1 post tagged “new media research tool”

My topic is on machinima culture in SL.  While researching I have learned that it’s not as active as a lot of people think it could be.  Talking to various SL users in a machinima group chat made me want to get more involved in connecting machinima users.  I noticed that when I started a dialogue in the group it engaged a lot of people to ask questions about machinima and learn about various techniques from other users.  This dialogue happened in IM format.  Various users online at once could engage in conversation or ask other "online" machinima group members questions.  I had been thinking about my dream research tool since last week.  I wondered if it existed so I talked to various users on SL and realized that it was not fully realized but that someone (who I befriended) is working on a prototype that could be used for machinamators. 

The tool that I would want to create is having the option to see what other avatars are filming while they are using machinima in SL or in any other program.  For example, I have been trying to go on a shoot with a RL filmmaker who makes machinima in SL.  He pointed out that it might be “boring” because I wouldn’t be able to see what he is shooting.  Part of me thinks it’s interesting that one cannot see what others are shooting.  That aspect of machinima also brings up the issue of privacy.  But that appears to be a big issue in SL...As a researcher and filmmaker it would be more hands on to see what others are shooting.  This function would also be helpful in terms of learning about technique and style used in machinima.  I have seen some work that has been very stylized.  CU, MS, LOW ANGLE, HIGH ANGLE...The same type of cinematography that would be used in RL.  To be able to see that process like one can in RL would be beneficial for both research and technique.  This tool could be very helpful in collaboration.  Filmmaking is usually not a one man/woman  show.  To have the option to view a screen and be able to see what the camera sees could add to the creative process/collaboration.

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For those who work visually I did a mock up of two avatars using this screen.  Of course the final version would be more design conscience.  In this example the two avatars are looking at a mountain with trees and a sun.  AV1 and AV2 both have optional screens that they can utilize to see what the other AV is filming.  If they do not want the screen all they would need to do is click the the x to get rid of it.  This tool would be ideal for me because I would love to see the decisions people make when creating machinima.  I would also like to be able to compare the techniques to RL video/filmmaking.  Besides that it would make my experience more interactive if I was following around a machinamator.   Just to clarify...the screen I am proposing would serve as a “window” to the the actual camera…So if the AV changes position in framing the optional screen would capture those movements as well.  So in this case both avatars can look at a mini screen on their own computer to see what the other AV is shooting.  Both optional screens would not be on the main screen like this mock up represents. 

Things to think about:

Would people need to ask permission to see what others are shooting? 

Should it be like when you have to click "ok" to animate ones avatar?

What are the concerns this could raise in the SL world?

What are the benefits?

I would love to see this idea realized.  Should talk to that guy more...