These past few days, I had found myself entertaining a certain curiosity, and so, I did a bit of reading and what I commonly refer to as "research". The first thing that struck me as I began my search through the internet clutter, was that of those who comment on things relating to machinima, it's always the same small group of voices having their say on the subject. And these voices are varied. There is the voice of the one who professes to be the expert, and (my favorite) the voice which comments only when it has something significant to offer, and the voice delivered by someone who basically is clueless but is going to comment nonetheless.
One thing they all have in common is that they really can't come to an agreement on what "machinima" really is and they all want it to be more than it is. But as I read what they had to say on the subject, keeping in mind the origin of my curiosity being Vimeo's decision to no longer host "video game videos" but will continue to host machinima, I began to question the nature of Sims2 videos as they compare to the different definitions of machinima.
I have seen the difference between Sims2 videos that were created simply through the capturing of Sims2 gameplay and those that were created to be "machinima". According to the Academy of Machinima Arts and Sciences, machinima is "filmmaking within a real-time, 3D virtual environment, often using 3D video-game technologies." Then they offer an "expanded definition" ... "it is the convergence of filmmaking, animation and game development."
It seems to me as the definition expands, it is meant to encompass more areas from which to possibly draw revenue? But regardless of how many fingers are trying to grab a piece of the pie, what is clear is that "video game" seems to be a definitive part of the equation.
So, keeping all of the hoopla in mind, I began to see Sims2 videos as something other than machinima. I think the key to understanding this can be found in the term "game play". Those of us who are producing music videos and short films with the Sims2 game engine, are not doing so through the simple technique of capturing footage from game play. In fact, most of the films many of us are making cannot be made if we had to rely on game play. If not for the "hacks" that alter the scripts and animation and content, we couldn't make our films.
Another thing that sets the Sims2 apart from other games is the built-in camera, and even that tool has to be "tweaked" to get the desired effects. So, perhaps my curiosity should extend to the definition of "real time" as it applies to machinima. If, with the Sims2 game engine, everything has to be "set up" and "fixed" and "preconceived" ... is it still considered to be "real time"?
Perhaps if you say to me, "these are the components needed to make machinima ... a PC, a video game, something to capture images from the game, and a program to edit the captured video clips" then I could say by that description Sims2 videos can be considered to be machinima. But if you're going to include in your definition of "machinima" things like "filmmaking within a real-time 3D environment", then I have to question Sims2 videos as machinima.
If you take a look at Jaydee's video, "From Yesterday", I feel almost certain you would agree that she didn't make that video by simply going into the game and filming it in real-time. And it is a fine example of filmmaking and what can be done with the Sims2 game engine, provided you have the "know-how" to manipulate the files and hacks. And yet, based on the definitions of machinima, I just don't think it fits into that category.
No matter what we choose to call it, I believe the Sims2 game engine offers a valuable creative filmmaking tool to those who take the time to manipulate the program and force the format to duplicate their visions.
My Current Project
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Measuring Originality
I just finished reading an enlightening blog entry, which was inspired by my previous blog entry. That's one of the nice things I enjoy about blogging ... how fellow bloggers bounce ideas off each other through the art of writing. The "deep thinkers" always draw my interest, and I pay close attention to the things about which they write.
One of the things of which I am guilty is forgetting that my readers don't know my state of mind when I post a blog ... they aren't privileged to my private thoughts or how my emotions are influencing my words.
So, when I make, what I believe to be, a clever little play on words, like, for example, "rip-off artists", I forget to consider those who will take my words literally, and I forget to consider the impact those words will have on some. I understand now that perhaps I should have shared with the readers the question in its original form. I will share that with you now :)
Mister X writes, "Doesn't Britannica Dreams have anything original or is it all rip-offs?"
When I read that, I didn't interpret it to be an accusation that we are ripping off others' ideas and trying to pass them off as our own. But, as I said, it pushed some buttons, and the buttons it pushed are those relating to personal issues I have with the entire Britannica Dreams ordeal ... those things that went on "behind the scenes".
Allow me to write a bit about "influences" ... those things which shape the character of my writing. To explain one influence, I've chosen to share a story about a tarot reading. I've yet to decide where my beliefs stand on the issue of tarot reading or anything related, but I did find this fascinating, and it does tie into the previous blog post.
For those of you who don't know, there are many different types of "spreads" used when reading tarots. In this instance, the spread used was The Great House, which consists of six placements of one card each. Each placement represents a specific position in the person's life. In this particular spread, the third placement is the "Histories" position. The "Histories" position outlines a background or past mental state that has been crucial to the current position. What has gone before? Where has the querent been? Who or what has had influence?
