State of Syn

State of Syn, produced by Shaftesbury in 2013, is a web-based, science-fiction series that deftly merges elements of suspense, drama and high-stakes adventure in a futuristic world brimming with cutting-edge technological advancements and deeper human stories. Protagonist Annika Drake, along with her friends, plunges headfirst into a web of intrigue, corporate sabotage, and a scientific discovery that could forever alter the human condition.

The story is set in 2043, in a world where society is immensely integrated into technology. Vast parts of the daily human experience revolve around virtual environments or alternate realities. One of the significant inventions in this universe is Ebb™, a digital drug that stimulates the neural regions of the user's brain to create an immersive and captivating alternate reality, far more exciting and fulfilling than the bland nature of their day-to-day lives.

Our protagonist, Annika Drake, is the tenacious and whip-smart daughter of a recently deceased scientific genius and corporate titan, Aslin Kane, who created Ebb™, and the company producing it, Hplusψ Corporation. Left in the wake of this inexplicable tragedy, Annika is pitted against the cunning and ruthless Elias Kane (played by David Hewlett), the step-brother and antagonist of the series.

A mysterious sequence of events involving her father's death, the enigmatic corporation, and the unpredictable effects of Ebb™ lead her, and her ‘synners’ companions, Twig and Charlie, into a dizzying spiral of high-intensity confrontations, both within the digital and real world. This trio is determined to discover the truth and make those responsible accountable, while trying to stay alive.

In terms of visual presentation, the series showcases the world of the near future with keen attention to detail. This dystopian universe with a high-tech gloss hosts technological advancements such as holograms, AI-assisted workflow, global biometrics, and most importantly, the neural simulation brought on by Ebb™. Yet, beneath its shiny veneer, the State of Syn narrates a society grappling with its rapid evolution and the philosophical questions arising from such a significant leap.

State of Syn presents viewers with a unique narrative flow utilizing an innovative 'cinematic choose-your-own-adventure' style, aiming to bridge the gap between interactive web content and traditional linear television storytelling. Using rotoscoping animation and continuous still photography, the series presents an eerie, almost uncanny feel to its visuals, in line with its dystopian narrative.

Alongside the series, State of Syn also integrates a companion mobile app, developed by Smokebomb Entertainment, Shaftesbury's immersive entertainment division. The app provides an interactive story experience and real-time dissension sensing games, creating an outfit of multiplatform digital content aimed at enhancing the viewer's engagement with the narrative and unfolding events.

The social commentary within State of Syn is timely and potent, considering the increasing presence and dependence on technology in our lives. While the series doesn’t shy away from illustrating the dehumanizing effects of over-reliance on digital systems, it also leverages the narrative to explore how these advancements can be used for the common good, albeit through the challenging journey navigated by the protagonists.

The ensemble cast of State of Syn, which includes Jewel Staite (from Firefly) and David Hewlett (from Stargate Atlantis), offers compelling performances bringing life to the story's vibrant characters. Their performances enhance the thematic intensity, driving the series towards its thrilling climax.

All in all, State of Syn is a thought-provoking science fiction series that immerses its viewers in a fascinatingly dystopian future filled with intrigue, action, and high-level corporate drama. It consistently challenges its audience to question the implications of scientific advancements and the dichotomy of their benefits and exploitations, as seen through the eyes of its complex characters.