By request, I have rendered an alternate version of this video, featuring the song, "Natural" by Rob Thomas. It is available on Vimeo, and can be viewed from my videos page.
The concept of this video, its story, began unexpectedly and, for me, unconventionally. Its birth was accidental and might not have come to light if not for the discovery of a forgotten file on my PC.
I was in the process of "cleaning house", getting rid of ALL things related to unwanted memories. Delete, delete, delete ... and then I came across a file that had been sent to me during a time that was supposed to have been my "best days", and it was at that exact moment I began to get glimpses of an idea for a video. Ironically, this happened at a time when I had decided I wouldn't make anymore videos. And as events began to unfold in my personal life, so did more of the concept of this video.
One thing that remains true about me since I made my first machinima four years ago, is that I choose to cling to the idea that machinima in its simplest theory is a perspective through the boundaries of a video game. One of the things that keeps it interesting for me are the challenges presented by the limitations of the applied game engine. That is why I try to limit the amount of post-production editing in my films. I am inspired with the concept of going into the game and attempting to capture that almost perfect shot that most closely resembles the picture in my head.
But, for those who aren't familiar with The Sims, there are some things that can't be done in game, no matter how many hacks or cheats or mods you make use of. So, that means you have to rely on editing and special effects. That's not to say that is a "bad" alternative. I love special effects ... I want to be "wowed", and there are a lot of really awesome effects being created out there. And it's not saying that it's a simple work-around to a challenge, because editing special effects is by no means a simple task.
In the scene with the heart, I had to shoot the set twice at exactly the same angle, and even with that, the track motion had to be adjusted in the editing process. The 2 second scene required that the animation be separated from an object (hence the need to shoot the scene twice), and rather than get into the game coding, it was easier to manipulate this through editing. It required 2 overlays, a color correction, and 52 frames had to be individually masked, using negative and positive attributes.
So, I'm thinking it's fair to say that for me, this video is very different from all my others, because it relies heavily on editing and special effects. It gives me something to think about while I wait for the next idea to smack me in the noggin.
I was in the process of "cleaning house", getting rid of ALL things related to unwanted memories. Delete, delete, delete ... and then I came across a file that had been sent to me during a time that was supposed to have been my "best days", and it was at that exact moment I began to get glimpses of an idea for a video. Ironically, this happened at a time when I had decided I wouldn't make anymore videos. And as events began to unfold in my personal life, so did more of the concept of this video.
One thing that remains true about me since I made my first machinima four years ago, is that I choose to cling to the idea that machinima in its simplest theory is a perspective through the boundaries of a video game. One of the things that keeps it interesting for me are the challenges presented by the limitations of the applied game engine. That is why I try to limit the amount of post-production editing in my films. I am inspired with the concept of going into the game and attempting to capture that almost perfect shot that most closely resembles the picture in my head.
But, for those who aren't familiar with The Sims, there are some things that can't be done in game, no matter how many hacks or cheats or mods you make use of. So, that means you have to rely on editing and special effects. That's not to say that is a "bad" alternative. I love special effects ... I want to be "wowed", and there are a lot of really awesome effects being created out there. And it's not saying that it's a simple work-around to a challenge, because editing special effects is by no means a simple task.
In the scene with the heart, I had to shoot the set twice at exactly the same angle, and even with that, the track motion had to be adjusted in the editing process. The 2 second scene required that the animation be separated from an object (hence the need to shoot the scene twice), and rather than get into the game coding, it was easier to manipulate this through editing. It required 2 overlays, a color correction, and 52 frames had to be individually masked, using negative and positive attributes.
So, I'm thinking it's fair to say that for me, this video is very different from all my others, because it relies heavily on editing and special effects. It gives me something to think about while I wait for the next idea to smack me in the noggin.
4 comments:
...Had to remove the first one because of the typo. I'm crazy like that :P
I realize this is not the main intention of the video, but I've always found it interesting how two completely different pieces of music can sometimes determine various interpretations of the same video. I liked the Rob Thomas version, but I liked the original even more.
I love having those little battles with my brain and what it responds to more. It's not that I didn't listen to the Rob Thomas lyrics, but my heart responded more to the original due to the emotionally charged anthem. With that not only was I immediately connected to your knight, I was once again connected to your brilliant mind.
*Jules taps her fingers and smirks*
Very keen storyline here Kheri.
Excellent work!
The song by Rob Thomas worked well with it but like Jules, I connected with the first one more.
Again...another great video...they both get 10 out of 10 stars from me. :)
LOL no worries with the typos ;)
Thank you both, Jules and Diva, for that criticism on the Original vs. Rob Thomas version.
I especially appreciate those comments, because I spent many long hours of several days searching through and listening to many selections of music. Almost every element of the video is a symbol, and so too is the music.
Even though I want the video to be interpreted freely by the viewer, I'll share one of my intended symbols with you :)
The music represents the state of the spirit of the knight who has been betrayed. So, that is why I needed that "just right music".
*giggling at Jules tapping fingers and smirking* LOL keen observation here Jules ;) and yes, you are right on target with your suspicions LOL
LOL Diva ... my ego thanks you for raising my vid from 5 stars to 10 stars!
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