EYES ON IN SEARCH OF TOMORROW
The documentary “In Search of Tomorrow” offers a nostalgic journey through 80s Sci-Fi Films, exploring their impact and relevance today, told by the artist who made them and by those who were inspired to turn their visions into reality.
It breaks down the most popular and eccentric sci-fi titles of the 80s theatrical and video store releases, from the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises to RoboCop, Aliens, The Road Warrior, MegaForce, Back to the Future, and Buckaroo Banzai.
This is a decade where each year could have its dedicated documentary. Science fiction filmmaking and film watching in the 1908s was a whole adventure. In Search of Tomorrow brings back those memories.
THE CREATIVE TEAM AND THE CAST
From the creators of the hit horror documentaries In Search of Darkness Part I & Part II, CREATORVC, comes a new documentary focusing on sci-fi cinema of the 1980s. In Search of Tomorrow is a comprehensive look at genre franchises and films from the decade, such as Star Wars, Star Trek, RoboCop, Predator, Back to the Future, and more.
On the Blu-Ray of the documentary, there is an extra feature containing a conversation with some of the creators of the documentary, Robin Block, (Executive Producer and CEO at CREATORVC), David Weiner (Writer/Director of In Search of Tomorrow), and Rocco T Thompson (Producer at CREATORVC). The booklet accompanying the Blu-ray contains more information about the remaining team members and creators of this documentary including Dominic Wallis (Co-Producer), Clayton Benge (Creative Director), Paul Konschake (Motion Graphics), Andrew Dalton (Co-Producer), Karla Hampton (Co-Producer), Samuel Way (Editor), James Evans (Co-Producer) and many more. There is a massive team behind this project.
ABOUT THE DOC
In Search of Tomorrow is the most comprehensive documentary on ‘80s Sci-Fi ever made, clocking in at more than 300 minutes and featuring interviews with experts and iconic talent. The Blu-Ray comes with English and Spanish Subtitles.
Science fiction since the days of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone” and beyond, has always reflected true-life events and warnings of what becomes of humankind if they remain on a certain path. In Search of Tomorrow goes deeper into how our favorite 1980s science fiction shows and films came to be and explores what was happening in pop culture and the world during the decade.
In Search of Tomorrow will take viewers on a year-by-year deep dive into the many awe-inspiring worlds of ‘80s Sci-Fi movies, breaking down the most iconic and eccentric films we know and some we may have forgotten or missed. It examines the science, technology, and artistry behind fiction. It features insights and anecdotes from an extensive collection of experts and iconic talent, including filmmakers, actors, special effects and visual effects masters, tech advisors, authors, influencers, and visionaries. Not only will they tell their own stories, but they will share opinions about their own favorite Sci-Fi movies.
Hear from the actors, writers, directors, and producers who brought Sci-Fi icons such as Rick Deckard, Ellen Ripley, and the Terminator to your movie screen such as Sean Young (Rachael in Blade Runner, Chani in Dune), Henry Thomas (Elliott in E.T.), Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon in Flash Gordon), Lance Guest (Alex in The Last Starfighter), Jesse Ventura (Blain in Predator and Captain Freedom in The Running Man), director Paul Verhoeven (RoboCop), Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan), and Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters I & II).
Learn from SFX & VFX Experts, including Dennis Muren (The Empire Strikes Back, E.T.), Douglas Trumbull (Blade Runner, Star Trek: The Motion Picture), and John Dykstra (Star Wars, Firefox) plus, a wide range of other experts including film editors, Sci-Fi journalists, and scientists also participated in the project how your favorite robot, creature, and spaceship effects were created.
Learn about the creation of the costumes, weapons, and post-apocalyptic landscapes that set the scene for our favorite stories from artists who designed and operated the models, puppets, and animatronics that brought some of our favorite creatures and characters to life.
The documentary also discusses how ‘80s Sci-Fi reflected the socio-political context it was made: Tech advances, Reaganomics, big business, and the AIDS crisis. It also explores how other genres such as fantasy, action, horror, and comedy, are very much intertwined with the Sci-Fi genre. Where does one begin and the other end? And to conclude it discusses the importance of the ‘80s Sci-Fi genre in a modern-day context. Why is ‘80s Sci-Fi still so relevant today?
