Solar — Sci-Fi Audio Drama

In this episode, Tony speaks with Chris Porter, creator and co-director Jenny Curtis of the acclaimed science fiction audio drama Solar. Together, they explore the creative vision behind this immersive series and the challenges of bringing a cinematic story to life through sound.

🎙️ About Solar Set in the year 2045, Solar follows the crew of the Aethon, a research vessel jointly operated by the North American Space Coalition (NASC) and the powerful corporation Cimmerian Technologies (CimmTech). When a devastating solar flare strikes, the ship is severely damaged and trapped in orbit around the Sun. Stranded thousands of miles from rescue, the crew must fight to survive and find a way home.

🌌 The Cast Featuring powerhouse performances from Stephanie Beatriz, Johnathan Bangs, Helen Hunt, and Alan Cumming, the series blends character-driven drama with high-stakes science fiction.

🎧 The Format Chris explains how Solar uses recordings—both from the stranded crew and from media coverage on Earth—to tell a layered, multi-perspective story. This audio-play style creates intimacy and immediacy, pulling listeners into the tension of survival and the broader impact of the solar flare on humanity.

🔥 Behind the Scenes In our conversation, Chris shares:

• The inspiration for Solar and why audio was the perfect medium.

• The collaborative process with Jenny Curtis in shaping the drama.

• How sound design and performance combine to create a truly cinematic listening experience.

• The thematic core of Solar: resilience, cooperation, and the human spirit under pressure.

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