Title: Artifamily Pure Taboo

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Description: The scene opens opens with an homage to the famous POV sequence from the 1987 sci-fi film, Robocop. A lead scientist leans over the POV of a locked-off camera and examines the frame. She is standing in a stark, well-lit room accompanied by a small team, dressed neatly in lab coats, and taking notes. The lead scientist is commenting on the final stages of their new version. She talks about the exteroceptive sensors and the CCD cameras, asking questions to make sure that the actuators that malfunctioned previously will be completed prior to the trial. As she speaks, the frame periodically populates with code (VFX), suggesting that the scientists are leaning over a computer. When the scientist is satisfied, she asks the team to drain it and dress it in civilian clothes. The father will be arriving shortly. She leaves, and the team gives one final long look before exiting the frame. A CU of a man's shoes. He taps his feet and shakes his legs as the camera slowly pulls up to reveal an anxious looking man named Robert sitting in a minimalist white office. It's been six months since his beloved wife and 18-year-old step daughter were killed in a car accident and the man is sick with grief. Despite the support of his family and friends, he has been hospitalized twice with severe PTSD and recently placed on a medical leave by his employer. It was his therapist, in fact, who insisted he sign up for this government program as part of his treatment. Robert runs his hands through his hair and wipes his face to get himself together, as the lead scientist and her team of staff enter the room. The scientist greets Robert with great sensitivity, shaking the man's hand before extending it into a hug and introducing him to her team. She asks Robert to sit down again so they may begin the orientation. Taking her cue, one of the team members uses a tablet to cast a hologram screen beside the scientist (VFX*), as she begins speaking. She welcomes Robert formally to the ARTIFAMILY institute and starts to explain its history. It was founded in 2040 by Dr. Philip Bernard, a psychiatrist and futurist entrepreneur, who had a vision of using artificial intelligence to treat mental illness. Since Bernard's humble beginnings, ARTIFAMILY has evolved to become the leading treatment facility for victims of exploitation, emotional distress, and extreme bereavement. As the scientist explains their story, the screen beside her displays various images of Bernard and the Artifamily Institute. Robert can only half-follow, visibly distracted and anxious about being there. Taking a pause to gauge his reaction, the scientist continues to explain his case. As she talks about the tragic accident, images of his wife and smiling daughter come on the screen. Robert looks sick, having to put his head between his knees at a certain point. The scientist signals another team member, who brings the man a silver can. Robert sips it meekly as the scientist goes on to discuss his subsequent PTSD diagnosis, work leave, and therapist recommendations. She empathizes about how hard it is for humans to retain employment and that he is lucky his corporation is so supportive. He has no expression. Featuring Jill Kassidy, Tommy Pistol. From the web series: Future Darkly: Artifamily. Original release date: May 8th, 2018.

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