The documentary is well structured and fortunately very well scripted. I was afraid certain people would come off as annoying, but they got coached it seems on how to present their views. There are so many films that were unknown to me whether it is Final Countdown (1980), Outland (1981), Maga Force (1982), Wargames (1983), and many others.
ABOUT THE CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
The crowdfunding campaign was on Kickstarter and IndieGoGo and ultimately, they went over Crowd Ox. They presented several packages (tiers/rewards) with different prices. Each tier had a name and a detailed description of what it contained. There were physical and digital rewards for everyone who decided to support the project financially. You could see the dedication in the presentation and the presentation of the material. The images look awesome. It is really like back in the day when posters were a work of art. I chose the Admiral Kirk tier.
In addition to the physical rewards which include the Blu-Ray, T-shirt, Posters, and stickers, I received access to the exclusive online Discord community for backers. It is the place to discuss your favorite ‘80s Sci-Fi films, follow the documentary’s progress, and partake in a range of exciting members-only activities. Features include:
- INTERACTING WITH THE TEAM AND JOIN WATCH PARTIES: watch old favorites together whilst participating in a group conversation about the movie. Love watching films with friends? It’s like that, only online.
- SPECIAL GUEST Q&AS: they invite experts to talk with us about specific aspects of ‘80s Sci-Fi. Learn about filmmaking, and worldbuilding, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite films. These will be in-depth and full of information that would be impossible to find elsewhere.
- SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE DOCUMENTARY: provide opinions on why you love certain films and give feedback on the rough cuts of our documentary. This is your chance to get involved, contribute, and help us make it the best documentary possible.
The community starter guide includes a foreword from Robin Block who is the executive producer and CREATORVC CEO, a welcome letter from director David Weiner, A full and highly detailed synopsis for In Search of Tomorrow, How to get started on Discord and start interacting with other members, and the community rules and guidelines.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
When I decided to back up this project, it was clear to me that crowdfunding films and documentaries are very different than crowdfunding books. The production and completion may take longer because the process of finding everyone to participate, filming, and editing may take time. The craziest part is that it’s finished and I’m still waiting on some books I backed. I guess I was wrong.
When you are so well organized like this team it is possible to deliver as promised. Sometimes things happen and deadlines are not reached but if you have good communication with your backers and are able to justify the delay backers will understand. Transparency and Honesty are important.
From the start till the end, the team makes sure to answer my questions. The level of customer service goes beyond what I have experienced with any other crowdfunding campaign. You get periodic newsletters with the progress of the project and in case you have any questions or even want to change your tier they make sure to help you. They are constantly busy creating events for the backers. I appreciate that they are working productively and not wasting time delaying production.
However, they need to be more creative in their packaging. The 3 posters came rolled up in a plastic back. Considering that the whole package goes through many handlings before it reaches its destination with the customer, the way posters are packaged should be in such a way as to reduce the damage. From other campaigns, I’ve received posters folded, in an equal-sized mailer, or in a tube so there are alternatives out there.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In Search of Tomorrow is a fascinating comprehensive documentary about the most popular science fiction movies from the 80s. I liked most of the interviews, especially the ones on Star Wars, Superman, Dune, Ghostbusters, Predator, Aliens, Back to the Future, Star Trek, and the Abyss. The custom of the predator looks amazing. This was the 80s!
I realized that I could still be entertained by old SciFi. It also clearly shows how female-centric stories and characters such as Princess Leia (Star Wars), Ripley (Aliens), Vasquez (Aliens), and Officer Lewis (RoboCop) were important and shows how diversity is naturally included in the filmmaking process and not imposed as it is these days. What is annoying in current cinema is that they want us to forget that these stories and characters existed. “It is just now that we are working on strong female characters, something that was never done before” Yeah, right! And somehow, they are surprised when they get backlash.
Overall, In Search of Tomorrow is an enjoyable, entertaining, and inspiring documentary. The crowdfunding campaign for this documentary is closed. The digital version is available at 80sscifidoc. However, Part 2 is coming soon! Make sure to follow their social media (Twitter and Facebook)for the latest updates. In the meantime check the CREATORVC crowdfunding campaign for Aliens Expanded: a New Species of Documentary
Interested in more titles? Check them on FILMS &TV under the “EYES ON” series wherein I document my crowdfunding entertainment experience and share my notes on the products I received.
My notes are all set. Let me know what you think.
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