Screenwriting : SCI - FI Screenwriters, where do you base the extraterrestrial information from? Is there a SCI-FI secret society somewhere that normalizes these topics? by Rose Willow

Hi, Rose Willow. I base it on research and things I make up.

The easiest answer is pseudo-science. Taking what is currently known about the universe and evolution tracks and imaging where thing could go if evolution had taken a different path. Example - Creatures who live in high altitude might be used to breathing with very little oxygen. Imagine how far that concept could go. Such as a creature evolving to grow internal sacks to store oxygen, and only having to breath one a day or even once a week.

There isn't a society that I know of, but there have been a couple of TV series based on alternatives to current evolutionary paths.

Yes, yes, there's a secret Sci-Fi society, and you need a decoder ring and secret handshake to get in! Science Fiction is the marriage of science and fiction. So you can research plenty, and when it comes to science, you can follow it where needed, bend rules where needed, and create it. You may want to check out MUFON (Mutual UFO Network, yes, they're an actual group), and please don't ask how I know about them .... shhhh ...

I think Maurice has it right. It's your world in your story so you can make it do what you want. The biggest trick is to be consistent with it.

A science fiction author should study modern science, and then use hyperbole and interpolation to create technologies of the future.

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth I love it ;) Thank you!!

Mike Childress Interesting perspective and insight, thank you for this!!

Another thing to keep in mind is to make it believable in the world of your story. In most stories a bowl of petunias thinking "Oh, no, not again" would have the readers walking away. In Hitchiker's Guide it's 100% believeable and laugh out loud funny.

Bill Albert Believable in the respect that I, the writer believes it? Do you mean writing what feels true instead of anything for superficial or sensationalist reasons?

Dan MaxXx Oh wow that would be great. I shall try to find it. And cool thank you for the insight about George Lucas.

Rose Willow I mean in the world of the story. Like the petunias in Hitchhikers Guide. In that world you can accept it happening and what it leads to. If the same thing were to suddenly appear in an episode of Law and Order it wouldn't work.

Sci-Fi is often used as a way to reflect or challenge things that exist in the present day, while more sci-fi fantasy titles can find parallels in mythology.

Well ain't this subject(s) and discussions to be following! Great post Rose Willow!

Ewan Dunbar Yes great point thank you, I love that aspect of Sci-fi and hadn’t exactly thought of it specifically in this way before. Reflecting and challenging the status quo is the best thing we could be doing as a species is it not?

Eon C. Rambally & Mike Childress totally one of the best things to be discussing….please share your wild sci-fi thoughts!

Mike Childress Yes I used to watch a lot of Stargate. Do you think there is a deeper resonance on the human psyche with the inclusion of mythology or Archetypes?

Mike Childress Oh Mike thank you for this. I completely agree and on the same page as you. I didn’t know of the Fermi Paradox Thanks for mentioning it - I shall read into it more. But yes they absolutely exist no doubt about it. It’s so funny the thought of documenting such things feels like yes must let the freak flag fly, but then I think about all of the abundance of sci-fi films and I realise it’s just that I have been conditioned to keep that side of things quiet! but that’s not art or truth!

Rose Willow, Mike Childress and everyone, I’m working on two sci-fi films presently, so I’m in and out of discussions, however have been following sci-fi for over 45 yrs…Yep, I have some age! I presently look like the profile artwork depiction of myself. I'm here on this platform with it for almost 5 yrs now. It was done for a reason! The genre's basic history?...Science fiction of yesterday is now science fact of today…We need to pay attention to this fascinating trend!!

Eon C. Rambally amazing. Thank you for sharing that point. Completely agree. Do you know if any SCI-FI writers have gone on record and admitted to being connected with ET information, beyond the scope of pure imagination?

Rose Willow, I just mentioned my age and statistics so therefore looked for this :) And is a great question! There’s are wide aspects to your question with some technicalities. There are you-tubers and content creators that are basically saying just that. However when coming to the big screens (this is where I’m very careful with my words) there are strong insinuations and eventual actual admission. The all famous Steven Spielberg eventually admitted his “youthful beliefs” in the subject, after years, is what first inspired his imaginations and work. You can look it up!

