Halo-8 Entertainment has released the first teaser for the upcoming illustrated film Black Sky, created & illustrated by the stupendous Ben Templesmith (co-creator “30 Days of Night”) and directed by Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller). I’m a huge fan of these new illustrated films as it brings a new dimension to the comic form that I love so much. Check out the footage inside with some more details.

Templesmith designed BLACK SKY from the outset to be produced as both an illustrated-film and a comic book series.

According to Pizzolo, “The difference between an illustrated film and a motion comic is kind of the difference between a movie that was shot in 3D versus a movie that was shot in 2D but got a 3D post-conversion. We’re not repurposing an existing comic book here, we’re building something unique from scratch.”

Those curious about the illustrated-film format can see GODKILLER, Pizzolo’s first experiment with the sequential-animation style, free on Hulu.

“Illustrated Film” is a new experimental-animation format designed by Pizzolo and his Emmy-winning producing partner Brian Giberson that mixes motion comics with elements of anime, radio drama, and video games. Utilizing the sequential artwork from the comic book, the Illustrated Film adds motion animation, 3D CGI, visual effects, elaborate sound design, music, and dramatic voice performances. The format was developed for the dystopic transmedia series GODKILLER, which starred voice performances by genre-heroes Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Danielle Harris (Halloween 4, 5, I, II), Bill Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), Nicki Clyne (Battlestar Galactica), Tiffany Shepis (Night of the Demons), punk icon Lydia Lunch (Hardcore), and rockstars Justin Pierre (singer Motion City Soundtrack) and Davey Havok (singer AFI).