The Films: FAQs
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Are the films inspired by the SCP Foundation?
According to Thomas Grip, the head of Frictional Games, the first two teaser films ("Vivarium" and "Mockingbird") were heavily inspired by the SCP Foundation. [1]
Are the films related to the story of SOMA?
Yes. The casting call for this film explained the plot as follows:
According to Thomas Grip, the head of Frictional Games, the first two teaser films ("Vivarium" and "Mockingbird") were heavily inspired by the SCP Foundation. [1]
Are the films related to the story of SOMA?
Yes. The casting call for this film explained the 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. [2]
SOMA is set in and around PATHOS-2. [3] During a panel discussion with Imagos Films at Crypticon 2014, it was stated that "Depth" is set "in the universe of Frictional‘s highly anticipated sci-fi survival horror game SOMA". [4] "Depth" was also expected to be released congruently with the game (although this turned out to be incorrect), which would seem to further suggest that the two are closely linked. [5] The most conclusive evidence of the relationship between "Depth" and SOMA comes from SOMA itself, however; the story is now known to allude quite strongly to the events and characters depicted in "Depth".
When will Depth be released?
"Depth" was alleged to be scheduled for release at the same time as SOMA, on the 22nd of September 2015. [6] SOMA's release has come and gone, however, and the film has yet to be seen. From the 28th of September 2015 until 5th of October 2015, portions of the film were released at a rate of one per day on Frictional Games' YouTube channel, and were called "SOMA - Transmissions". There's still some uncertainty about whether or not this will be the last we hear of "Depth" as a singular entity.
What are the names of the characters and actors in these films?
Full credits can be found on the Cast & Crew page.
Who wrote the films?
The writers of the films are Mikael Hedberg (Frictional Games' head writer for SOMA) and Don Thacker (the director of the films and the head of Imagos Films, the production company). [7] [8]
Who is producing the films?
Production of the films is being handled by Imagos Films, an independent film studio from Seattle, WA. [9]
Who is financing the films?
Frictional Games. [citation needed] [10]
What was the budget for each film?
In the case of the first two teaser films, "Vivarium" and "Mockingbird", this is currently unknown. According to IMDb, the budget for "Depth" is estimated to be $300,000 USD. [11]
Who is publishing/distributing the films?
The films are internet releases, and have so far been published exclusively on Frictional Games' YouTube channel. [12] In the case of "Depth", a possible theatrical release is suggested by its technical specifications on IMDb. [13]
Where were the films shot?
"Vivarium" and "Mockingbird" were both shot at LeftJet Studios in Seattle, WA. [14] [15] In the case of "Depth", the majority of the filming took place at the Satsop Business Park in Elma, WA. [16]
When will Depth be released?
"Depth" was alleged to be scheduled for release at the same time as SOMA, on the 22nd of September 2015. [6] SOMA's release has come and gone, however, and the film has yet to be seen. From the 28th of September 2015 until 5th of October 2015, portions of the film were released at a rate of one per day on Frictional Games' YouTube channel, and were called "SOMA - Transmissions". There's still some uncertainty about whether or not this will be the last we hear of "Depth" as a singular entity.
What are the names of the characters and actors in these films?
Full credits can be found on the Cast & Crew page.
Who wrote the films?
The writers of the films are Mikael Hedberg (Frictional Games' head writer for SOMA) and Don Thacker (the director of the films and the head of Imagos Films, the production company). [7] [8]
Who is producing the films?
Production of the films is being handled by Imagos Films, an independent film studio from Seattle, WA. [9]
Who is financing the films?
Frictional Games. [citation needed] [10]
What was the budget for each film?
In the case of the first two teaser films, "Vivarium" and "Mockingbird", this is currently unknown. According to IMDb, the budget for "Depth" is estimated to be $300,000 USD. [11]
Who is publishing/distributing the films?
The films are internet releases, and have so far been published exclusively on Frictional Games' YouTube channel. [12] In the case of "Depth", a possible theatrical release is suggested by its technical specifications on IMDb. [13]
Where were the films shot?
"Vivarium" and "Mockingbird" were both shot at LeftJet Studios in Seattle, WA. [14] [15] In the case of "Depth", the majority of the filming took place at the Satsop Business Park in Elma, WA. [16]
References:
[1] Thomas Grip: "First I guess I have to settle the big debate: Are these inspired by SCP? And, yes they are!
[2] Source of quoted text.
[3] SOMA's synopsis on its official website explains that "The radio has gone silent on PATHOS-2."
[4] "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."
[5] "#DEPTH will be released congruently with the horror game [...]"
[6] The release date for "Depth" on IMDb.
[7] The IMDb credits for Mikael Hedberg.
[8] The IMDb credits for Don Thacker.
[9] The IMDb credits for Imagos Films.
[10]
[11] Budget: $300,000 (estimated)
[12] Frictional Games' YouTube channel.
[13] The technical specifications for "Depth" on IMDb. Note the "Theatrical Ratio" listed in the Aspect Ratio section.
[14] "Being fuper ferious on the fet of #FuperSecretProject. With @ImagosFilms, @LeftJet Ftudios. Filming imminent."
[15] "Build day 1 on #DuperSecretProject @ LeftJet Studios" [18th of September 2013]
[16] 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.
[1] Thomas Grip: "First I guess I have to settle the big debate: Are these inspired by SCP? And, yes they are!
[2] Source of quoted text.
[3] SOMA's synopsis on its official website explains that "The radio has gone silent on PATHOS-2."
[4] "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."
[5] "#DEPTH will be released congruently with the horror game [...]"
[6] The release date for "Depth" on IMDb.
[7] The IMDb credits for Mikael Hedberg.
[8] The IMDb credits for Don Thacker.
[9] The IMDb credits for Imagos Films.
[10]
[11] Budget: $300,000 (estimated)
[12] Frictional Games' YouTube channel.
[13] The technical specifications for "Depth" on IMDb. Note the "Theatrical Ratio" listed in the Aspect Ratio section.
[14] "Being fuper ferious on the fet of #FuperSecretProject. With @ImagosFilms, @LeftJet Ftudios. Filming imminent."
[15] "Build day 1 on #DuperSecretProject @ LeftJet Studios" [18th of September 2013]
[16] 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.