Hi! As a fellow sci-fi screenwriter, I totally get where you're coming from. In my course, I created an LGBTQ+ sci-fi drama series, so I’ve been deep into the world of extraterrestrial concepts. My approach usually blends real scientific theories with creative speculation. There’s no secret society (at least not that I know of!), but communities like this are great for bouncing around bold ideas. If you ever need support or want to brainstorm, I’d be happy to help!

Maria Inês Nabais

Mike Childress Yes precisely :) You’re all over it. So refreshing to hear that said in this way.

Mike Childress Is this your own findings and conclusions? Feelings? Visions? Communication, insights? Or a culmination of research data.. I haven’t come across many others who share this view that are able to articulate it from a scientific pov. I can imagine your scripts are wonderfully layered.

Just make it happen. They're your aliens, your world, your space.

Claude Gagne Thank you so much. Exactly the kind of encouragement I need.

Mike Childress Science fiend! I think I am a closet Science fiend at least perhaps an unrealised part of me is. But yes good point; and that’s quite liberating too as a writer. Our audience are humans after all, as far as they know, and perhaps the “aliens” are able to better remind us of our humanity and what’s possible. I’d like to see more altruistic ET themes.

Re; "Sounds like you should be part of a secret society"! Great insight Mike Childress, I’m impressed! Very smart choice of words articulatively! I’ve waited some time for someone to present the topic towards me. Given the comments collectively I’ll say this positively to the avid enthusiast in such. I’ve wisely kept my silence on theories and many matters for a long time. I’m about to break the silence!. Extensive research harnessed for over 30yrs, Sci-fi and more. I've already left many clues beginning with this discussion and others…

Inspired? Intrigued?..

Again, as said, The clue: Science fiction of yesterday is now science fact of today....We need to pay attention to this fascinating trend!

The profile Artwork?...It's "The Matrix"!

I have the "Encyclopaedia of the Universe" on my bookshelf, and frequently refer to the NASA website and other scientific resources. I read widely, everything and anything, including science fiction and fantasy.

Watching how people behave in a local cafe can give me an idea! As to String Theory... try reading Stephen Hawking. And as Bill commented above, clearly establish the rules of your world, then be consistent with it.

Bill Albert -- I so agree with you. I re-read HHGG at least once a year and it is invariably both laugh out loud funny and quite wise.

What a fascinating conversation and such insightful comments from you all. Last year I was invited to be an on-camera Mythologist for the History Channel series "Ancient Aliens". Most of the things they investigate do come from various cultures' myths. Plus, a high proportion of the people interviewed on the episodes have PhDs in science from geology to archaeology, engineering, cosmology and more. My pitch for the History Channel shows is "Come for the Mystery - Stay for the Science." // Most myths reflect some kind of science that was not fully understood at the time. They're a great place to find stories and inspiration for stories. And as noted in this discussion, yesterday's fiction often becomes today's science. //

Pamela Jaye Smith Thank you dearly for sharing your experience. It’s deeply comforting for me to witness such projects and receive an insight into how the mythology is woven in. It seems that we are actually quite farther along than initially thought. I feel that Time plays an important role when we start going into intradimensional existence. The past mythology and the future possibilities seem to converge. It’s just a matter of being able to articulate such things within the filmic format.

Eon C. Rambally Inspired: Yes, Intrigued: Yes!!

30 years is a prolific amount of time to have been immersing yourself in all of this. I feel like I have found said desired Secret Society after all. It’s so stabilising to realise your experience isn’t singular. How could it be! Mathematically impossible. It’s just a matter of collective courage albeit with an odor of apprehension, to really share. So thank you thank you for being the wonderful you. I’m definitely interested in your insights, then dare I say it all the more makes it safer to share my own, Perhaps finally it is time.

Ingrid Wren Thank you for sharing your approach! I too love people watching, it’s so interesting to be the observer. Cafés are an inspiring place to write for sure. It’s interesting how our biological needs dictate certain behaviours and how they are expressed in very different ways according to the company and surroundings.

Mike, that does sound quite interesting, the research you are doing. Best of luck with your story!

