Indie Spotlight: ‘Year Of The Snake’ Is A Strange, Rocking Ride

We receive a ton of tips every day from independent creators, unaffiliated with any major motion picture studios, television networks, new media studios, or other well-funded online video entities. The Indie Spotlight is where we’ll write about and shout out to a select few of them and bring you up to speed on the great (and sometimes not-so-great) attention-grabbing series you probably haven’t heard about until now. Read previous installments here.

If you’re looking to watch a web series that throws together a strange blend of genres within one non-stop thrill ride, you need to know about Year of the Snake. Chicago-based studio Twin Visuals, led by director Nic Collins, has unleashed a one-of-a-kind series that mashes up extraterrestrial sci-fi, horror, avant-garde punk rock music, and relationship comedy to create a truly unique package.

The titular character in Year of the Snake is not from our planet. Instead, he hails from a world enslaved by a mysterious being called The Desolate One, who is out to crush an earthling stoner named V. When The Desolate One sends Snake to kill V, he does not expect a friendship to blossom, but that’s exactly what happens. With his good vibes and rocking music, V teaches Snake how to control his wild emotions. It’s hard to describe Year of the Snake

‘s plot beyond that; I can only suggest that you watch the first episode to see if the series is up your alley.

Even beyond its wacky plot, there’s a lot to enjoy in Year of the Snake. The characters are memorable and written consistently, frenetic editing contributes to a manic tone, and the score, courtesy of the band Evasive Backflip, is suitably wild. If you like what you see, seven episodes of Year of the Snake are currently available on the show’s YouTube channel.

OTHER UNDER-THE-RADAR SERIES TO CHECK OUT

• Blind Covers. Musicians attempt to record their versions of songs they have never heard before.
• Simulated Dead People. New technology allows the living to speak to the dead, with particularly modern results.
• Bro-dum. Two bros become fast friends after resolving a video game-related dispute.
• nerdCORE. Three brothers explore their interests over a series of comedy sketches.

Got a series you’d like to see featured in the Indie Spotlight? Be sure to contact us here. For best coverage, please include a full episode in your e-mail.