Metropius is a multi platform franchise consisting of a comic series and we are in the works for an animated series and a board game which is set to be released at the end of 2025.
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The project has been in production since its inception in 2017. During that time, the team has created a 20-minute proof-of-concept animation in Unreal Engine, which you can watch here. We have also released the second comic in a four-part series, with all four short stories coming together to form a complete narrative. The full story will be compiled into a graphic novel, set for release at the end of 2025.
Metropius is a Dieselpunk Retro Future, Sci Fi world where the greatest technological advancements of the modern era were born with Hi tech (low tech), Robotics and Hover vehicles which buzz throughout the city at all hours of the day and night. Learn more about this great city on THE LORE Page
MEET THE TEAM
Dan Macarthur is an Australian film director, cinematographer, and founder of 18 Degrees Films, with a career spanning over three decades in the entertainment industry. His extensive experience includes collaborations with Academy Award-winning actors such as Russell Crowe and Cuba Gooding Jr., and work across diverse genres and international markets, including Bollywood productions. Dan's passion for large-scale, multi-platform projects led to the creation of "Metropius," a dieselpunk sci-fi franchise encompassing animation, comics, and gaming. Drawing from his early interests in animation and modeling, he has seamlessly integrated his diverse skill set to bring the expansive world of Metropius to life.
Mel Poole is an Australian director, producer, and founder of 18 Degrees Films, a production company based in Queensland. She began her career as a journalist and producer for Australia's national breakfast television program, the Today Show, on Channel Nine. She has also worked as a journalist for ABC Radio and Channel Ten. In 2019, Mel wrote and directed "Sock and Buskin," which won the Audience Award at the Academy Award-qualifying St Kilda Film Festival. In 2020, she directed "Dry," which won Best QLD Film and People's Choice at the Australian Independent Film Festival. Her latest film, "Charlie," inspired by true events, aims to change perceptions about homelessness. Mel's dedication to storytelling with heart and her diverse experience make her a perfect fit for leading innovative projects like "Metropius."
Ally Burnham is an AWGIE-winning Australian screenwriter and novelist with a passion for sci-fi, comics, and gaming. As the lead writer for Metropius, her expertise in cross-media storytelling shines, earning her the Most Outstanding Animation award at the 2022 AWGIEs. A NIDA graduate, she has crafted compelling narratives across film, comics, and interactive experiences, including an immersive Metropius showcase at SXSW Sydney. Her deep love for genre storytelling and world-building makes her the perfect creative force behind Metropius, bringing its dieselpunk universe to life with rich detail and authenticity.
David Thor Fjalarsson is a seasoned Senior Concept Artist, Illustrator, and Comic Book Artist with over a decade of experience in the creative industry. His portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, including character and background illustrations for video and board games such as "Damsel," "Oathen," "Of War and Men," and "Newspeak." Notably, he contributed to the "Sub Terra" graphic novel, a 48-page companion story to the board game of the same name, highlighting his ability to blend narrative and visual storytelling. His extensive experience in both board games and comics makes him an ideal fit as the lead artist for "Metropius," where his skills can seamlessly integrate the project's dieselpunk aesthetic with immersive storytelling.
Joe Millward is a highly experienced innovation manager with over 19 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies across diverse sectors, including education, manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), hardware, and software. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as an industry thought leader in immersive technology, regularly speaking at international conferences and guest lecturing at universities. His extensive background in technology innovation and business strategy has been instrumental in integrating emerging technologies into creative projects, making him a pivotal force in the development of Metropius.
Dorian Dowse is a seasoned digital designer with a career spanning over three decades, specializing in video and 3D animation. Beginning his journey in video animation in 1990, he transitioned into 3D animation, honing his skills in modeling, lighting, and motion capture technologies. His extensive expertise has been instrumental in projects like Metropius, where his proficiency in 3D modeling and animation significantly contributed to the development of the animation's visual elements. Dorian's ability to integrate advanced technical workflows with creative artistry has been vital in bringing complex visual narratives to life.
Mark Williams is a distinguished visual effects artist renowned for his contributions to major motion pictures. His portfolio includes work on high-profile films such as Life of Pi (2012), Alien vs. Predator (2004), and Godzilla (2014). His expertise in visual effects has been instrumental in bringing complex cinematic visions to life. Additionally, his skills have significantly enhanced the Metropius proof-of-concept animation, particularly in character modeling, where his attention to detail and creative insights have been invaluable. Colleagues have lauded his proficiency, with one noting, "Mark is a gun at multimedia especially 3D and motion graphics." Mark's extensive experience in large-scale film productions has been vital in shaping the intricate world of Metropius.