UNKNOWN SPACES VOL. 1
Feature Film Pitch Deck
Theme Song for Unknown Spaces Vol. 1
Lorn's Acid Rain
Genre:
Sci-Fi/Horror Noir
LOGLINE:
After landing in an alternate universe, a risk analyst must work together with a newly retired assassin and her traumatized adoptive sister, to stop a demidemon from gaining full power and decimating all parallel universes, including his.
Synopsis
Unknown spaces aims to refresh sci-fi horror by delving into the little explored sub-genre of parallel universes and alternate realities. With infinite possibilities, Unknown Spaces only focuses on two. The first reality is ours, which is shared with the protagonist, Evan James. The alternate is not too different with just a few exceptions: things we believe to be fantasy--demons, Egyptian mythology, and various interdimensional beings--really exist.
In this reality, something went terribly wrong along the way and A demidemon by the name of Samona Martel controls the alternate U.S. not unlike the way many countries today are overrun with organized crime syndicates. Once Evan crash lands in their reality, he quickly learns that he is an important component to stopping Samona from becoming a full demon and decimating every possible reality; including his. With the help of Samona's former assassin, Ife, and another immured woman who escapes with ife, Tegan, they fight to stop Samona and render her powerless.
☽◐⚸◑☾
“When the path ignites a soul, there's no remaining in place. The foot touches ground, but not for long.” ― Hakim Sanai
Theme:
Having what most people think you should have in life doesn’t bring happiness or completion. the importance of remembering and knowing your own history. No person is an island, we all need a support system.
Having what most people think you should have in life doesn’t bring happiness or completion. the importance of remembering and knowing your own history. No person is an island, we all need a support system.
Tone:
The existence of other realms, and ease of interdimensional travel is like “The Dark Tower”, with some of the tension and drama from “Butterfly Effect”, happening in a dark and eerie world like “Constantine".
The existence of other realms, and ease of interdimensional travel is like “The Dark Tower”, with some of the tension and drama from “Butterfly Effect”, happening in a dark and eerie world like “Constantine".
♊︎
A note from the writer/director
Tiffany Warren
Movies have always been magical to me, no matter what the genre. And the process of filmmaking makes me feel closer to the magic. We’re creating worlds and realities in our own right. We’re taking our audiences on a journey to places they may have never been before, or for some, showing that their experiences and perspectives can be shared too.
I grew up in a time where the faces and stories on screen were nothing like mine, so I had to adapt and push my imagination even further in order to relate. Some stories and characters were so well-written that I didn’t have to shift my perspective, I aim to do the same. diverse representation, with stories and characters so relatable and interesting that anyone can find something they connect with.
anyone who’s ever wondered how their life would be if they made different choices, or were a different type of person altogether. There are so many times I’ve wondered “what if?” Unknown Spaces will explore those themes and challenge stereotypes, showing that no one really knows what they’re capable of until they’re tested and pushed outside of everything they know.
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Visual Tone & Location
Vibes
BOLD HIGH CONTRAST SURREAL DARK
VIVID HAUNTING
Narrative Themes
Toxic family relationships
Challenging societal norms; i.e. gender & social status
Corruption
Self-worth and self-image
Finding your tribe
Taking chances and starting over
Dream Cast
Corben Blu
as Evan James
Evan lives a pretty boring life and longs for an escape. The story very quickly becomes “be careful what you wish for” as he, Ife and Tegan have to fight for their lives. Growing up Evan was interested in art and literature, particularly sci-fi. He would rather read than play outside; especially because he didn’t have friends. Always feeling like the outsider, Evan finds a strange sense of belonging with IFe and Tegan, as he gradually bonds with them through the chaos.
Closest character personality comp would be Ian Johnson/Ackerman from Utopia.
Gina Torres
AS "IFE"(chukwu)
IFECHUKWU (ee-fay-choo-qoo), KNOWN AS IFE, had to put away the softest parts of herself in order to do the awful things Samona made her do. Having spent more than half her life with Samona, Ife’s known nothing but trauma and pain. The thought of reuniting with her brother, is what’s allowed her to keep some part of her humanity. Ife operates in a disassociated and calculated manner; but all of that falls apart when she finds out what's happened to her brother, and her true fate, that's tied with Tegan and Evan.
