Kickstarter

What is Rogue Wing Episode Zero?

In a word: an animated short based on characters created by Kash Abdulmalik and Noah Hilsenrad, co-founders of Dark Matter Video. We formed the studio around a mutual love of all things sci-fi-comedy-nerd. This short is our first big project, but we hope to eventually launch a Rogue Wing series.

Behold: The Plot

Our roughly 10-minute short begins by introducing Claude Jones, who is throwing a housewarming party. With mounting awe Claude lets neighbor after offensive, oddball neighbor into his home. A drunken, talking chicken suddenly crashes the party through the kitchen window. Aghast, Claude calls his boss... and soon it becomes clear that not only was the chicken somehow an expected guest, but that there is a sinister story behind its very existence.

Inspirational Places

We are big fans of Adult Swim shows such as Frisky Dingo, Futurama & the Venture Bros, so like them Rogue Wing balances action and dialogue, and draws from similar genres. We're going for a blend of Japanese frame composition, fight choreography and pacing with American character design. (The drawing style will specifically be familiar to fans of 80’s & 90’s cartoons that were developed in the USA but animated abroad; think G.I. Joe, Transformers, Ghostbusters, etc.) However. we want to fill the gap in animation for grownups- the space where adult humor doesn’t ever really meet up with amazing action or deep character/story development (like in Lost or The Wire).

Uhhh... Where Are You Going With This?

Rogue Wing will weave together three narratives. First is the twisted personal development of the misanthropic talking chicken, and several human beings close to it. Second are the increasingly unsettling events occurring at the wacky L.A. apartment complex where they and other eccentric characters live: Apricot Gardens. Third is the slowly-dawning fact that the entire world is in the midst of an evil invasion whose focal point is the complex. To develop this universe we’ll employ a variety of devices, including non-linear plots, time-travel, a range of weird locales, and lots of references to other sci-fi and action genre sources.

Our Funding Goals

We’ll use your delicious cheddar for:

• Animator paychecks
• Hardware (Wacoms, Macs, etc.)
• Software
• Admin costs like starting an LLC and setting up the DMV website
• Nutritious organic hard-boiled eggs
• ...and of course, all those astounding pledge rewards!

Any additional funding over our goal will go toward animating a special Rogue Wing Series Trailer.

Other Computery Stuff

Our website/studio blog, www.darkmattervideo.com, collects character designs, concept art, anecdotes and video bits related to the ongoing production of Rogue Wing. Check it.

Rogue Wing on Facebook.

On Kash’s blog you will find humorous-type writings: www.yodaboytellem.blogspot.com.

Noah’s other projects can be seen at www.logicontrol.net.