Red Bull Revolutions in Sound - Interactive web streaming

Whilst putting some final touches to my blog before the deadline tomorrow, I had the Red Bull Revolutions in Sound streaming in the background and it just occured to me how the event is a great example of bringing interactive media and music to life online. The event features 30 pods on the london eye which each represent a different club night from the UK, where the viewer can switch and change to which pod they would like to see/listen to in real time. I really enjoyed exploring this feature as i'm also a big fan of many of the artists dj'ing within the pods, and it makes for an exciting platform for showcasing music rather than simply listening to the radio or choosing a song on itunes.  Check out the trailer as the videos were streamed live so weren't recorded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjvg5GwqtDA

Man Or Mistress

I'm very pleased with the final outcome of my project. I love the contemporary feel of the triptych and how the subtle message behind it unfolds gradually. I feel it is as much an art form as it is a piece of media, which is what i set out to create when given the brief.

Here is the YouTube link to the final video which was used at the two outer windows. Unfortunately I cannot show the Isadora version. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTsWt6MPxTo&feature=youtu.be

Man or Mistress in the Future?

I think my project could have potential in supporting the trans-gender community in campaigns/exhibitions and could be developed further in terms of interactivity. I can see my idea working successfully in public places such as bus shelters where striking art is often displayed - although my idea is subtle, it gets a certain message across which I feel would work well in a public environment. In terms of interactivity, I would be interesting to integrate user movement into my piece so that the viewer can control the actions on the screen through their own actions rather than a simple linear video which in my opinion does not attract much attention. I think it would make for an interesting piece if the viewer could go thorough different actions like applying lipstick brushing their own hair, which would move the image on the screen accordingly.

The 'hidden' Story and use of music

With the middle screen being free to experiment with, the triptych as a whole can be interpreted to some degree as the random nature of the videos allows the user to choose which screens he/she   prefers to be in play at a particular stage of the narrative. The random selection of the middle clips also serveto manipulate the story in slight ways, as I included a clip of the subject in a dream state which, on appearance will change the narrative to make the viewer question whether the subject is dreaming state or not.

For visual purposes, the contrast between the synced outer screens and the random nature of the middle screen makes for an interesting piece.

I feel that music plays an important role in my project as it works well with the movement within the frames.I choose a song with a steady repeatativebeat  which emulates a music video when paired with the moving images.The lyrics are equally important as they tell the narrative as if the subject's thoughts or own words. I feel that the video footage and audio work hand in hand and the project would lose out in the absence of either.

Interactivity and Isadora/Editing

In keeping with the simplistic nature of the project, I decided it would work best if the viewer/user could interact by having control over SOME degree of the narrative, which I achieved by creating clips of repeated actions which randomly change when the space bar is pressed. This would occupy the middle window and the two outer windows hosted a set 'narrative' in which the subject goes through various stages to 'womanize' himself.

Although I found Isadora quite intimidating and frustrating to use,(especially when it froze), I had no
other option but familiarise myself with the software as I wanted to incorporate user interactivity into
my piece. I do realise the potential in the programme however, and would like to be able to incorporate motion detection within my work in the future.

I carried out all of my editing in After Effects as I found this programme more straightforward compared to Premier. The editing mainly consisted of joining all of the shots together for the two outer windows, and trimming some videos to keep the piece as fluid and aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Capturing my Shots

I am very pleased with the outcome of my shots. I wanted the subject to look as if he was looking though a window/mirror at his reflection so used a tripod adjusted to eye level.

I was pleased with the final outcome as the sultry red shades made for a subtle yet effective contrast
between the face and the lighter coloured background, and the dim surroundings allowed for shadows to be cast upon the face.

Creating My Project - Lighting

I understand that Lighting will play a large role in my project and In order to achieve the dull but glowing feel of  the shots, I need a dark environment and coloured light. I must ensure that no natural light will affect the shots and will use a coloured bulb to provide the redness like in the Red Light District windows.

 

Update - Change of theme for Individual Artefact

So after visiting the local 'This Way Out: Boy George and Trademark' exhibition which was part of the Homotopia festvial, I gained some inspiration. The festival and this particular exhibition centres around identity and features portraits of subcultural gay icons like Divine, Jackie Curtis, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Leigh Bowery as well as contemporary photographs of some of the original gay punks and Philip Sallon. Through the striking art work by artist Trademark (Mark Wardel) I seen potential in creating a provocative visual piece using the image of a male exploring his more feminine side.

 

 

 

I like the look and feel of contemporary art and cinema especially when the viewer can interact, and so take this opportunity to attempt to create my own  post- modern installation through utilizing the various production skills we have learned in the module.

 

I still intend to use the Triptych form, and from Lev Manovich's description as a 'spacial or windows montage', the phenomena of windows comes to mind, so hence makes me imagine the windows of the Red Light District of Amsterdam which will be the overall theme of my piece. I would like my final outcome to show three 'windows' in which the subject is lit up with a red glow and is carrying out different 'glamourous' movements in each.

I have decided to title my project 'Man Or Mistress' as it is catchy and works with the narrative. 

 

Individual Artefact

Of all of the previous platforms and technologies we have explored in the past weeks, I have enjoyed utilizing the Triptech approach most. I feel that our outcome on After Effects made for an interesting visual piece and after recieving positive feedback I would like to develop this approach in my final artefact. I liked the urban city scape idea which was used in our previous piece so intend to explore this theme again in the form of a high- rise flat (in which I will have plenty of scope to experiment with giving that Liverpool has a wide range of metropolitan architecture). 

I would like my final piece to initially embody the exterior of a high rise flat which allows for exploration and interaction within certain windows.

The three windows which are lighted up will make the form of a triptech for aesthetic purposes, and will have moving images inside.