Closest character personality comp for Ife is Mace, from Strange Days.
Bex Taylor-Klaus
As Dr. Tegan Moreau
Dr. Tegan Moreau is enrobed in a shroud of insecurity, anxiety and fear. Tegan skates in a morally gray area, often finding ways to justify the atrocious things she’s seen and experienced from Samona; seeing her as the only mother she’s ever known.
The abuse Tegan’s suffered, keeps her from realizing her true power and abilities. She is an empath and often has prophetic dreams. Tegan just wants things to be peaceful and for everyone to be happy; when everything is at it's worst, Tegan learns the truth and draws from her inner strength that’s been so long buried.
Closest character comp for Tegan is Dr. Simon Tam from Serenity.
Fiona Dourif
as Samona Martell
Cody Fern as Michael Langdon in AHS Apoclypse (2018)
Samona Wardrobe Ref 1
Samona Wardrobe Ref 2
Samona Wardrobe Ref 3
Vicious, cruel and complex, Samona Martel is a 98 year old demidemon. Cunning, witty and refined, she’s also petty and childish; a covert narcissist. Little is known about her background. Demidemons are rare and usually favor their human side because they have little to no power.
Samona is no exception, she’s physically stronger than humans with the ability to influence dreams, and heals quickly, but has no true demonic abilities. she basically carries a “small fish in a big pond” complex with eyes set on the 7 seas. Samona’s biggest, human flaw is that she feels she has something to prove, so she seeks to have more control over what she already has in one reality.
Character comp for Samona is Michael Langdon from American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Sandra Valls
As "Sal"(salVadora)
Gloria Foster as The Oracle in The Matrix (1999)
Wardrobe Ref 1
Wardrobe Ref 2
Wardrobe Ref 3
Possible looks for the no'xchel
Salvadora, or “Sal” as she prefers to be called, is a rogue No’xchel; The No’xchel are former humans who are demon possessed; they typically serve Samona. Sal was able to coexist with her demon and ran from Samona; she found peace and comfort with The Citizens of citadel 36771 and eventually became their community leader.
In their reality, where so much corruption runs rampant and The Citizens suffer, Sal has helped organized them and brought them together; taught them how to trade for resources and take care of each other. When she’s called on by Ife to help stop Samona, Sal’s able to rally troops for the cause.
Closest character comp for Sal is The Oracle, from The Matrix.
FX and Props Team
Pink mist FX
Pink Mist FX will be handling the FX makeup and props. Highly skilled and talented, they are also cost effective. Having worked on a number of indie features, shorts, music videos, they know how to get the best of their work out on a variety of budgets. To see more of their portfolio, visit: https://www.pinkmistfx.com/portfolio
Marquis of vaudeville
Video Featuring their work
Unknown Spaces Crew
(confirmed)
Tiffany Warren
Writer/Director/Editor/Colorist
Tiffany is an avid fan of horror and has been working freelance as camera assistant, camera operator and video editor/colorist; she's also been creating her own shorts since 2003. She’s worked on a variety of projects ranging from narrative short film, commercials and corporate projects. Tiffany has also worked assistant producer and script supervisor. Working in the different departments and through various parts of production from pre to post, she has a great understanding of what goes into each role and knows what’s necessary to make a solid film.
potential crew
Robert Patrick Stern
Director of Photography
Robert Patrick Stern
The Stylist (2020)
Skeletons in the Closet (2018)
The Glass House (2012)
The Glass House (2012)
The Stylist (2020)
The Stylist (2012) BTS
Robert Patrick Stern is known for his bold and stunning visuals; his credits include: HBO’s The Shop, The Stylist and Skeletons in the Closet; as well as short film and commercial work.
