Future Darkly: Artifamily
The scene commences with a tribute to the iconic POV sequence from the 1987 science fiction movie, Robocop. A chief researcher leans over the POV of a fixed camera, scrutinizing the frame. She is stationed in a sparse, brightly lit room, accompanied by a compact team, all adorned in lab coats and taking notes.
The chief researcher discusses the final stages of their novel version, mentioning the exteroceptive sensors and the CCD cameras, and inquiring to ensure the actuators that previously malfunctioned will be operational in time for the trial. As she converses, the frame sporadically fills with code (VFX), implying that the researchers are hunched over a computer. When the scientist is satisfied, she instructs the team to drain it and dress it in everyday clothing.
The father will be arriving soon. She departs, and the team gives one final lingering look before leaving the frame. CUT TO TITLE PLATE TEXT PLATE: March 15, 2095 A CU of a man's footwear.
He taps his feet and jitters his legs as the camera gradually pulls up to reveal a nervous-looking man named Robert sitting in a stark white office. It's been half a year since his cherished wife and 18-year-old stepdaughter were killed in a car crash, and the man is wracked with sorrow. Despite the support from his kin and friends, he has been admitted to the hospital twice with severe PTSD and recently put on medical leave by his employer.
His therapist, in fact, insisted he enroll in this government initiative as part of his recovery. Robert runs his fingers through his hair and wipes his face to compose himself as the chief scientist and her team of staff enter the room. The scientist welcomes Robert with immense empathy, shaking his hand before embracing him and introducing him to her team.
She requests Robert to sit back down so they can commence the orientation. Following her lead, a team member uses a tablet to project a holographic screen next to the scientist (VFX*), as she initiates her speech. She formally welcomes Robert to the ARTIFAMILY institute and proceeds to narrate its history.
It was established in 2040 by Dr. Philip Bernard, a psychiatrist and futuristic entrepreneur, who envisioned employing artificial intelligence to treat mental disorders. Since Bernard's modest beginnings, ARTIFAMILY has grown to become the premier treatment facility for victims of exploitation, emotional trauma, and extreme grief.
As the scientist recounts their story, the screen next to her presents various images of Bernard and the ARTIFAMILY institute. Robert can barely concentrate, visibly distracted and anxious about his presence there. Pausing to assess his reaction, the scientist continues to discuss his case.
As she mentions the tragic accident, images of his wife and smiling daughter appear on the screen. Robert appears ill, having to lower his head between his knees at one point. The scientist signals another team member, who offers the man a metallic can.
Robert sips it timidly as the scientist continues to address his consequent PTSD diagnosis, work leave, and therapist advice. She empathizes about how challenging it is for humans to retain employment and that he is fortunate his company is so supportive. He shows no reaction.
Kneeling next to him, the scientist compassionately reminds him that today marks the first step in his healing journey. ARTIFAMILY specializes in creating android replicas of deceased loved ones so that no one must endure the pain of premature loss again. Their team of scientists were able to upload and digitize their brain cells to construct an exact duplicate, utilizing machine learning and patented algorithms to create a personality match from the digital data.
Apart from a tiny microchip behind the left earlobe, one would never identify that ARTIFAMILY members were not human. As she informs Robert about the program, the screen displays a variety of sales pitches and stock images of androids under construction. Robert gazes at them in disbelief.
The scientist signals her team to exit the room and they obediently file out, the holographic screen disappearing as they leave. 'Mr. White,' she speaks softly.
'In adherence to the AIX act, I need to notify you that we are only legally permitted to dispatch one android clone per household. As you didn't specify your preference in the initial application, we have taken the initiative to create the more feasible of the two candidates. I hope it will suffice.
' Robert looks at her blankly, questioning what she means by 'feasible' as the team re-enters the room behind them. They are escorting the android daughter, who stands stiffly between them in a white tank top and white shorts. 'Daddy,' she murmurs.