The card that landed in the third position was the Queen of Wands (inverted), and the meaning of this card (inverted) is ... Jealousy and manipulation are at work. An underminer works against you posing as your friend.
So, when I read that question, I thought about that tarot reading, and how "spot on" it was, and I thought, "So that's how BD will be remembered ... as rip-off artists". And I wasn't the one who wanted to make the remakes.
However, I am a big fan of "fan art". I believe there's a difference in loving a song or piece of music and wanting to create something with it or share with others through your creation how that song makes you feel or how it inspires you ... and ... remaking a film for lack of being able to come up with your own idea.
Choosing a piece of music that sets the character or mood of a story you're telling, is simply just that, and I find it to be a perfectly acceptable way to tell a story. An example of this is the BD video, "Scars & Souvenirs". The story of a pregnant teenage runaway who abandons her newborn at an orphanage and much later in life is reunited with her son has nothing to do with the GooGoo Dolls', "Name", but I felt that song was a perfect backup song for my story.
It is true to say that nothing is without influence. Creativity is most definitely influenced, and we are inspired by the things we've experienced and seen. But when it comes to originality, I like to look at it in this way ... the key to measuring originality is to understand the origin ... at what place did the idea begin? Did it begin in your mind, irregardless of all the things that influenced the thought ... or did it begin by imitating someone else's idea?
And finally the last thing that went through my mind when I read that question involves an issue I have with BD winning an award for, Best Story on, "The Snow Witch". Why did BD receive an award for a story that wasn't theirs? There's something really wrong with that ... at least, that's how I see it. And in all fairness, I should point out that other machinima videos by other artists have received awards for things which did not belong to them. But, you don't want to get me started on the so-called award systems currently in place for certain groups of machinimators.
In closing, there is one more thing to consider ...
For most of us, the driving force behind the videos is a simple matter of entertainment. The average person viewing these little vids is pretty much just looking to be entertained, be it with an original story or whatever. I believe the true character of the artist will be found in his or her intent ... regardless of the originality of the film, what was the intent of the artist when creating the film?
One of the things of which I am guilty is forgetting that my readers don't know my state of mind when I post a blog ... they aren't privileged to my private thoughts or how my emotions are influencing my words.
So, when I make, what I believe to be, a clever little play on words, like, for example, "rip-off artists", I forget to consider those who will take my words literally, and I forget to consider the impact those words will have on some. I understand now that perhaps I should have shared with the readers the question in its original form. I will share that with you now :)
Mister X writes, "Doesn't Britannica Dreams have anything original or is it all rip-offs?"
When I read that, I didn't interpret it to be an accusation that we are ripping off others' ideas and trying to pass them off as our own. But, as I said, it pushed some buttons, and the buttons it pushed are those relating to personal issues I have with the entire Britannica Dreams ordeal ... those things that went on "behind the scenes".
Allow me to write a bit about "influences" ... those things which shape the character of my writing. To explain one influence, I've chosen to share a story about a tarot reading. I've yet to decide where my beliefs stand on the issue of tarot reading or anything related, but I did find this fascinating, and it does tie into the previous blog post.
For those of you who don't know, there are many different types of "spreads" used when reading tarots. In this instance, the spread used was The Great House, which consists of six placements of one card each. Each placement represents a specific position in the person's life. In this particular spread, the third placement is the "Histories" position. The "Histories" position outlines a background or past mental state that has been crucial to the current position. What has gone before? Where has the querent been? Who or what has had influence?
The card that landed in the third position was the Queen of Wands (inverted), and the meaning of this card (inverted) is ... Jealousy and manipulation are at work. An underminer works against you posing as your friend.
So, when I read that question, I thought about that tarot reading, and how "spot on" it was, and I thought, "So that's how BD will be remembered ... as rip-off artists". And I wasn't the one who wanted to make the remakes.
However, I am a big fan of "fan art". I believe there's a difference in loving a song or piece of music and wanting to create something with it or share with others through your creation how that song makes you feel or how it inspires you ... and ... remaking a film for lack of being able to come up with your own idea.
Choosing a piece of music that sets the character or mood of a story you're telling, is simply just that, and I find it to be a perfectly acceptable way to tell a story. An example of this is the BD video, "Scars & Souvenirs". The story of a pregnant teenage runaway who abandons her newborn at an orphanage and much later in life is reunited with her son has nothing to do with the GooGoo Dolls', "Name", but I felt that song was a perfect backup song for my story.
