Dune: Prophecy

Client: HBO

Territory Studio was tasked with conceptualising and designing key technological elements that enhance the show's unique look, supporting the storytelling in HBO's series Dune: Prophecy. With a focus on visualising the Bene Gesserit's manipulation of bloodlines and their archival mechanics, our team contributed extensive concept exploration and development of the aesthetic language and functionality of the technology used to track and manage DNA.

Anirul System Design: The design thinking behind Anirul, the Bene Gesserit system, prioritised functionality and believability, aiming to visually represent a complex system with a sense of purpose — conceived as a "beautiful brain" that showcases integral data. We incorporated regal qualities through colour palettes inspired by the Bene Gesserit aesthetic.

Ancient Symbology: The design team devised ancient symbology to give the Anirul UI depth and believability. House symbols represented bloodlines, celestial symbols denoted house iconography, while the DNA helix and Arabic design elements enriched the visual language to create depth, meaning, and a sense of history.

Design Evolution: Early designs explored tree-like structures and the visualisation of DNA threads. Client feedback drove refinement toward more structured and less abstract representations — ultimately incorporating regal aesthetics and a balance between familiar and alien elements appropriate to the Dune universe.

Resurrection Device: Tula Harkonnen uses a coffin-like device to resurrect Lila, demonstrating the blurred lines between life and death in the Dune universe. The instrument UI takes a biophilic style to depict the device's function and the Bene Gesserit's approach to technology design.

Final Frame Compositing: Beyond concept exploration, we were entrusted with compositing designs into final frame.