Sarah Sharp & Amelia Reeves
Production design & art direction
Reuniting more alums from The Stylist team, Sarah and Amelia do well with creating layers and textures that keep the mind active and engaged in the film. Part of what made The Stylist so stimulating was intriguing and unique set design and art direction. Storytelling isn’t just in the dialogue and camerawork, you can learn so much about the characters and situation by what’s in the scene; and I feel they will perfectly craft the delicate mixture of visual tones we’re going for with Unknown Spaces.
high concept films with
Similar budget levels
Similar budget levels
Cube (1997)
BUDGET: Less than $1M
REVENUE: $9M
CAST: Nicole DeBoer, Nicky Guadagni, David Hewlett,
Andrew Miller, Julian Richings, Wayne Robson, Maurice Dean Wint
Cube (1997)
BUDGET: Less than $1M
REVENUE: $9M
CAST: Nicole DeBoer, Nicky Guadagni, David Hewlett, Andrew Miller, Julian Richings, Wayne Robson, Maurice Dean Wint
Monsters (2011)
BUDGET: Less than $1M
REVENUE: $4.24M
CAST: Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able
Safety not guaranteed (2012)
BUDGET: Less than $1M
REVENUE: $4.4M
CAST: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, Karan Soni
Project Timeline
Pre-Production (2-3 Months):
There are already several options lined up and speaking with potential crew and possibilities for above the line team.
Production (6 Weeks):
with covid being what it is, safest protocol would be to have everyone quarantine 2 weeks before filming to be sure we're all safe to be on set. Then 3 weeks of principal photography and 1 week for pick ups or reshoots.
Post-Production (3 to 4 Months):
Much like pre-production, options are lined up so it's just a matter of confirming availability. Director will do the bulk of editing and color with an assistant. There are also a few options for A VFX person if need be; but Costs and feasibility of practical vs digital with creatures and SETS are being weighed.
Distribution (In Negotiation):
During distribution phase, the distributor will partner with our PR Company to create a multi-platform social media campaign to drive viewership, gain sponsors and advertisers. This approach will give us a complete package with enough leverage to shop the show around to distribution networks and channels such as: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. We will also seek out foreign distribution as well.
LOCATIONS
Texas, and Atlanta or New Jersey
It's not decided yet, as incentives are being figured out, but the hope is to get an all-purpose location that can be used for the three main locations; The Portal House Interiors, Sal's Warehouse and Ekene's Shack.
Portal House
(Evan's Reality)
(Evan's Reality)
General Look for The Portal House
Portal House Exterior in Evan's Reality
Portal House Exterior in Evan's Reality opt. 2
Portal House
(Alt-Reality)
(Alt-Reality)
Sal's Warehouse
Ekene's Shack
Fallout Ref 1
Fallout Ref 2
Fallout Ref 3
James' residence with
outdoor shooting range
Producer Dream Team
Currently seeking EP
Nicci is a member of the DGA and has worked as a production coordinator and unit production manager for numerous high-profile clients and shows.
Investment Overview
the goal is to attract between two and five private equity sources to invest. Unknown Spaces is leanly budgeted (dependent on talent and music licensing) to fund the costs of production and early marketing of the film, making investor recoupment and revenue on the backend easily achievable, while still providing all of the production resources and acumen necessary to make a great film. Crowdfunding is a secondary/supplemental option, in which case, an expert with successful funding campaigns will be obtained.
Unknown Spaces, LLC will create an independent feature length film with the working title “Unknown Spaces”. A Texas limited liability company (the “Company”) will be formed under the name “Unknown Spaces, LLC”, to own, implement and manage all production and distribution activities for the series. The Company, will serve as Manager of such company and will own and retain 70% of the membership equity interests. The Company is seeking slightly over $500,000.
Investors in this enterprise will receive a negotiated percentage of the limited liability company’s equity membership interests and, after recoupment from first project revenues of 120% of their principal capital contribution, as well as pro rata percentage of the 30% of the backend revenue shares. With that being said, there is some flexibility in what can be offered to investors, depending on the level of interest and received equity proposals.
Additionally, we will be shooting where incentives will have the best payoff. In addition, we intend to utilize the SAG Diversity-In-Casting Incentive for select cast positions which subsidizes 50% of wages to further offset production expenditures.
CONTACT
Tiffany Warren
214.772.2363
