Studio VII Hosts Private First-Look Presentation for The Prologue: The Dead Do Not Return
The North Hollywood event introduced Studio VII’s developing mythological fantasy slate, including The Last Breath, The Serpent’s Snare, and The Obelisk.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, May 14, 2026. Studio VII, an emerging independent motion picture company focused on cinematic genre storytelling, hosted a private first-look presentation for The Prologue: The Dead Do Not Return on May 9, 2026, in North Hollywood, California.
The presentation served as an introduction to Studio VII’s developing slate of interconnected mythological fantasy and dark genre films, including The Last Breath, The Serpent’s Snare, and The Obelisk. Rather than functioning as a traditional short film, The Prologue was designed as a cinematic director’s treatment combining proof-of-concept footage, visual effects-driven sequences, concept imagery, atmospheric storytelling, and narrative world-building.
The presentation was conceived as a cinematic introduction to several ambitious mythological projects that form the foundation of Studio VII’s evolving creative slate.
The private event brought together collaborators, cast members, invited guests, and creative partners for an intimate screening experience showcasing the evolving visual identity and long-term creative direction of Studio VII.
Editorial photography from the event was captured by Getty Images photographer Maury Phillips and published through Getty Images’ editorial platform following the presentation.
The presentation featured development materials and proof-of-concept work involving actress Kayla Swift in a lead role connected to The Last Breath as Guinevere, actor Adrian Honner in a lead role connected to The Serpent’s Snare, actress and model Kimberly Roxas in connection with The Serpent’s Snare as Medusa, and actor Eddie Davies in a supporting role tied to ongoing development concepts.
The broader Studio VII slate is being developed by filmmaker Neil Karunatilaka, who serves as creator, writer, producer, and director across all projects, with director of photography Andrew Johnston attached to help shape the visual language of the films.
Additional casting and creative collaborations tied to the Studio VII slate will be announced as development continues.
“The Prologue was created as a way to introduce the larger mythological worlds we’ve been developing under Studio VII. Instead of presenting a traditional standalone short film, we wanted to build an immersive director’s treatment that explored tone, atmosphere, and interconnected storytelling across multiple projects.”Neil Karunatilaka, writer, producer, and director
“Our goal with Studio VII is to create ambitious cinematic genre stories that feel mythic, emotional, and visually driven while remaining grounded in character, atmosphere, and world-building.”Neil Karunatilaka
Among the projects previewed
A mythological dark fantasy inspired by Arthurian legend, exploring forgotten gods, ancient realms, and the fragile boundary between life and death.
A dark reimagining of Greek mythology centered around ancient Athens, cursed bloodlines, and the legend of Medusa.
An ancient Egyptian supernatural thriller exploring forbidden power, ancient gods, and the rise of a mysterious monolithic force.
Studio VII plans to continue expanding development materials, cinematic proof-of-concept work, and future presentations tied to its growing slate of original genre properties.
Select imagery from the presentation event is available through Getty Images’ editorial platform.
About Studio VII
Studio VII is an independent motion picture company focused on cinematic genre storytelling, mythological fantasy, horror, and visually driven original worlds. Founded by filmmaker Neil Karunatilaka, the studio develops ambitious character-driven projects blending practical filmmaking, visual effects, and immersive world-building.