It is true to say that nothing is without influence. Creativity is most definitely influenced, and we are inspired by the things we've experienced and seen. But when it comes to originality, I like to look at it in this way ... the key to measuring originality is to understand the origin ... at what place did the idea begin? Did it begin in your mind, irregardless of all the things that influenced the thought ... or did it begin by imitating someone else's idea?
And finally the last thing that went through my mind when I read that question involves an issue I have with BD winning an award for, Best Story on, "The Snow Witch". Why did BD receive an award for a story that wasn't theirs? There's something really wrong with that ... at least, that's how I see it. And in all fairness, I should point out that other machinima videos by other artists have received awards for things which did not belong to them. But, you don't want to get me started on the so-called award systems currently in place for certain groups of machinimators.
In closing, there is one more thing to consider ...
For most of us, the driving force behind the videos is a simple matter of entertainment. The average person viewing these little vids is pretty much just looking to be entertained, be it with an original story or whatever. I believe the true character of the artist will be found in his or her intent ... regardless of the originality of the film, what was the intent of the artist when creating the film?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Dream Is a Nightmare That Won't Go Away!
There's been some changes in my life, just recently, and some of these changes have helped me to recover from a bad series of events. I feel a return to myself, and I'm feeling reasonably happy these days. However, at the moment I'm also feeling a bit cranky. It most likely has something to do with the heat and the horrid humidity, but it has me in the mood for a little rant. Besides, I have a few readers who seem to be most interested in my rants. :)
First, let me clarify my current position ...
On the simplest level of understanding, I returned to making videos with the Sims 2 game engine, because I needed something to do while I was recovering from a knee injury for two months. I was reluctant to upload my videos to the Net where they could be shared, because of the bad experience I had the first time. However, my second experience of it has been completely different. I have met some wonderful people. There's been no drama, no arguments, no backstabbing, but things from the past keep creeping up and trying to intrude on my present.
So, as I have made a lot of new friends and fans, I receive emails and messages, and I don't mind answering the questions if I can. So, tonight, I am reading through my email, and I come across a question. The question pushes some buttons, and there is really nothing wrong with the question. And I have decided to also answer that question in this post, and then I will continue with my rant, and perhaps a little heart-to-heart. First, I want to say that I completely understand why people are a bit confused on this particular issue, and if I didn't know the truth, I'd be asking the same questions.
THERE IS NO MORE BRITANNICA DREAMS! :)
As to why Britannica Dreams has dedicated pages on such sites as YouTube and MySpace, or any other similar internet sites ... I can't answer that. I have my theories, and I'd like everyone to understand that you will not find my name mentioned on those pages as being part of Britannica Dreams. But also try to remember that Britannica Dreams was not just one individual. What is the implication then ... what does it say about the person who sets up a Britannica Dreams page where at first glance Britannica Dreams and the films on that page seem to belong to just one person?
To be perfectly honest with you, I am sick to death of Britannica Dreams. I wish I had never thought of the idea. I regret ever having wasted any time or energy or talent on the project or with the person who was supposed to have been a partner in the project. Some advice ... make sure you know ... as best and as well as you can, the person whom you choose to share a project with. Make very very sure you know who you are working with.
If I could, I would permanently wipe every single Britannica Dream video off the face of the internet. I absolutely hated it ... to have to put some of those videos on my YouTube page. But, I thought it was the best "passive/aggressive" approach to clearing up some confusion, and I thought it would field some of the questions I was receiving. I am looking forward to the day when I can trash those films. I see them, and I cringe. They represent things from a time when things were being said and being done that went against my beliefs.
There was something said, just recently, about BD films not being original. What can I say to that? That's an almost correct statement. Even if I did want to argue that point, I couldn't. I had a "discussion" about this very issue with the ex-partner. I said that I thought we needed to be producing films with original story lines. To that, I was told that there are no original stories anymore. So, I guess that was the go-ahead to rip off stories that have been done over and over and over? I mean really ... let's look at the BD collection, shall we ...
Happy Ever After ... a rip off of Sleeping Beauty
The Highwayman ... nothing but us putting images to the poem written by Noyes
Secret Garden ... images set to the film, "Jerry MaGuire"
Visiting Scrooge ... just another version of Dicken's classic tale
(Two versions of ) A Mermaid's Tale ... yet another version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale
The Snow Witch ... and another film where we set images to someone reading a folktale written by Hearn
So, to the person who said there's nothing original about Britannica Dreams ... you are absolutely right if you judge us by those films listed above ... or if you judge us by some of the music vids we created. However, there were a few videos where we used my original story concepts, and when I say original, I mean, I conceived the story line. There were a few music videos which the ex-partner applied her own interpretation of the song. But, over-all, I'd have to say, we were pretty much just as accused ... "rip-off artists". So, to the person who brought up that point, thanks for pointing it out :)
Maybe for their time, and their time ended two years ago ... but maybe then, those films were current and a fine example of what was being churned out then. But, today, they are old news and out dated. The last film made by BD was released before the Sims 2 "Seasons" expansion was released, and Sony Vegas has released 3 upgrades since BD last edited a film.
