Full wrap on #projectapophis. I’m collapsing now. Thankful. Broken, but thankful."
[40] The IMDb entry for "Depth" lists its release date as the 22nd of September 2015.
[41] Source of quoted text.