We were thrilled to chat with Chris Maes, the writer/director of the indie sci-fi flick Hemisphere.
Who?
Hemisphere was produced by independent production company Trujillo Creek Pictures. Company principal Chris Maes, working with producers Kory Krinsky and James Cappe, wrote and directed the movie. The movie stars two very talented actresses in the DC area. Paige Rion plays space investigator Sandra Ramirez, accepting a deep space mission from her ex-husband. Julie Kashmanian plays Phoebe, the lone survivor of a mining catastrophe aboard a space station. Actor Eduardo Jose Paco Mateo plays a supporting role as the ex-husband, Jim. Indie Rights Movies is handling worldwide distribution on multiple digital platforms.
What?
Hemisphere is the story of a female investigator, Sandra Ramirez, who is hired to determine the whereabouts of a missing crew aboard a mining facility orbiting Mercury. Soon after her arrival at the space station, she discovers a lone survivor hiding in a ceiling crawlspace, and learns that a ruthless band of hijackers will be returning to finish what they started. There is also a corrupt AI unit and a dead body to further enhance the unfolding mystery of what actually happened. It is a contained thriller in the spirit of classic movies like Panic Room and Ex Machina.
Where?
The story takes place aboard a space station that orbits the dark side of Mercury. The planet contains valuable nickel ore deposits that mining companies are just beginning to exploit. Due to an unknown catastrophe, the space station has been placed on lockdown, with limited access to select areas. As to where Hemisphere itself was shot, 100% of the movie’s interiors were shot on a basement soundstage in McLean, Virginia, where custom sets were constructed using a variety of materials. It was a 12-day shoot.
When?
The bulk of the movie was filmed in summer of 2022, with a few pick-up shoots in early 2023. Post-production/edit occurred concurrent with the shooting. Composer Marcus Manderson came aboard once we had a rough assembly, and provided an original, highly evocative score. VFX producer Peter Mattson started work once we reached picture lock to create all of the exterior VFX shots in space. The world that the movie takes place in is the year 2047, about 25 years in the future. Corporations have begun expanding into the solar system in order to exploit mineral resources on other planets. Final VFX for the movie was completed in summer 2023, and the finished film was released in late October 2023.
Why?
Kory, Jay Cappe and I wanted to make this movie to demonstrate that a decent sci-fi film could be made within a contained setting, using just 2-3 actors, outside of mainstream Hollywood.
With Hemisphere, I (Chris Maes) personally wanted to return to the simple approach we used in film school – working in controlled locations, with small crews and talented actors. I attended UCLA film school which was right next door to the theater department, so we always had great access to talent. My producers Kory and Jay helped me with auditions, organizing the production, and focusing the story during edit. I have been obsessed for a while with the idea of space. It is a completely unforgiving environment.
I was also intrigued by the duty/loyalty a character can have for their profession. This is an integral part of who Sandra Ramirez is. The Phoebe character is based on my daughter, and is intended as a polar opposite to challenge the main character’s beliefs. Ultimately, the only way these two will survive their situation is to work together.
How?
Hemisphere played at three film festivals: one in Toronto, one in Los Angeles, and a third one in West Virginia. We’re pleased that it continues to be recognized for its strong acting performances, unconventional storyline, and convincing VFX. We were recently represented at the Cannes film market for international distribution.
The movie is available on Amazon Prime and Google Play in the US, Canada, and the UK/Ireland. The $3 rental fee is a small cost for an indie film that audiences can easily watch in the comfort of their own homes. The movie can also be viewed for free with ads on Tubi, and on the Indie Rights YouTube Channel. I should also mention that Marcus Manderson’s soundtrack for the movie can be heard on Spotify and elsewhere. Please support indie filmmaking by checking out Hemisphere today!
Watch Online:
- Tubi
- Amazon Prime (Rent)
- YouTube
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