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.
"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."
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
