Datum Shift
Some anomalies are meant to stay buried.
A junior researcher arrives at a derelict zone for a routine inspection, only to discover that an anomaly, believed to have vanished decades ago, is returning—and he finds himself at its epicenter.
Datum Shift—a short science fiction thriller that functions both as a complete story and as a foundation for a potential series.
The project explores a world of hidden anomalous zones that humanity has learned to detect, control, and study, but has never managed to fully explain.
Key Concept:
what happens when a system that has functioned flawlessly for decades suddenly fails?
FORMAT
Short film / basis for a series
Potential series format: 22–26 minutes $\times$ multiple episodes
Structure: Individual stories set in anomalous zones, tied together by an overarching plotline.
Genre: Science Fiction / Thriller / Mystery
Tone: Realistic, enigmatic, unsettling, unpredictable
TARGET AUDIENCE
Primary: Viewers aged 16–35.
The project is designed for an audience interested in:
— science fiction and mysticism; — enigmatic phenomena; — stories about secret organizations; — psychological tension; — unusual visual effects; — narratives where conventional rules of reality gradually break down.
TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION
Storyboarding and previsualization $\rightarrow$ shooting on an existing location $\rightarrow$ creating anomalous phenomena and other VFX $\rightarrow$ compositing $\rightarrow$ final rendering: lighting, color, atmosphere, and overall visual integrity.
KEY REFERENCES
«The X-Files»
Secret organizations, unexplained phenomena, and the investigation of the unknown.
«Supernatural»
A world of anomalous events and individual stories unified by a shared mythology.
«Severance»
A cold, corporate aesthetic, a closed system, and the feeling that something larger is at play.
SYNOPSIS
Evan Cole, a junior researcher for an organization monitoring anomalous zones, arrives at an abandoned complex for a routine inspection. Zone 47-2 has been deemed stable for over 70 years, and its metrics are within normal parameters.
The inspection begins as a standard operational procedure. Evan cross-references the facilities with archival materials and notes the absence of activity.
However, he soon notices the first signs of an anomaly. The readings begin to shift, and the space around him starts behaving unpredictably.
What was supposed to be a routine check rapidly turns into a confrontation with a phenomenon the organization believed had long vanished.
CHARACTERS
EVAN COLE Junior Researcher, around 27. He recently joined the organization but genuinely loves his job and treats his colleagues almost like family. He is outgoing, emotional, and constantly jokes around, always striving to be friends with everyone, especially the management. Sometimes he is too inexperienced and unserious, preferring to finish routine tasks quickly, but overall, he is diligent and always tries to perform his tasks well.
MIKE HARRIS An experienced researcher and Evan’s supervisor. Calm, confident, and relaxed, he regards Evan with a degree of patronizing fondness.
Evan Cole
DATUM SHIFT WORLD
Across the globe, there are territories where inexplicable physical changes occur. These places are called anomalous zones, and their existence is concealed from the public.
A specialized organization monitors these zones, logs the changes, and works to maintain their stability. However, the organization does not know everything about the nature of the anomalies.
Monitoring System:
–1 — stable state
0 — acceptable deviation
1 — initial activity
2 — pronounced activity
3 — critical instability
4 — extreme deviation
If the indicators begin to rise—the zone is no longer considered safe.
Filming Location
TEAM
KOLOMBET KSENIA · SOBLEVA EMILIA
This duo brings professional experience in simulations, compositing, and live-action shooting, including on-set supervising.
The project perfectly aligns with our hard skills: from shooting and VFX staging to final compositing. Our extensive visual literacy and strong foundational skills allow us to create original and technically achievable solutions.
Plus, we’re awesome girls who have watched a lot of horror movies (•̀ᴗ•́).
