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Remy

Sci-fi Madness

Space opera is such a great (sub)genre of fiction. You can totally let everything go and fully intrigue yourself with the big unknown of space and its “they-do-exist-no-they-don’t” inhabitants. The stories are literally endless — where you are limited by known-facts when writing fiction that takes place on Earth, you’re not-so when writing about stuff that’s somewhere out there, “in a galaxy far, far away.”

That is exactly why I’ve always wanted to write a science fiction story. In fact, I already have several times. Yet, every time I had some issue with it and threw it out. This time I’m in it for real — already wrote summarized plot and character descriptions. As it’s laid out now, the whole scheme will have about five main characters, twelve secondary/supporting characters, it’ll mainly take place on six planets in three solar systems, and is stretched-out over forty years of adventure. That totals to about six feature films. If you’re thinking, “wow, back-up the crazy train now!,” you’re right for thinking I’m riding the crazy train, but hella-to-the-no that I’m going to back-up.

I finally have a sci-fi plot which, to me at least, is believable and intriguing. I’m not quiting now that I finally have something “good.” Sure, maybe it’s a bit of a large story, but does that matter?

You’re probably wondering by now what the aforementioned stuff is all about. Well, I’m not going to spill all the beans, but here’s a short plot description:

A princess, from another planet in another solar system1, has a gigantic need for control and power, and when she finally succeeds her mother as ruler2, she sets out to conquer the Venus System.3 She does so however with cunning skill, never revealing she’s behind it all.

Meanwhile, the title and main character discovers his peaceful life on Earth was all a scheme, because he’s actually the decedent of the ruler of a neighbouring planet.4 He discovers much more about himself and his family as he encounters adventures and challenges. The title character is a strong ally in the wars against the princess.5

All ends in darkness.

Don’t criticize me too much for this description; it’s because I can’t reveal too much that it is incredibly vague. I haven’t figured out the whole ending yet, only that I want it to be apocalypse-styled. That’s why I went all spiritual at the end.

Short subject adaption

I have already written several short subject screenplays. Each one of them could be filmed with little preparation/pre-production. The reason I’m not (yet) going to film them is because none of them really gets to me.6 I think something based on this science fiction story would get to me. It even has several pros going for it:

  1. gets me off the road of pure boredom;
  2. can function as a sort of “trailer/teaser” for the eventual big story;
  3. could be a great way to go all crazy-creative with the production design and costume design — that’s always a pro;
  4. it’s a story that takes place in FREAKING SPACE! Need I even say more?!

I’m thinking about a plot like this:

It takes place in the center of the broader storyline.

The princess is recovering from one war and requests that her brother be sent to her.7 When he arrives she consults him about what she should do now. The brother, not knowing she was the mastermind behind everything, “steps back in shock”8 but eventually becomes an ally of his sister.9 They encounter the title character at a benefit and — both despising him — try to skillfully interrogate him for information.

Meanwhile, the title character discovers something shocking about his family.

You’re probably wondering by now why the title character seems to have very little plot description. Well, I don’t want to give away too much about him, and really, all his actions are connected to what the princess does. So, if she hypothetically10 attacks Mercury, you can probably gamble some serious money on the possibility that the title character is affected by that.

I’m seriously excited about it right now, so hope I can get it all together soon. Don’t expect a short subject with Blade Runner production values, but it’ll be cool. I hope.

Footnotes

  1. Humans have colonized other planets, discovered different galaxies and solar systems, and are co-existing with other lifeforms. [↩]
  2. She remains a princess, though; like the Grimaldi’s. [↩]
  3. Which is basically our Solar System, with the exclusion of Neptune. Long story. Also, just to note this, the princess’ planet isn’t part of the Venus System, since it’s in “another solar system.” Still with me? [↩]
  4. I know, sounds really confusing, but revealing the planet tells too much. [↩]
  5. Of course he doesn’t know it’s the princess, but you get the point. [↩]
  6. Well, one does — but that one has a runtime of approximately 45 minutes and has a lot of production to go through. [↩]
  7. He doesn’t actually live on the same planet as she does. Long story. [↩]
  8. Not literally of course. Although that would be sweet if he actually did that. “You did what?! *gasp*takes a step back* Dun-dun-duuunn!” [↩]
  9. Damn, already told so much here. [↩]
  10. No, this is really hypothetically. Seriously, who wants to conquer Mercury, of all planets?! Way too close to the sun for my taste. [↩]

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