What would a realistic sci-fi series look like in a post-disaster world?

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SUMMARY

This forum discussion centers on the concept of a realistic sci-fi series set in a post-disaster world, inspired by shows like "Star Trek" and "Bladerunner." The proposed series would focus on human dramas rather than technology, depicting life after a significant global catastrophe. The narrative would explore themes of survival and emotional struggles, utilizing advanced technology as a backdrop without making it the central focus. The aim is to create a more optimistic portrayal of humanity's future, contrasting with typical apocalyptic narratives.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of narrative structure in television series
  • Familiarity with sci-fi genre conventions
  • Knowledge of post-apocalyptic themes in media
  • Awareness of character-driven storytelling techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research character development in post-apocalyptic narratives
  • Explore the impact of technology on storytelling in sci-fi
  • Analyze successful elements of shows like "The X-Files" and "Bladerunner"
  • Investigate audience reception of optimistic vs. pessimistic sci-fi themes
USEFUL FOR

Writers, producers, and fans of science fiction looking to create or understand character-driven narratives in a post-disaster context, as well as those interested in the evolution of sci-fi storytelling.

Raavin
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I've been thinking for a while about a Sci-fi series. Sort of trek like but with more believable concepts. Since the arrival of "Enterprise" I think there is room for a good show.

This is the idea.

At some time in the not too distant future, there is some sort of world disaster (not too much of a stretch given the current state of affairs). While bunkers etc. are being developed on earth, the world powers want to cover all bases and send generational ships to eventually find another planet to colonise.

Perhaps the 'stay on earth' bit would be a good enough start and not worry about the ship. Basically though, what we are after is an excuse for a 'cutting edge of technology' situation, using reasonable extrapolation of current technology. The techno bit would be purely background. Sort of like trek, the show would just be about human dramas, hopefully a bit better than trek, but in a different setting. So, for example, you might have cop stories or relationship stories and it might be a bit dirtier than other sci-fi. The look might be a bit more like a mix of Bladerunner, Aliens etc. but no aliens or replicants. Just real people living real lives under extreme and high tech circumstances.

Any thoughts??

Raavin [?]
 
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Greetings !

I think that one of the most appealing aspects
of Star Trek is the optimistic approach towards
the future of humanity, unlike most contemporary
sci-fi stories. I think that still applies today.

All those apocalypse scenarios ussualy put you in
a pessimistic atmosphere to start with and
instead of "careless" exploration of space
we have battles for survival and so on.

I certainly like the realistic technology part
(wouldn't though if you asked me years ago... ).

Of course, with enough imagination anything
is possible...:wink:

Live long and prosper.
 
I think that one of the most appealing aspects
of Star Trek is the optimistic approach towards
the future of humanity, unlike most contemporary
sci-fi stories. I think that still applies today.

All those apocalypse scenarios ussualy put you in
a pessimistic atmosphere to start with and
instead of "careless" exploration of space
we have battles for survival and so on.

I see your point. One of the ideas I had was to have the series set quite a while after the 'apocolypse', for want of a better term. This might give time for a more positive outlook to develop, looking toward a brighter future and all that. Maybe giving the sense of a clean slate was what I was after. I think shows like Third watch are still appealing but not in the same sense. The idea that there were loosely related people who got involved in their own dramas. There is a site somewhere where the bit part actors in Trek series' are the stars in their own stories.

Things like the fact that all of the commanders of a Trek ship go into the most dangerous situations and the hundreds of others on the ship seem to do nothing always seems weird.

Raavin
 
i think it would be a show that will have a wide range of viewers it is like the X-files well not the plot but the way that it appeeled to many poepel now i never got into the scifi shows but i like the X-files...your show will stretch our technology not create completely new concepts
 
X-files is the feel and appeal I'm after. A future sort of like Bladerunner but without the replicants. The stories wouldn't really be based around technology as such, but the 'world' would contain it. For example, a character's parent might be having heart problems and go through the whole ER-esque drama of potentially losing a loved one during surgery to receive an artificial or animal heart. The technology would not be mentioned in detail as the emotional drama would be the focus. The technology would be well known to the characters so wouldn't be treated as anything huge in the show, but it would be mentioned.

Raavin
 
I couple of days ago, I watched a sci-fi animation short film titled Salya The First AGI which was introduced to me by my friend. It was more scientific that most of the scifi movies I've ever seen and at the same time more surreal than most surreal movies I've watched. Something like a combination of Matrix , Aladedin and Salvatore Dali paintings. It bring this question to my mind that whether AI can find new physical laws or change the existing laws of physic? It sounds so ambitions but...

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