Thoughts! I remember over 45 yrs ago communication by cell phones were pure fiction and considered by most except for a minute in the scientific world “share impossibilities”! It seems as someone thought otherwise. When the motor vehicle was invented, before it was publicized on then television many thought it had to be witchcraft, as they were accustomed to seeing horses and carriages. What's pulling THAT carriage?? The first camera, theory was the ability to “freeze time”. Don’t know how many of you are aware of that era, but it was recorded people sold their homes, ran to the hills in prep. for the end of the world and God’s judgment. Freeze Time??!!...that’s it… we’re out of here!!! The scientist who invented the match stick! Who told him to do that!..The results?? Aaarest himmm! .how dare you be so smart! Accused of witchcraft. Good heavens, we did “evolve” didn’t we! Thought patterns are far more serious than many are aware of! There're powerful! They have the ability to “evolve” from being (according to science energy) to “reality”!…

What’s your thoughts???

Good points, Eon. The long-running Canadian TV series "Murdoch Mysteries", set in Toronto in the early 1900s deals with many of those seemingly outrageous inventions and the people behind them, including Edison, Tesla, Arthur Conan Doyle, Madame Curie, and as played by Canadian actor William Shatner, Mark Twain.

Eon C. Rambally It seems the witch wound runs deep. It’s becoming apparent that this wound is more prevalent than previously realised. It makes complete sense. Perhaps it’s why we have the term “mad scientist”. We have come to realise that the creative thinker is valued, yet not always accepted, because of that seemingly inherent fear. People tend to revere the truth when it feels good to them, but when it challenges their whole existence, we see the uglier side of the human scale. Yet it’s all rooted in a fear of the unknown isn't it? I think that has become a defining feature of humanoids. However, as children, we are naturally curious. And those who have preserved this aspect, are generally more open minded and more constructive. I wonder if this incessant fear of real evolutionary thought and creativity is actually more Iike a disease, a dense glitch in our programming. We want to “grow big and strong”, we want to become “all that we are meant for”, we want that for every child we love, but when that child dares to actually achieve that, we fear for their lives. A good Sci-Fi film can provide a gateway to eradicate this disease by lighting up how it could be, and offer up an option of more sane and sound responses. This seems like a puzzle, Is there more to it?

Mike Childress That is inspiring to think of. Are you saying that Hyperspace theory appeared first in film and later - NASA legitimized it?

Mike Childress, understood and to be very conscious of!

Pamela Jaye Smith, that's the exact concept!

Rose Willow is there more to it? legitimizations requires certain sensitivities and understanding.

Now this! Secrets revealed! We all have a responsibility how we relay info to not mislead and cause unrest or incitement. However this can be said amongst us professionals, tell me if this does not astound you, they are all from the same circle check their backgrounds (writer/scientist, writer/inventor etc.) they may differ in opinions and subjects not status and affiliation. Understandably It has to be like that. They can’t hang out any and everywhere. To introduce an invention why not make it palatable first and avoid the sturr and reactions I previously mentioned. Why not create an entire supporting concept..Actors, Directors a whole new business concept to portray our ideas and inventions, thereby make it easier marketable…AND here we have it folks….introducing…HOLLYWOOD!

Btw I didn’t tell you how the story with the match stick ended. Whilst in trial and about to be convicted the scientist asked the judge of all people to-try-it-himself if alighted then he himself should be convicted. He did the results was not guilty towards the scientist. A film was made on the account also. Forgot the name!

Oh uh, the Camera? It was born out of the concept of “black holes”, letting in light from one dimension going through a minute hole in “complete darkness”, then emerging in “another dimension” the crystals and then your beloved photos. It’s the real reason folks back then were so scared, duplicating the power of the “black hole”, “freezing time” right here, on planet earth!.... Sshhhhhhh!

Very thought-provoking comments...thanks, all.

And two of my favorite observations that seem relevant here --

"People with convictions are convicts. What you believe imprisons you."

Sci-fi writer Robert Anton Wilson.

"Most people don't have thoughts. What they have are opinions about their emotions."

Georgia Lambert, Wisdom Teacher, Lambert's Lodge

And as for the oppositions, Isaac Newton's 3rd Law is succinct.

For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.

Wishing you all a very curious, creative, and productive week.

Eon C. Rambally Love the match story. and, Wow. Ok got it I think. Camera is a Black Hole Time Machine, Hollywood is a self generating matrix machine. Where does that leave the rebels and renegades? That reminds me of The Man in the High Castle a bit. I feel like many Writers and Directors are exactly challenging all of that though? And therefore there would have to be producers challenging it too?

