The subject I will be covering over the next semester deals primarily in the examination of technology in entertainment and social media. This includes , but is not limited to
movies, television,web, comic books, literature and games. I am most interested and the convergence of art with technology. One of the mainstays of these two areas is CG technology. Having worked in film production for the last 20 years I have had the unique opportunity of witnessing the development of the use of computers for the advancement of entertainment and information distribution. Computers are used for everything now in entertainment including editing, animation, administration and photography
Behind the steely veneer of the the technology brought to bear in this field are some amazing creative minds who have advanced the trends into a massive movement. It didn't take long to see the changes. Films very quickly went from being photographed with film cameras to film resolution digital cameras. High end compositing using optical printers became a thing of the past. Movies could be made faster, cheaper with less risk and a more polished finish. The evolution of these tools to create visual media is a fascinating journey and my goal is to follow and comment on the continuing changes but to also recognize the history of the art form.
I use the bio and cred assignments to point out what makes the better bio. Often the cred assignment has more focus than a long-winded timeline biography. It is the same focus I am asking from you for the rest of the semester. You clearly have your passion, so both of your assignments address your credibility, but I would like details. You mention 20 years like it was a day.
ReplyDeleteTell me a story or twenty.
I also hear a little, not a lot, but a little wavering on your topic. That is fine. You may have to write for a while to focus and find what we are seeking. Movies, literature, games, CGI, and art merging with technology are each enough to consider. But you may very well get all of that into a voice that people associate with you. Time and testing will tell.
Practice some tag lines/bylines on Twitter this week. How could you get your subject down to a sentence or two?
Good work Cool.
Bob (Prof Kalm)
Hey coolVFX,
ReplyDeleteI think that you have a strong rationale. Its very tough to keep writing concise when you are handling such a broad subject matter. I think that you would have benefited from sharing some details. What changed? Why did film die and digital rise? This reads like a breeze, but with some more details it will become a gust of wind. I can't wait for you to delve into this subject matter. Its the most overlooked part of George Lucas' career.
Thanks and I can't wait to read on.
Vic
coolVFX,
ReplyDeleteI am very interested in the rise of CGI and its affect on film. Your rational is succinct and it works because you provide an example to supplement your idea by relating to your work experience.
I'd also like to hear your opinions on CGI v. the classical film and whether the former takes away or enhances the narrative process.
Best,
Spinach
Having worked in both miniature/optical vfx and digital/modern vfx I see benefits for the usage of both methodologies.
DeleteThe choice of using one method over another is often determined by many factors. Sometimes budget, some times what the director wants, sometimes it's just whatever looks cool.
Director prerogative is often a factor when vfx artists choose to go practical. A recent example of this is Batman director Christopher Nolan, who prefers using practical effects whenever possible. Thats why most of the Batmobile/ Tumbler shots were photographed with a 1/7 scale miniature
Hi Cool,
ReplyDeleteI'm a big believer in using VFX to promote stories and plotlines rather than just being implemented for the sake of it, so your subject matter is very interesting to me. I'd love to hear what you think about the movie-as-live-comicbook genre that includes titles like 300, Sin City and The Spirit.
My only concern, and this is something I'm dealing with in my own blog, is that your topic might be too broad in regards to how many media you're willing to cover as you go forward. Given your extensive background with movies and television, maybe you could narrow your topic just just those two.
I'm really looking forward to reading your blog this semester!
- Jasper Parks