BOSTON—A rare, real-life entomological event, an evil government mastermind, two scientists, and a genetically modified monster insect all play roles in Wasteland Studios’ featurette "Swarm." The plot centers on the 2024 emergence of millions of cicadas, reimagined as a government experience gone awry, producers said.
Actresses Jade Greene (as Dr. Veronica Brennan) and Jinx Iris (as Stella) are “intrepid entomologists racing against the clock to find and kill the genetically mutated Cicada Queen before she can produce a new generation of offspring to spell the doom of all humanity,” a script synopsis described.
For mainstream actor Greene, who makes her adult debut in "Swarm," the experience of working with Wasteland director Colin Rowntree was positive, she said, not just from her perspective as an actor but as an actor with a disability—something she shared with other cast and crew members on the project. "Swarm" may be the first adult production in which “everyone on the set had a physical disability requiring accommodations,” producers said.
“Being new to the adult industry and welcomed into a feature film for my first project, I feel incredibly lucky—especially as a disabled performer—to have worked with Wasteland,” Greene said. “They made accommodations so I could be on set to create the art we were all so passionate about.”
Artificial Intelligence also plays a starring role in "Swarm," with Rowntree using the latest technology to create the Cicada Queen, the insect’s lair, and cicada swarms. The movie also features contributions from adult director Michael Ninn, who used AI software to create both the music and soundscape for the project. Ninn described AI as “a creative partner” he can use to bring realism to productions like "Swarm."
“AI has completely transformed the way I work as a music producer,” he said. “In sound design, it helps me create everything from realistic environmental sounds to futuristic effects that add depth to my projects.”
“It was an extremely satisfying project that allowed us to all break a lot of ground,” Rowntree said. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with 'Swarm' and are excited to bring it to viewers.”
"Swarm" is available at Wasteland.com and all major adult streaming platforms.