Mike Childress Ooo very cool. This gives me hope.

Rose Willow I love the debate about which comes first... the writer or the science. Phillip K Dick predicted the advent of 3D printing in a short story, but not quite as we now know it. If you're interested in learning more about the intersection between science and imagination I'd recommend reading "Films from the Future" by Andrew Maynard, which takes a deep dive into issues such as AI and transhumanism. Meanwhile I'm researching electromagnetic pulse technology for my current work!

Yep, that’s basically it! Fascinating and mysterious when you think of a synopsis. Highly impressive Rose Willow you are reading and calculating the subliminals. That’s how the stories in film are told. A certain intellect will pick up the deep messages and of course you have a successful movie combined with action and “other scenes”, to captivate (with due respects) the rest of an audience. This basically also includes other genres.

The conversations have been great folks! Pamela Jaye Smith, Ingrid Wren, great seeing your inputs here, Mike Childress, your input impactful, Rose Willow, you have some thoughts, writing and more to do. The party was great, we had adequate and moderate alcohol, drinks eats, laughs. Plans for the next party, I'm available for! Best!

Thank you, Eon. Hope to join you all in person sometime soon. Best to all!

It is your world Rose Willow and they can be anything or anyone you want them to be or from wherever you want them to be from. Hope that helps. I have a few Sci-fi scripts as well and I just write what I want them to be, trying to make them as interesting and different as possible, the Hook!

Mark Deuce Yes that does help, thank you so much for your support. Do you find it takes a bit of getting out of your own way too?

Ingrid Wren Thank you for that book recommendation! Looks very en pointe. And great to know that origin story of the 3D printer! Electromagnetic pulse technology seems cutting edge. I look forward to seeing it, please do share anything you feel to, it's great to have a feel of where writers are at with what is being woven into the stories and thus realities of Tomorrow.

Eon C. Rambally Thank you for guiding me like a wise grandfather. I'm very grateful for your support. It feels a lot less freaky now and I am excited to delve into it deeper and allow it all to come through in the highest expression possible. :)

Mike Childress Your depth of research and knowledge is very inspiring. I can feel your passion and commitment to the details and I shall strive to include as much detail as possible in my work too whilst not losing sight of the humanity within the story. Thank you!

Pamela Jaye Smith You're wonderful. I hope to stay connected too. Your work seems beyond profound. I'm open to any other bits of wisdom you feel to share.

Mike Childress Wow I adore that quote. Going to note it down and keep it close :)

I find that some of the best films and shows surrounding extraterrestrial info can either come from hard research or just made up info! You should check out some of the webinars on how some writers world build! https://www.stage32.com/webinars

In a galaxy not too far, far away, I worked on Star Wars for 5-ish years before Disney bought it from Lucas. A lot of the writers I worked with based character development on already established fantasy-like D&D or Tolkien characters. And if it’s not “magical” sci-fi and more hard core, then it was based more in actual science, but usually turned sideways.

For Star Wars reference, there is an expansive Wookiepedia online that even folks at the Presidio used to look up obscure information about the franchise and characters. (Because SW fans are rabid and extremely specific!!) Lucas also had a lore expert on staff who was called the “Keeper of the Holocron:”

Good luck-and may the force be with you!

Sam Rivera Thank you Sam! Yes I am definitely so interested in “world building”. I will definitely be researching into this more. That’s exactly how it feels in a way, world building first and then allowing the script to adapt to the world… or perhaps the world is already there and the script allows the river of that world to flow into this one …!

Jacqueline Sandee Valle Wow, I’m in awe. What a gift to have been immersed into the intricacies of the production process behind Star Wars. I adore SW. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I have recently been wondering how SW headquarters choose which characters and storylines to tell at which time, It seems they are very specific about choosing the right material for the right timing. Or perhaps it’s based on fan culture or social culture. It seems like a whole talent in and of itself to have a pulse on what to make and release when. Do you have any insight into this?

Jacqueline Sandee Valle And May the Force Be With You Too :)

I’m really not sure how Disney is handling it these days, but it does seem to be market driven with oversight by Kathleen Kennedy. I suppose it’s about numbers and profit now with Disney at the helm.