Project:
U.S. Space Force Planetarium Film “Always Above”
ALWAYS ABOVE is a visually stunning exploration of space, Earth, and the unseen forces that connect them. Created for immersive planetarium domes, this 12-minute journey blends art and science to reveal how space is far closer to our daily lives than we realize. Flowing camera movements and dynamic transitions guide viewers from the depths of the ocean to the outer edges of Earth’s orbit, where thousands of satellites quietly shape the way we communicate, navigate, predict the weather—and stay safe.
At its core, the film celebrates the awe of discovery while highlighting the vital role of USSF Guardians 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, inspiring people of all ages to look up and consider what’s always above.
Produced by Scholar and GSD&M, on behalf of U.S. Space, and is distributed by BIG & Digital, LLC.
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Production Company Directors Managing Executive Producer Senior Executive Producer Head of Production Line Producer Director of Photography Production Designer
Design & Animation Creative Directors Managing Executive Producer Senior Executive Producer Head of Production CG Supervisor Compositing Supervisor Compositing Lead Senior Producer Designers
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2D Animators Model/Texture/Look Dev Artists 3D Animators Previz 3D Generalists Lighters Dynamics/FX Compositors Flame Artist Storyboards Media Manager
Editorial Editors Mix Mix Engineer |
"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."
Directors Chris Finn & Macauley Johnson
“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."
Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna
Process
"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."
"With a much wider field of view—and without the typical ability to “hide things out of frame”—each transition was carefully constructed to weave seamlessly through the narrative, knowing that every inch of the dome could be in someone’s gaze."
Filmed for the Dome
"To capture the unlimited expanse of the universe in live action, we employed the Entaniya HAL Fish Eye Lens with a whopping 220-degree field of view – all-encompassing enough to take our audience on location with Guardians or to feel the towering height of a 40-foot remote tracking station dish."
