The unique look of Skyland is achieved with cutting-edge animation that includes a combination of 2D, 3D and motion-capture techniques. All images © Nicktoons.

Science fiction takes us to worlds far away, and often, into the future. The genre usually involves speculations based on current science -- and in the case of the futuristic TV series, Skyland, the science involves cutting-edge animation that includes an impressive combination of 2D, 3D and motion-capture techniques.

The look of Skyland is so unique that, as AWN reported in October 2005, the show topped the list of the most requested series at MIPCOM Jr. in Cannes, France.

"The result of the animation combination is to provide the finished product we were looking for and that this property deserved," says Vince Commisso, president/ceo of 9 Story Ent., which is the series' co-production partner with Method Films. "People in broadcast have described to me as having the highest quality animation ever broadcast on television. Without the motion capture and the rendering, the look and style could never have been adequately presented to the audience."

Skyland follows the adventures of two farming children -- Mahad and Lena -- who must grow up quickly and fight oppression to save their mother. Skyland is set in the year 2251, at a time when Earth has been broken into separate blocks, orbiting the core, or Skyland. Water has become the most precious commodity, but it is being controlled by a corrupt leadership known as "The Sphere." A group of rebels still hold out against The Sphere.

When Mahad and Lena insult visiting representatives of The Sphere, their mother, Mila, uses her "Seijen" magic to overcome a Sphere ship, and sends her children away in the vehicle. They become involved in the battle with the rebels to overthrow The Sphere and to free their imprisoned mother.

While Skyland features child protagonists, it was originally envisioned as a show for adults. "The premise was conceived originally as an adult animated series in 2000 by Emmanuel Gorin, and was subsequently re-developed for a younger audience in 2002," Commisso says, adding, "It is currently targeted to 9- to 14-year-olds."

International Appeal
Skyland was created by Emmanuel Gorin, Alexandre de la Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte. The series, which has 26 episodes slated, has enjoyed broadcast sales to some 70 countries, including the Nicktoons Network, Nickelodeon's 24-hour animation network.

"In addition to its rich visual style and stunning imagery, Skyland is an epic, sci-fi action adventure of good verses evil -- universal story lines kids have loved for ages," comments Keith Dawkins, vp/gm, Nicktoons Network.

Skyland is a France/Canada co-production, which means that creating the show requires international co-operation. "There is a division of services among project activities versus episodes, between the two production companies," says Commisso of 9 Story Ent. "This allows each company to focus on the activities it does well and can allocate resources for ramp-up and execution for the entire 26-cycle run. This also has the effect of improving quality as each company has more experience with, and becomes better at, its particular set of production activities."

This joint effort includes the scripting stage, as the show uses both Canadian and French writers. "They have a great deal to do with the direction of the series in that they define the characters and write the stories appropriate for the series concept and the characters," Commisso says. "Some things, as in the case with most series, change in storyboard for various creative and technical reasons -- but not unusually so."