Bitcoin Pioneer Jeff Garzik’s Production Company Taps “Star Trek’s” Jonathan Frakes to Direct Sci-Fi Adaptation
Jeff Garzik’s production company, NextCypher, has enlisted Jonathan Frakes, known for his role as Commander Riker in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” to direct an adaptation of the sci-fi novel “Deathlands.” Garzik expressed his excitement and gratitude for Frakes joining the project.
A Post-Apocalyptic World with Teleportation Technology
“Deathlands” is based on a series of novels by James Axler and Jack Adrian. The story follows a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world using teleportation technology. Garzik described the TV show as a combination of “Mad Max,” AI, and the monsters from “Tremors.”
NextCypher’s Web3 Approach to Independent Science Fiction Entertainment
Garzik founded NextCypher Productions in 2022 with the goal of utilizing Web3 tools to create independent science fiction content. The company plans to leverage technologies like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to provide early access to productions for fans.
Rewards for NFT Holders
NextCypher has developed a playbook that includes offering a run of 1,138 NextCypher multipass NFTs that are not tied to any specific production. Holders of these NFTs will receive benefits such as discounted access to “Deathlands” NFTs, gated access to digital assets, Discord events, and competitions. Additional ideas include contests to win Zoom chats with showrunners and contributing to prop and set design.
A Hybrid Approach
While NextCypher is not currently exploring Web3 financing and distribution models for its shows, Garzik mentioned a “hybrid approach” that combines traditional financing and distribution methods with Web3’s proof of fan base element. The company aims to prove its ability to produce successful content before fully embracing Web3 funding opportunities.
Hot Take: NextCypher’s Collaboration with Jonathan Frakes Signals Exciting Potential for Sci-Fi Adaptation
The collaboration between NextCypher and Jonathan Frakes on the adaptation of “Deathlands” brings together the expertise of a renowned director and the vision of a Bitcoin pioneer. With its post-apocalyptic setting and utilization of Web3 technologies like NFTs, the TV show holds promise for both sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of innovative entertainment experiences. As NextCypher explores new avenues for financing and distribution, it has the opportunity to pave the way for future Web3-powered productions in the industry.