Alive & Well’s Hobson Breathes Life Into Ridley Scott’s Dreams For New Show, “Prophets Of Science Fiction”

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Los Angeles-based Alive & Well director Henry Hobson explores Ridley Scott’s futuristic inner thoughts in a new promotional ad for “Prophets of Science Fiction,” produced in association with Prologue Films for the upcoming Science Channel 8-part series. The commercial gives viewers the opportunity to see Scott explaining the impact of prophetic authors, dreamers and creators. Hobson directed the iconic filmmaker and animated his production design sketches from Alien and Blade Runner. Scheduled to premiere November 9th, the Scott-executive produced show explores how science fiction masters such as Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, H.G Wells and George Lucas have both shaped and predicted the future.

Says Hobson, “The main challenge was the fractional amount of time we actually had with Sir Ridley. I addressed this by choreographing two cameras on different rigs, each set to go on very particular questions at very specific times. This setup behaved like motion control rigs without actually employing motion control rigs. This also allowed me to get the most from the interview in what was a very technically challenging and time sensitive circumstance. Knowing exactly where each camera would be during the course of the 20 minutes became essential. It was my honor, and Ridley was great.”

Continues Hobson, “One of the highlights of the experience was being able to keep the sketch Ridley had done during the interview.” Pictured above.

“Prophets of Science Fiction” opens on drafted supers, “Ridley Scott, director of Blade Runner, Alien” and an accompanying voiceover, “From one of the great storytellers of our time comes a groundbreaking new series on Science that celebrates the minds of those who saw the future." We see the luminary himself sitting at a shadowy table, where he states, “I’ve always been excited by the idea of any form of extreme imagination. There are a lot of things that were thought to be fictional, are now becoming fact.” As he speaks, meticulously detailed, drafted drawings of futuristic cities, robots and spaceships materialize all around him. The voiceover continues, “Visionary authors, dreamers and creators,” intercut with Scott’s commentary, “They’re setting the path that future generations will tread. Science fiction supplies almost like building block material, so everyone is influenced by everyone else.” Supers appear with names like Philip K. Dic k and H.G Wells, surrounded by otherworldly images as the voiceover questions, “Who were these prophets of tomorrow? Who ignited their imaginations? How did their greatest works change our world?” Scott adds, “Science fiction has cast a big puddle and the ripples have created all kinds of questions. This show can bring together the fantasy side of science fiction with the science side of fact.” The voiceover concludes with matching supers, “Executive Producer Ridley Scott presents, ‘Prophets of Science Fiction,’ series premiere Wednesday, November 9th at 10pm, only on Science.” The Science Channel logo closes out the spot.

About Alive & Well

Alive and Well is a commercials and new media production company boasting top notch talent in the traditional and digital realms. With a legacy of launching some of the industry’s best-known talents, Stephen Dickstein and Phillip Detchmendy are dedicated to supporting both their fine group of directors and creative technologist as well as their clients, in the service and artistry of visual communications.

Credits:

Client: Science Channel
Title: “Prophets of Science Fiction” :30/:60
Airdate: Currently Airing
Production Company: Prologue Films
Director: Henry Hobson [less]

Los Angeles-based Alive & Well director Henry Hobson explores Ridley Scott’s futuristic inner thoughts in a new promotional ad for “Prophets of Science Fiction,” produced in association with Pro [more]