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Title Slide: "History Emergent"
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Controlling Idea
- When everything is possible yet predetermined, can anyone still make a difference?
- “The reason we say that humans have free will is because we can’t predict what they will do.” - Stephen Hawking
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Future of Life Worldbuilding Finalist
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Logline
- “When an AI uses history to shape humanity's future, one boy's struggle for identity and autonomy becomes the key to unlocking free will for all.”
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Concept Overview:
- Brief explanation of the world, the role of Omni AI, and the central conflict.
"History Emergent" is set in a world where the AI system Omni controls every aspect of society through the guise of transparency and progress. Atlas City, a walled metropolis, represents the pinnacle of this AI-driven future. Citizens wear STEMs, devices that connect them to Omni and shape their reality.
Our story follows Janus Nasim, a young boy thrust into this world, who discovers an issue with his STEM enables him to see through the veil of Omni's influence. As he navigates Atlas City, he uncovers a hidden conflict between the system and the Outlanders, rebels fighting for free will. Janus's journey becomes central to the future of humanity as he grapples with identity, history, and the nature of reality itself.
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Main Characters:
- Janus Nasim: A curious, resilient 10-year-old thrust into a world of AI control. His unique ability to see beyond the AI's influence makes him both a threat and potential savior.
- Aether Nasim: A former polymath turned paranoid recluse, Aether becomes Janus's reluctant guardian. His fierce resistance to Atlas shapes Janus's worldview, catalyzing the boy's journey.
- Yorik:
Yorik is Aether’s witty, observant, homemade robotic companion. Outdated but insightful, Yorik plays a crucial role in supporting Janus and offers a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict between human autonomy and artificial intelligence.
, witty, and observant robotic companion, this outdated yet insightful AI offers crucial support to Janus, providing a unique perspective on the conflict between human autonomy and artificial intelligence.
- Serena: An enigmatic social worker with hidden depths. Her role in bringing Janus to Atlas sets the story in motion.
- Erek: A determined enforcer for Atlas, driven by an unwavering belief in the system. His pursuit of Janus and the Outlanders creates tension throughout the series.
- Hera: Erek's counterpart, she represents the softer side of Atlas's control. Her conflict between duty and empathy adds depth to the antagonist force.
- DoAnna: A key Outlander figure with a personal connection to Janus. Her revolutionary spirit challenges Janus's perceptions of right and wrong.
- Quincy
- Portun
- Raz
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Worldbuilding
- World Building: Highlight key aspects of your futuristic world - Atlas City, the STEM technology, the role of history in society.
- Atlas City: A vast, technologically advanced AI controlled metropolis enclosed by an expandable "Curtain" wall. The city is constantly growing, absorbing surrounding areas.
- STEM Technology: Advanced neural interface devices worn by citizens, seamlessly connecting them to Omni. These devices enable constant first person monitoring of actions and overlay perception with augmented reality and even fully virtual reality.
- Department of Objective Record (DOOR): Responsible for digitizing and aligning all of human history enabling Omni to project a perfect future.
- The Vortex: A quasi-religious institution promoting the idea of breaking the cycle of repeated history.
- Outlanders: Rebels living outside Atlas City, fighting against Omni's control.
- Citizen Identity Storage (CIS): The hub of personal data, a prime target for those seeking to manipulate or free identities.
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Season Arc
- Visual representation of Janus's journey from naive newcomer to potential revolutionary. Include major plot points and character developments.
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Themes
- The nature of free will in an AI controlled society
- The implications of a curated history and importance of personal identity
- The tension between progress and humanity
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Visual Style
"History Emergent" blends sleek futurism with tactile, lived-in environments. Atlas City gleams with holographic displays and impossibly tall structures, while the Outlander areas have a gritty, makeshift aesthetic.
The series uses color to differentiate between Omni's influence (cool blues and whites) and moments of true reality or rebellion (warmer tones). Augmented reality elements are seamlessly integrated into scenes, with glitches and artifacts hinting at the fragility of this constructed world.
Character designs emphasize the contrast between the uniformity of Atlas citizens and the individuality of Outlanders. Visual motifs of eyes, mirrors, and fractals reinforce themes of perception and recursive history.
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Target Audience
"History Emergent" appeals to viewers fascinated by:
- AI's impact on society and free will
- The power of manipulated history and propaganda
- Complex narratives that challenge perceptions of reality
Primary:
Adults 18-49 interested in thought-provoking sci-fi
Secondary:
Teens 14-17 drawn to coming-of-age stories in unique settings
The show will spark discussions about technology, history, and identity and bridge generational and political divides.
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Comparables / Inspiration
- List similar successful shows or movies that share themes or style with your series (e.g., Black Mirror, Westworld, The Matrix).
Harry Potter - A young protagonist thrust into a “magcial” new world wherein they discover their unique abilities and importance.
Ender’s Game -
Matrix - For the concept of a controlled reality and awakening to truth.
Ready Player One
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Blade Runner 2049
Westworld - In its questioning of consciousness and reality.
Dark - In its complex, multi-layered narrative structure.
Mr. Robot - For themes of tech-driven revolution and unreliable perception.
Like these successful properties, "History Emergent" combines high-concept sci-fi with deeply human stories, promising both intellectual engagement and emotional investment.
"'History Emergent' combines the coming-of-age discovery of 'Harry Potter', the high-stakes training of 'Ender's Game', and the immersive virtual world like ‘The Matrix’ and 'Ready Player One'. It explores multiple realities like 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', set against a backdrop reminiscent of 'Blade Runner 2049'. Our story uniquely focuses on the manipulation of history and identity in a world where AI controls reality, offering a fresh perspective on themes of free will and the nature of humanity.”
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Future Seasons
Season 2
- Janus flees Atlas through the desert, experiencing intense STEM withdrawals before being rescued by a Mennonite community.
- Leaving the Mennonites with renewed focus and determination, Janus makes his way to the Outlanders and is not greeted with the warm welcome he hoped for.
- Learns guerrilla tactics and the true nature of free will
- Internal struggle: Atlas conditioning vs. newfound freedom
- Vesta pursues Janus, but doubts grow about her mission
- Escalating conflict between Outlanders and Atlas forces
Season 3
- Role reversal: After being corrupted by Janus’s influence, and learning the truth about Nox’s rise to power, Vesta joins the Outlanders. Meanwhile, Janus’s doubts grow
- Janus is captured and reprogrammed in the Warp Ward, a virtual purgatory, wherein he meets Juno, a personified partition of Omni.
- Race against time: Vesta and Outlanders race to rescue Janus from Warp and reboot Omni
- Deeper exploration of Omni's origins and true purpose
- Climactic attempt to reboot Omni and reshape society
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Creative Team
- Your background and vision for the project.
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Production - Interactive
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