Do you feel any pressure to be faithful to the canon of star-set film franchise?
Geoff: We have our own unique universe that borrows from a variety of others and includes some original elements. We have our own canon that we’d like to develop and keep consistent. We think that the most engaging way to develop a show. Despite all of “borrowing” that’s going on, Space Janitors is quite original.
Between the sets, effects, and costumes, ‘Space Janitors’ seems like a daunting series to try and make. Was there something in particular that inspired you to produce the series?
Davin: It is a really difficult show to make, but rewarding as well. I had just finished another web series for fun called Brotherhood of Leet. It was a mash-up of World War II drama and 8-bit video games. There were a lot of small scale effects and some 3d work in that show – just enough for me to think that maybe we could pull off a larger series like a sci-fi. We had a lot of help with the sets and costumes from some really talented people, but we were confident that we could pull off the props and special effects ourselves, and a lot of energy went into sketching out ideas and shots before we got into the studio.
That being said, the first day that we filmed in the studio with ONLY green in the background – no sets, no props, just a sketch of what the environment would probably look like a half a year later – I had butterflies in my stomach. I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to pull it off. Truth be told, I’m not even sure we did! The effects were very rough when we first released season one on The Escapist, and it wasn’t until we went back with a full season of experience under our belt and remastered the whole season for Geek & Sundry that I think we had a great looking show.
Do you find that ‘Space Janitors’ lends itself well to the webseries medium?
Geoff: We sort of think of it as a series of short films, all fitting together in one big story arc – which I think is great for the webseries medium. The webseries art form is it’s own thing, it’s different from television, which has, over it’s history, evolved into several types of refined and rigid storytelling structures. On the web, there’s a lot of experimentation going on, and we’re happy to be a part of it.
What part of the process of creating the show do you enjoy most?
Geoff: Being on set and working with the talented cast and crew. I’ve been surprised many times, especially when the actors are improvising. It’s good to be working with people that make the show better and better at every stage.
What has been the most challenging aspect of creating Space Janitors?
Davin: Making a show is surprisingly complex. The creative part is thrilling, but there’s a whole business aspect to the production that we have to take care of as well. People have to get paid, studios and vans have to be booked, sets have to be built, a crew of 30 has to be hired and fed. It’s probably boring to hear about, but I think the most challenging aspect for me personally is doing a great job on the business side even when my head and my heart are focusing on the fun and creative side. I suppose the fact that I have to work 80 hours a week on post-production just to hit our release deadlines is a bit of a challenge as well, but that challenge is pretty easily overcome by coffee.
Has there been anything that has surprised you during the production?
Davin: I think we were all surprised as how “real” the production felt while we were shooting. Geoff and I had finished a television series called Pure Pwnage that had about 20x the budget, but when we walked into the studio to film the first day of Space Janitors the atmosphere was just as grand, just as professional, just as inspiring.
Other surprising insights: The instant mashed potatoes used for the “mush” was really tasty. Never ever sleep overnight on a set, even when it’s a “bedroom” set. It’s almost impossible to sit in “squall trooper” armor.
Which is your favorite episode so far?
Geoff: I think “Pyus Dunes” (episode 2×05) is my favorite so far. All of the cloning and VFX – it’s our most ambitious for sure, and I think it’s a great story that will surprise you and make you laugh at the same time.
What are your plans for the future of ‘Space Janitors’?
Davin: I believe Space Janitors is alive and well. We’re raising money for season three and working hard on getting all the pieces together to make a video game. We’re also talking to TV broadcasters about a television reboot, but it’s difficult to predict how those type of efforts will pan out. There’s still so much story to tell, and if you had been in the room with Geoff, Andy Hull (Marf) and Brendan Halloran as we brainstormed ideas for season three, you’d be as excited as I am to see those come to the small screen – really funny stuff.
Come back tomorrow to Hypable for an interview with the cast of Space Janitors!
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