Their time now is gone, and I'll be much happier when they are truly gone and Britannica Dreams is forgotten. And just because you find these films uploaded somewhere on some page in some corner of the cyber world, or you find pages titled, "Britannica Dreams", doesn't mean it's the real thing. The Dream IS dead. :)
First, let me clarify my current position ...
On the simplest level of understanding, I returned to making videos with the Sims 2 game engine, because I needed something to do while I was recovering from a knee injury for two months. I was reluctant to upload my videos to the Net where they could be shared, because of the bad experience I had the first time. However, my second experience of it has been completely different. I have met some wonderful people. There's been no drama, no arguments, no backstabbing, but things from the past keep creeping up and trying to intrude on my present.
So, as I have made a lot of new friends and fans, I receive emails and messages, and I don't mind answering the questions if I can. So, tonight, I am reading through my email, and I come across a question. The question pushes some buttons, and there is really nothing wrong with the question. And I have decided to also answer that question in this post, and then I will continue with my rant, and perhaps a little heart-to-heart. First, I want to say that I completely understand why people are a bit confused on this particular issue, and if I didn't know the truth, I'd be asking the same questions.
THERE IS NO MORE BRITANNICA DREAMS! :)
As to why Britannica Dreams has dedicated pages on such sites as YouTube and MySpace, or any other similar internet sites ... I can't answer that. I have my theories, and I'd like everyone to understand that you will not find my name mentioned on those pages as being part of Britannica Dreams. But also try to remember that Britannica Dreams was not just one individual. What is the implication then ... what does it say about the person who sets up a Britannica Dreams page where at first glance Britannica Dreams and the films on that page seem to belong to just one person?
To be perfectly honest with you, I am sick to death of Britannica Dreams. I wish I had never thought of the idea. I regret ever having wasted any time or energy or talent on the project or with the person who was supposed to have been a partner in the project. Some advice ... make sure you know ... as best and as well as you can, the person whom you choose to share a project with. Make very very sure you know who you are working with.
If I could, I would permanently wipe every single Britannica Dream video off the face of the internet. I absolutely hated it ... to have to put some of those videos on my YouTube page. But, I thought it was the best "passive/aggressive" approach to clearing up some confusion, and I thought it would field some of the questions I was receiving. I am looking forward to the day when I can trash those films. I see them, and I cringe. They represent things from a time when things were being said and being done that went against my beliefs.
There was something said, just recently, about BD films not being original. What can I say to that? That's an almost correct statement. Even if I did want to argue that point, I couldn't. I had a "discussion" about this very issue with the ex-partner. I said that I thought we needed to be producing films with original story lines. To that, I was told that there are no original stories anymore. So, I guess that was the go-ahead to rip off stories that have been done over and over and over? I mean really ... let's look at the BD collection, shall we ...
Happy Ever After ... a rip off of Sleeping Beauty
The Highwayman ... nothing but us putting images to the poem written by Noyes
Secret Garden ... images set to the film, "Jerry MaGuire"
Visiting Scrooge ... just another version of Dicken's classic tale
(Two versions of ) A Mermaid's Tale ... yet another version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale
The Snow Witch ... and another film where we set images to someone reading a folktale written by Hearn
So, to the person who said there's nothing original about Britannica Dreams ... you are absolutely right if you judge us by those films listed above ... or if you judge us by some of the music vids we created. However, there were a few videos where we used my original story concepts, and when I say original, I mean, I conceived the story line. There were a few music videos which the ex-partner applied her own interpretation of the song. But, over-all, I'd have to say, we were pretty much just as accused ... "rip-off artists". So, to the person who brought up that point, thanks for pointing it out :)
Maybe for their time, and their time ended two years ago ... but maybe then, those films were current and a fine example of what was being churned out then. But, today, they are old news and out dated. The last film made by BD was released before the Sims 2 "Seasons" expansion was released, and Sony Vegas has released 3 upgrades since BD last edited a film.
Their time now is gone, and I'll be much happier when they are truly gone and Britannica Dreams is forgotten. And just because you find these films uploaded somewhere on some page in some corner of the cyber world, or you find pages titled, "Britannica Dreams", doesn't mean it's the real thing. The Dream IS dead. :)
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