Robert freezes. His eyes well up as he slowly turns around to behold the perfect resemblance of his daughter. She looks expressionless for a moment before grinning and laughing.
'It's so good to see you,' she says cheerfully. He stumbles over to.
The chief researcher discusses the final stages of their novel version, mentioning the exteroceptive sensors and the CCD cameras, and inquiring to ensure the actuators that previously malfunctioned will be operational in time for the trial. As she converses, the frame sporadically fills with code (VFX), implying that the researchers are hunched over a computer. When the scientist is satisfied, she instructs the team to drain it and dress it in everyday clothing.
The father will be arriving soon. She departs, and the team gives one final lingering look before leaving the frame. CUT TO TITLE PLATE TEXT PLATE: March 15, 2095 A CU of a man's footwear.
He taps his feet and jitters his legs as the camera gradually pulls up to reveal a nervous-looking man named Robert sitting in a stark white office. It's been half a year since his cherished wife and 18-year-old stepdaughter were killed in a car crash, and the man is wracked with sorrow. Despite the support from his kin and friends, he has been admitted to the hospital twice with severe PTSD and recently put on medical leave by his employer.
His therapist, in fact, insisted he enroll in this government initiative as part of his recovery. Robert runs his fingers through his hair and wipes his face to compose himself as the chief scientist and her team of staff enter the room. The scientist welcomes Robert with immense empathy, shaking his hand before embracing him and introducing him to her team.
She requests Robert to sit back down so they can commence the orientation. Following her lead, a team member uses a tablet to project a holographic screen next to the scientist (VFX*), as she initiates her speech. She formally welcomes Robert to the ARTIFAMILY institute and proceeds to narrate its history.
It was established in 2040 by Dr. Philip Bernard, a psychiatrist and futuristic entrepreneur, who envisioned employing artificial intelligence to treat mental disorders. Since Bernard's modest beginnings, ARTIFAMILY has grown to become the premier treatment facility for victims of exploitation, emotional trauma, and extreme grief.
As the scientist recounts their story, the screen next to her presents various images of Bernard and the ARTIFAMILY institute. Robert can barely concentrate, visibly distracted and anxious about his presence there. Pausing to assess his reaction, the scientist continues to discuss his case.
As she mentions the tragic accident, images of his wife and smiling daughter appear on the screen. Robert appears ill, having to lower his head between his knees at one point. The scientist signals another team member, who offers the man a metallic can.
Robert sips it timidly as the scientist continues to address his consequent PTSD diagnosis, work leave, and therapist advice. She empathizes about how challenging it is for humans to retain employment and that he is fortunate his company is so supportive. He shows no reaction.
Kneeling next to him, the scientist compassionately reminds him that today marks the first step in his healing journey. ARTIFAMILY specializes in creating android replicas of deceased loved ones so that no one must endure the pain of premature loss again. Their team of scientists were able to upload and digitize their brain cells to construct an exact duplicate, utilizing machine learning and patented algorithms to create a personality match from the digital data.
Apart from a tiny microchip behind the left earlobe, one would never identify that ARTIFAMILY members were not human. As she informs Robert about the program, the screen displays a variety of sales pitches and stock images of androids under construction. Robert gazes at them in disbelief.
The scientist signals her team to exit the room and they obediently file out, the holographic screen disappearing as they leave. 'Mr. White,' she speaks softly.
'In adherence to the AIX act, I need to notify you that we are only legally permitted to dispatch one android clone per household. As you didn't specify your preference in the initial application, we have taken the initiative to create the more feasible of the two candidates. I hope it will suffice.
' Robert looks at her blankly, questioning what she means by 'feasible' as the team re-enters the room behind them. They are escorting the android daughter, who stands stiffly between them in a white tank top and white shorts. 'Daddy,' she murmurs.
Robert freezes. His eyes well up as he slowly turns around to behold the perfect resemblance of his daughter. She looks expressionless for a moment before grinning and laughing.
'It's so good to see you,' she says cheerfully. He stumbles over to.
Actors:
