Share the Wonders: ‘FARSCAPE’ Dominates the Future

For the last month, the wonders of FARSCAPE have captured my attention. Non-stop. As in, since my first exposure, I’ve watched 88 episodes (plus the 3-hour miniseries) thrice! I’ve moved on to the DVD featurettes and audio commentaries, which is where the show has truly begun to work its magic on me.

Now it’s no secret that I’m prone to addictive tendencies when it comes to television, but FARSCAPE has proven itself separate from the rest. Highly unique, and not just because of the qualities that make it the most epic sci-fi show (or any show, really) I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.

The reason FARSCAPE captivates me doesn’t lie solely in the execution, but through its creation. Learning the gritty behind-the-scenes details used to make me feel like it takes away a magical element from the audience’s POV. Nay! It just serves to fuel a deeper passion for working behind-the-scenes myself.

Out of uni for a month, and I finally have that wake up call guiding me toward a career in visual story-telling.

The credit, I believe, goes to the dedication and determination of the cast and crew. Every participant in episode commentaries mentions the same thing: no one on the FARSCAPE team ever asked ‘is this possible [given our budget]?’ regarding the series. Instead, they each took part in finding ways to make the show work as it needed, despite the obvious obstacles falling in the way.

The entire crew put their best efforts on the line. Not because they had to. Not because it was their job. Everyone wanted to make each episode the best that it could be no matter what. In that sense, the team are as much fans of the series as any member of the viewing audience. No one feared to explore new styles or ideas in order to figure out what best fit the show’s and the characters’ evolutions.

 The outcome reflects this.

Understanding the artistic elements that go into each seemingly insignificant decision deepens my appreciation for the show. And it’s carried across to other shows and films. I’ve started studying camera angles, lighting effects, minute costume accessories, even the musical scores set in post-production.

I don’t know much about screenwriting yet. I think the biggest hurdle will be familiarising myself with proper formatting. But that’s my goal for this year.

What shows, artists, music, people from history strike major influence in your life? What have you done to improve yourself because of those influences?