Island-scale gods are piloted by men in this sci-fi/fantasy apocalyptic series.
— From the mind of Gaetana Pipia
As a writer, I began teaching myself AI tools in order to bring my stories to life visually, without the production or gatekeeping barriers of the past.
The technology is amazing but not without its limitations. Still, I firmly believe it is a powerful tool, perhaps even a whole new medium, which can be utilized to put creative control and power back into the hands of individual storytellers.
Borrowed Gods is one example of this “dream it and do it” approach I’ve taken to developing my ideas in real time rather than waiting for permission. I’m not sure how I would have pitched this to a traditional studio. Perhaps Power Rangers meets Moana meets Fullmetal Alchemist, straight from the heart and mind of an elder millennial-former journalist-single mother-mythology lover.
I have a genuine passion for so many genres, from sci-fi and historical fiction to romance and body horror. Combined with my affinity for the sea as the daughter of islanders (Mom is from the Philippines, and Dad is from Sicily), this series is something of a personal love letter to islander cultures across the globe.
The premise is simple enough. Humans arrived on this world and unknowingly built their homes upon the backs of leviathan gods. In order to prevent constant destruction, they learned to infiltrate the gods’ minds and pilot them from within.
Some men grew addicted to the power and remained as undying parasites, hellbent on consuming other island gods in order to maintain immortality and expand their domains.
I push myself each week to create something I’m proud of. Inspired by the write-as-you-go serialized stories from the golden age of sci-fi, my goal is this: tell stories that move people. I push myself to learn and improve each week, and I hope that shows in both the storytelling and the visuals.
In many ways, Borrowed Gods is a collaborative effort between myself and the viewers. I encourage your reactions and critiques as this story expands.
You can watch Borrowed Gods free here and on YouTube. Best for TV viewing. Thanks for watching and for visiting my strange, little worlds.
— Gaetana
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE