Webisode Clack – Riese The Series

Generally, I like to wait until a series has premiered and we can all get a good look at things, before making it the focus of the weekly post. I’m breaking that rule here for a couple of reasons. First, I really dig everything I’ve heard about Riese so far. And more importantly, while there are no episodes to be seen at this point, you’re going to want to be involved before the show premieres. The creators have some fun things in store to help flesh out the world of the series before we finally get our first glimpse of their pre-apocalyptic, steam-punk inspired story. Along with behind the scenes videos, there is an entire companion website that is going to be home for an alternate reality game a month before the series premieres.

Riese takes place in Eleysia. It’s a world very similar to ours, but certain technologies never developed. For example, there are no guns, and no automobiles. Our main character, Riese, is a wanderer, fleeing across Eleysia trying to evade assassins from a terrifying religious group known as “The Sect.” Her past is shrouded in mystery for the viewer, as well as for Riese. She can’t remember the night that her family was slaughtered and she was sent fleeing. On her journey, she will piece together her past, and her destiny, with … wait for it … the fate of the world in the balance. It has the makings of an epic tale. To give a better look at what it’s all about, here is producer Nicholas Humphries (totally a Canadian) discussing creating the world of Riese.

A good story is a great start, but you know what makes it even better? An outstanding cast. Christine Chatelain (Sanctuary) plays our hero, Riese. Ben Cotton (Harper’s Island) is Herrick, who is described as both a “bad man” and “Darth Vader.” Patrick Gilmore (Stargate: Universe) is Trennan. And best of all, at least in my book, Sharon Taylor (Stargate: Atlantis) is Goddess Amara. I’ve been looking forward to seeing more from her since she showed up on Atlantis. And, semi-related, Taylor will also be appearing in the new season of Smallville.

You can follow along with all of the behind-the-scenes updates and footage at the main Riese site. And you will want to keep an eye on the companion site, thesectishere.com. At the moment, it’s just showing glimpses of the propaganda that is distributed by The Sect, but look for that all to change as the premiere draws closer. Here are a couple snaps of the propaganda posters. Very cool stuff.

Click for full size

So, unfortunately, no new episodes to watch this week, but I think Riese is really one to look forward to. We’ll touch base with the show again when the premiere rolls around. In the absence of a new episode, I would invite you to click over to Filmmaking Frenzy and watch my friend Cat’s short, Monster Dance. It will be the cutest thing you see all day. Rich will be back next time, with a very special Guild installment of Webisode Clack.

Clacked by Brett Love
on Aug 21, 2009 @ 16:00 EST5EDT