Many of us would be familiar with the superhero franchise Power Rangers, but what if it took place in Singapore?
On 15 Sept, Singapore production house Playbox Studios launched a Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund the pilot for Genforcers, an original Tokusatsu series inspired by Singapore’s own frontline heroes.
Image provided by Genforcers
The campaign aims to reach its S$25,000 target by 30 Oct.
At the time of writing, it has raised over S$21,000, achieving more than 84% of its goal.
Special Response Genforcer is primed to debut in a live-action TV pilot.
The show adapts the Japanese pop culture Tokusatsu genre into a distinctly Singaporean take on the 90s zeitgeist.
Image provided by Genforcers
Inspired by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Special Response Genforcer follows three superheroes — Husky, Collie and Beagle — as they take on high-stakes rescue missions.
Image provided by Genforcers
In an exclusive with MS News, Genforcer co-creator and co-founder of Playbox Studios Basil Yeo said that the team first conceived the concept in 2022.
He said: “The world was coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic then, and we wanted some elements of our idea to pay tribute to the efforts of first responders.”
The series originally featured a lone hero cop supported by a team of elite rescuers.
But the creators felt the concept was “incomplete”.
They later changed it to a team of three, with each hero representing a different vocation.
Image provided by Genforcers
Since then, the project has expanded beyond comic books and taken part in numerous social impact activities and local pop culture events, including Singapore Comic Con.
Now, they are taking the project to a wider audience by producing a pilot episode for a possible TV series.
The pilot will run for an estimated 23 to 24 minutes, matching the typical length of a Tokusatsu superhero TV episode.
The creators aim to deliver high-intensity suit action, practical special effects and CGI, while introducing the main characters and their stories.
Image provided by Genforcers
According to the Kickstarter campaign, fans can expect a first-look trailer on 15 Feb 2027.
Speaking to MS News, Basil said that funding is the most challenging aspect of the pilot, given how “costume and effects heavy” the show is.
He added: “We hope for the pilot episode to be an exciting and entertaining introduction to the heroes and the world of Genforcer, giving the audience a glimpse of what to expect from the story down the road if this becomes a full series.”
Beyond the pilot, the creative team has also lined up an immersive array of rewards and tokens for the backers of the campaign.
These rewards are separated into tiers, including early access to content, signed posters and even Kickstarter-exclusive products.
Source: Genforcer on Kickstarter
Additionally, keep an eye out for exclusive merchandise such as mini figurines and helmets of the characters.
You can even hire any of the heroes for a 30-minute appearance at any event for S$400.
Source: Genforcer on Kickstarter
The campaign has raised over S$21,000 and is nearing its goal.
Speaking to MS News, Basil shares that the cast and crew were “extremely surprised” when the numbers started climbing fast on the first day.
He shared: “Honestly, some form of fatigue was starting to set in as the entire team was pulling extra hours to get the campaign ready, in addition to managing our work commitments.”
Image courtesy of Genforcers
Similarly, the actors and actresses for Genforcers shared with MS News about the best part of working on Genforcers.
Kasimir Poh Cieslak, who acts as Husky on the show, said: “It’s bringing to life something cool and inspiring alongside a lovely team.”
Image courtesy of Genforcers
Beagle’s actor Danish Dasuki said that the best part was to be “surrounded by people fueled by the same magical childhood” and “passing that on to [the] next generation”.
Image courtesy of Genforcers
Annalisa Grace Yeo, the actress who plays Collie, described the ability to bring a mental vision to life as a superpower.
She added: “Getting to wield it with creative, kind, wonderful friends is magic.”
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Featured image courtesy of Genforcers.