‘Love, Death & Robots’ Creator Tim Miller on His Videogame Inspired Animated Series ‘Secret Level’

In a captivating exploration of the intersection between video games and storytelling, Amazon's "Secret Level" anthology series is poised to captivate audiences. Helmed by the visionary minds behind "Deadpool" and "Love, Death & Robots," this innovative project promises to transport viewers into the immersive worlds of their favorite gaming franchises. As the series creator, Tim Miller, shares his insights at the Lucca Comic and Games convention, the stage is set for a thrilling journey through the realms of interactive entertainment and cinematic artistry.

Elevating the Gaming Experience: A Cinematic Odyssey

Embracing the Vibrant Culture of Lucca

Stepping into the ancient streets of Lucca, Tim Miller is struck by the palpable energy and cultural richness that permeates the Italian festival. "As much as I like San Diego, this is amazing," he marvels, reflecting on the transformation of a once-niche subculture into a global phenomenon. "It's great to see the culture blossoming. It used to be this little secret thing in dingy rooms, and now the whole world loves the same things I do." The sight of families and children embracing the gaming lifestyle fills Miller with a sense of pride, as he witnesses a new generation immersed in the worlds they have come to cherish.

Unlocking the Secrets of "Secret Level"

The inspiration behind "Secret Level" stems from a simple yet captivating premise: bringing the beloved characters and universes of video games to life through original storytelling. "It's what my company Blur has been doing for almost 30 years now," Miller explains. "When I sold 'Love, Death & Robots' to Netflix, I played a reel of game animation from Blur studio and said, 'Give us some money and we'll give you more shit like this.'" With a diverse lineup of games, from "Warhammer" to "Sifu," the series taps into a vast and dedicated fanbase, promising to "lift all the boats in this harbor."

Navigating the Challenges of Adaptation

Adapting video games for the screen is no easy feat, as Miller acknowledges. "You want to honor the game, but you also don't want to make the material so niche it doesn't include people who haven't played the game." To strike the perfect balance, the team works closely with game developers, delving into the lore and identifying the elements that captivate the fans. "We approached these writers from 'Love, Death & Robots,'" Miller reveals. "Many play games, so they had affinities for specific games. They pitch us stories set in these worlds, and we pick the best." The result is a tapestry of diverse voices, reflecting a range of genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, ensuring that the series resonates with a broad audience.

Unleashing the Artistic Potential

The visual style of each "Secret Level" episode is a carefully crafted blend of the game's original aesthetic and the creative vision of the production team. "The feel of individual episodes is a refined version of what you see if you play the game," Miller explains. "But with 'Mega Man,' or 'Pac Man' for instance, the door's open to do anything because there's not one look." Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed "Love, Death & Robots" series, the team explores the most captivating ways to bring these stories to life, pushing the boundaries of animation and cinematic storytelling.

Embracing the Challenges of Videogame Adaptations

Miller's experience with the "Terminator" franchise has taught him valuable lessons about navigating the complexities of adapting beloved gaming properties. "Nobody sets out to disregard someone's closely held childhood dreams," he acknowledges. "It's no cause for vitriol." While the reception to "Terminator: Dark Fate" was mixed, Miller remains undeterred, recognizing that pleasing every fan is an impossible task. "A lot of people didn't like 'Terminator: Dark Fate' for reasons I had nothing to do with. One, because it was the sixth film and another because we killed John Connor at the start, but if Jim Cameron wants that to happen – which I agree with by the way – then that's what you do."

Unlocking the Future of Gaming Adaptations

With the success of "Secret Level," Miller and his team have already set their sights on the next level of gaming adaptations. "The game developers said, 'We enjoyed this process so much. What do you want to do next?'" Miller reveals, hinting at the potential for further collaborations and the expansion of the series. As Amazon recognizes the growing appetite for innovative gaming-inspired content, the future of "Secret Level" and its ability to captivate audiences across the globe remains a tantalizing prospect.