Always Above, a 12-minute journey, takes audiences from the ocean depths to thousands of miles into space. Viewers will explore different types of satellites and the three main orbits they travel. Every frame was created with the audience experience in mind—designed to guide the eye, play with scale, and create moments of surprise through sound, color, and spatial storytelling.
Always Above, a 12-minute journey, takes audiences from the ocean depths to thousands of miles into space. Viewers will explore different types of satellites and the three main orbits they travel. Every frame was created with the audience experience in mind—designed to guide the eye, play with scale, and create moments of surprise through sound, color, and spatial storytelling.
The film was produced by the production company, Scholar, and as Directors Chris Finn and Macauley Johnson put it, “from the opening swell, our goal was to invite viewers on an immersive ride, rich with colorful tapestries and transitional surprises, where the vastness of space feels close, tangible, and deeply human.” Employing a blend of mediums—from CG and live action to motion graphics—Scholar used innovative tools and techniques to push the boundaries of the format, echoing the spirit of exploration and forward-thinking that defines the U.S. Space Force. Curious explorers can witness the breathtaking scale of these sites and the expanse of space in the only place built to contain them—the dome.
Always Above is an outstanding example of how we can inspire and educate the next generation of innovators, problem solvers and dreamers about the critical role space plays in our daily lives,” said the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna.
At its core, the film celebrates the awe of discovery while highlighting the vital role Guardians play in protecting the space-based systems that support modern life. Ethereal visuals and a powerful narrative invite audiences to see the interconnectedness of humanity and the cosmos in a virtual theatrical event, inspiring people of all ages to look up and consider what’s always above. It was produced by Scholar and GSD&M, on behalf of the U.S. Space Force, and is distributed by BIG & Digital, LLC. Learn more about Always Above and view showtimes at a planetarium near you.