Proof-of-concept trailers are nothing new. They've helped many projects become reality, including the highly anticipated Deadpool. Oscar-nominated drama Whiplash secured financing due to its proof-of-concept video, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney just sold his proof-of-concept Figment to Legendary Pictures in a significant deal. Academy Award-nominee Ruairi Robinson (Fifty Percent Grey, The Last Days on Mars) hopes to be as lucky as he introduces the world to his sci-fi thrill-ride The Leviathan.

The The Leviathan teaser trailer is a three-minute adrenaline-fueled ride through the clouds. It takes its cues from the literary classics Moby Dick and Dune. The story takes place in the early 22nd century. Mankind has colonized many worlds. 'Faster-than-light' travel was made possible by harvesting exotic matter from the eggs of the largest species mankind has ever seen. Those that take part in the hunt for these creatures are mostly involuntary labor.

Back in 2007, Ruairi Robinson was attached to direct Warner Bros. live-action take on Akira. His story closely follows Neill Blomkamp, who was originally set to direct a Halo movie, but when that fell through, he used his District 9 proof-of-concept trailer to make that film a reality at Sony. Will Ruairi Robinson be so lucky? Take a look at the footage, which he collaborated on with the Irish Film Board, Bord Scannán na hÉireann and screenwriter Jim Uhls (Fight Club, Jumper). You can also see some of the concept art by Jim Murray from a creature design by Jordu Schell, one of the principal designers of the Na'vi for Avatar.