Iliad - Concept Film

Aim: To film a science fiction proof of concept scene from Book One of Homer's The Iliad.

THE AIM

To produce a high-concept science fiction proof-of-concept scene from Book One of The Iliad, with the aim of attracting investment for a full-length feature adaptation of Homer’s epic.

THE STORY / SCENE

Set in a futuristic reimagining of the Trojan War, Ilius: Book One – The Quarrel focuses on the explosive confrontation between Achilles, the greatest warrior in history, and King Agamemnon, the egotistical commander of the Achaean forces.

When Agamemnon refuses to return a captive priestess, he angers the god Apollo — who rains destruction on the Achaean army. Achilles, furious, publicly accuses the king of dooming their campaign. Their bitter clash marks the beginning of Homer’s Iliad.

DIRECTOR’S VISION

"The colonial marines of Aliens meets The Iliad."

Picture this:

• The driving, warlike rhythm of Holst’s Mars, the Bringer of War builds beneath images of Achaean and Trojan soldiers in high-tech armour, lighting their laser-plumed helmets.
• A crimson orange desert battlefield dotted with craters, downed aircraft, and the shimmering dome of the futuristic city of Ilius in the distance.
• Apollo, now a war-god in orbit, launching rocket strikes from divine satellite system.
• Achilles, a super-soldier, screams: “My spear will be reddened with your blood!”
• Close-up push-ins of iconic figures from literature: Achilles. Agamemnon. Menelaus.
• Voiceover: “Some men fight for money. Some men fight for power. And some men... just want to fight.”

THE TEAM

The film will be created by a seasoned team of collaborators who have successfully delivered short films and a feature together over the past eight years. Many roles are already filled with experienced professionals; others will be finalized once funding is secured.

Key Crew:

• Director/Writer/Producer/Camera Operator: Eric Garson
• Sound Recordist & Sound Editor: Sophie Marchant
• Focus Puller & VFX Supervisor: David Gregory
• Grip: Rod Ramsey
• Gaffer: Arlo Haigh
• DIT: Krzysztof Rodzik
• Stills Photographer: Psyona Williams
• Military Technical Advisor/Armourer: Dave Steer
• Other Roles: TBC – Cinematographer, AD, Editor, Composer, Colourist, Art Department, Costume, MUA

Cast:

Seven speaking roles and three non-speaking roles. Casting will take place via in-person auditions to find the strongest talent. A named actor will be sought for King Agamemnon to enhance the film’s visibility and commercial potential.

PRODUCTION PLAN

Location: 1 interior, 1 exterior
Length of shoot: 2–3 days
Post-production timeline: 4–6 months

Two Production Pathways:

• Low-to-mid budget: Shot against green screen; backgrounds and world-building added in post.
• High-budget goal: Shot on a virtual production stage with custom VFX environments created in pre-production.

WHAT THE FUNDING WILL COVER

• Cast & crew wages (Equity/BECTU)
• Studio/location hire, permits, travel & parking
• Equipment rental: high-end cinema camera, lenses, lighting, audio
• Set construction, props, costumes, and make-up
• Catering, insurance, paperwork, rehearsal space
• Post-production: editing, VFX, colour grading, sound design
• Deliverables: Subtitles, captions, audio description, BBFC certification

WHY SUPPORT THIS PROJECT?

• Employment & Training: Creating jobs in the UK film industry, with a focus on mentoring and opportunities for young creatives.
• Cultural Impact: Introducing The Iliad to a new audience through a bold, sci-fiction lens.
• Originality: No faithful science fiction adaptation of The Iliad exists — this will be the first of its kind. But it will also be professionally made.
• Visual & Emotional Power: A stylised, immersive, and cinematic reimagining of one of the world’s oldest and greatest stories.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

I’m Eric Garson, an independent filmmaker based in Reading, UK. Over the past seven years, I’ve directed multiple short films and a feature film, Trophy Wife, distributed by Indie Rights and available on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Google Play and YouTube Movies.

Watch Trophy Wife on Amazon Prime: Trophy Wife - Amazon Prime Link

In 2020, I completed a faithful science fiction feature script based on The Iliad. Now, I’m launching this proof-of-concept to bring that vision to life and secure backing for a full-length adaptation.

JOIN THE JOURNEY

Help bring Homer’s epic into the 23rd century. Support a unique, visually arresting, and culturally important reimagining of The Iliad.

Be part of something memorable.

Thank you,
Eric Garson
Director & Producer
www.ericgarsonfilms.co.uk

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th August 2025 at 7:30pm