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.
- Production Company: Scholar
- Directors: Chris Finn, Macauley Johnson, Will Johnson
- Managing E.P.: Kirsten Noll
- Senior Executive Producer: Antonio Hardy
- Head of Production: Nicole Smarsh
- Line Producer: Rich Kaylor
- DP: Dallas Sterling
- Production Designer: Vincent Reynaud
- Design & Animation: Scholar
- Creative Directors: Chris Finn, Macauley Johnson, Will Johnson
- Managing E.P.: Kirsten Noll
- Senior Executive Producer: Antonio Hardy
- Head of Production: Nicole Smarsh
- CG Supervisor: Tim Hayward
- Compositing Supervisor: Matt LaVoy
- Compositing Lead: Kevin Njoo
- Senior Producer: Seth Gantman, Michael Heil
- Designers: Jina Kwon, Michael Tavarez, Kyler Kerr, Alex Maltsev, Helder Real, Javier Tommasi,
- 2D Animators: Sam Bachman, Kirt Critoph, Irma Hasanic, Zach Herdman, Kenny Kerut, Jee Kim, Danna Macias, Kiron Binsworth Robinson, Kyle Switzer, Lizzi Stuart Ignasher
- Model/Texture/Look Dev Artists: Constance Bensen, Jeremy Ramirez
- 3D Animators: Michael Sime
- Previz: Max Krone, Matt Sackley
- 3D Generalists: Vin Kim, Dylan Blau, Michael Cafarelli, Craig Stouffer
- Lighters: Kevin Kolodinsky, Brice Linane, Jamil Primas, Juan Salazar,
- Dynamics/FX: Tim Hayward, Ewan Davidson
- Compositors: Matt Lavoy, Rachel Moon, Kevin Njoo, Eddie Anton
- Flame Artist: Matt Lavoy, Kevin Njoo
- Storyboards: Jasper Yu
- Media Manager: Adrianna McKinley
- Editorial: Scholar
- Editors: Dominic Strazulo, Healy Snow
- Mix: Clean Cuts
- Mix Engineer: Archie Moore
"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."
