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Waking Up, A Vertical Sci-Fi Film
Inspiration
We were inspired by the universal human dilemma of choosing between the comfort of the known and the transformative potential of the unknown. "WAKING UP" frames this everyday conflict—the risk of a new path, a new relationship, a new idea—within a breathtaking sci-fi narrative. Our goal was to use the visual spectacle of an alien world to make the protagonist's internal struggle feel epic and visceral, hoping to inspire even one viewer to choose courage over comfort in their own life.
What it does
"WAKING UP" is a short sci-fi film that tells the story of Ray, an 18-year-old who awakens from a seven-year coma on the planet Grahx. His mind is a library of facts, but his body is a stranger. The film captures his disorienting awakening and the resulting conflict between his overprotective mother, who represents safety, and his grandmother, who advocates for living. The narrative culminates in a breathtaking sequence where Ray discovers the planet's low gravity allows him to fly—a powerful metaphor for the joy and freedom found on the other side of fear.
How we built it
Screenplay & Vision: We began with a tightly-written script focused on emotional beats and visual set-pieces.
AI Visual Generation: Using AI tools, we generated the stunning visuals of Grahx—its tri-sun sky, crystalline flora, and the unique low-gravity "flight"—through iterative prompt engineering to ensure they served the story.
Post-Production: The project involved a intensive post-production phase where we:
- Edited for pacing, balancing quiet character moments with spectacular reveals.
- Designed Sound to create contrasting soundscapes: the sterile hum of the med-bay vs. the lush, organic chiming of the alien world.
- Produced the final vertical video format, optimizing every frame for a immersive mobile viewing experience.
Challenges we ran into
The journey was both frustrating and exhilarating. Our primary challenge was achieving visual consistency and narrative control with AI generation, often wrestling between the tool's interpretation and our directorial vision. Additionally, we had to rapidly master new skills in vertical film editing and sound design, learning how to guide an audience's emotion and focus within a constrained, portrait-oriented frame without the established language of traditional widescreen filmmaking. Character consistency was a constant struggle through this journey.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are incredibly proud of creating a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. We successfully built a believable, awe-inspiring alien world on a limited budget. Our highest achievement is the final, wordless sequence where Ray's flight and his mother's decision to silence the medical alarms perfectly encapsulate the film's entire theme—a moment we hope stays with the audience long after the film ends.
What we learned
This project was a deep dive into modern digital storytelling. We learned to see AI not as a magic wand, but as a complex brush that requires a clear vision and skilled guidance. We gained practical expertise in the entire vertical film pipeline, from prompt engineering and AI animation to the critical importance of sound design and rhythmic editing in short-form narrative. Ultimately, we learned that the core of a great film remains a powerful human story, no matter the tools used to tell it.
What's next for Waking Up - A Sci-Fi Vertical Film
This short film is just the beginning. We are developing "WAKING UP" into a series of vertical shorts to continue Ray's story as he explores the mysteries of Grahx, confronts the reasons his family fled Earth, and discovers what it truly means to be alive after losing seven years. Our vision is to build a community of viewers, releasing episodes directly to subscribers and inviting them to join Ray on this ongoing journey of discovery and adventure.
Built With
- chatgpt
- claude
- elevenlabs
- gemini
- kling
- leonardo.ai
- pixabay
- suno.com
- veo
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