User interaction will be explored through being able to navigate around the different windows and explore different 'situatons' within each.

Interactive Video with YouTube

Using the annotations feature on YouTube was a very straightforward process which I enjoyed experimenting with. We wanted our video to have a challenging aspect (i.e have a gaming feel) ,and although the final outcome was quite monotonous it allowed us to explore and become familiar with the feature. If I were to develop this game further, I would've would add  more elements to the simple 'rock, paper, scissors' tools or possibly add a comic aspect by replacing the rock/paper/scissors with animals which in turn make the subjects within the frame act like whatever animal they choose.
                           
                                                                   Planning Stages

 

 

Our video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIigiHTEMeI

Using Isadora

Although I found the programme quite tricky to use, it was in fact easier to operate than it looked (if logic is applied). We wanted our example to let the user decide for themselves which 'action' would take them to the next window, however if we were given more time we could've developed this to make it more cryptic and less simple. Although I did find the programme slightly pointless as the interactivity with the videos can only take place within Isadora.

This programme in particular is one which I would like to return to and explore further as I realise the potential in creating an impressive piece, like this motion recognition idea at Incheon International Airport. I see much potential in using interactive media within the business/public sphere as it makes for a much more effective outcome which grabs attention, rather than the simple one dimensional image or video.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CsOAddDw_s

QR Codes

I understand QR codes as an effective way of engaging the public and bringing media together to promote/inform/entertain in a more dynamic way however, if being truely honest, I didn't enjoy making our own codes. We came up with the idea of using the codes to create a leaflet shaped 'booklet' which gave the impression of telling a story about someone who was going through depression (through using QR voice, YouTube videos etc.) then the twist at the end takes the user to a YouTube video of a dog explaining his sadness which could perhaps give the viewer some relief as it changes the narrative... or does it?

Although I understand this exercise was an opportunity to explore the 'production' process involved in the creation QR codes and although the final outcome worked to an extent, I feel that my indifference towards the task comes from my passion in creating more aesthetic pieces of media rather than creating a story on different media/platforms which to me makes a narrative seen quite 'jumbled up'. But each to their own!

HOWEVER, speaking of aesthetics.. I did come across this website which is a creative agency that designs codes which "reach beyond the simple black squares" and "explore a range of creative designs with different colours, shapes and mediums, none of which interfere with the basic functionality of the codes."

 
http://jess3.com/qr-code-art/

My Triptech

When creating the triptech, I wanted to step outside the obvious and create a piece that blurred elements of reality and video footage, where the finished product looks futuristic.
I am pleased with the overall outcome as I feel that the contrast between the pace of the 'outside world' and the world within the screen works well and makes for an effective piece. If given the chance to do the exercise again, I would make the videos within the screen relate more to the primary figure and show clips of him rather than random clips with little correlation.

Because of time contraints we were forced to leave some ideas behind. At first I wanted the final piece to look as if the subject was watching himself in the screen but then realised this would take longer than the time assigned for the task. Another problem we encountered post-production was the presence of sound in the final video which was not intentional, but some videos that were repeated contained sound clips which also repeated themselves due to not having headphones when making the video in uni.

When showing the final piece to the tutors they were impressed with the alternative approach taken to the brief which steps outside the usual 'three screens in a row' technique. We also discussed how it might be a good idea to develop our approach further in our individual artefact assesment.

My Summer Work Placement- Uproar Comics

For two weeks during the month of June, I carried out a work placement within a comic designing company back home. I realized the importance of undergoing my work placement within a company which both reflected an interest of mine while providing a valuable and insightful experience into the media industry and world of work. Bearing my artistic background in mind, I was aware of the possibilities in which the creative industries provided through the merging of art and digital technology; so I was lucky to be granted a placement with Uproar Comics.

Self described as a 'Northern Ireland based Multimedia Production, Publishing and Services Company', Uporoar commics was officially established in October 2011 from a love of comics and sa group of hobbyists who produced and released what has become a flagship title the Award winning and on-going series “Zombies Hi”.

Within the placement, I participated in various roles to get a 'feel' for the company and discover which roles would suit best to benefit me in a future job within this type of industry. First I got the chance to do some hands-on experience with designing graphics for the comic's latest story 'Zombies Hi'. Although time consuming, I enjoyed working in this role as art is something which I enjoy and I feel I am quite experienced with pencil work having studied art at GCSE and A Level. After a couple of days doing pencil work, I then moved onto digital work and created some pieces using After Effects and Photoshop. See below:

In other classes...

I thought that it was about time I posted something here regarding the other modules of the course asides from just Applied Media Research. As all the other modules have (in essence) finished, overall I am pleased with my academic performance throughout the year. After encountering some issues regarding the guest for our entertainment show for the Television studio module I am fairly pleased with the outcome however, the task made me realise the importance of preparation and thorough planning in such an operation. See link below to view the show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDv-AayyHG0&feature=youtu.be

I feel that the opening sequence really compliments the show and gives a bright and lively feeling reflective of it's lunchtime slot.

The Four 'i's' in modern day storytelling

I stumbled across another interesting article on Fastcompany blog which talks about the future of storytelling via a study by research consultancy Latitude which "looks to uncover trends and audience attitudes about content".

The results of the study zero in on "four I's" that apparently continue to shape storytelling:

Immersion: Delving deeper into the story through supplementary context and sensory experiences.

Interactivity: Allowing consumers to become part of the narrative and possibly influence its outcome.

Integration: Having a seamless connection among all platforms being used and going beyond just replicating content on different devices.

Impact: Inspiring consumers to take action of some kind, e.g. purchase a product, sign up for a service, support a cause, etc.

Interactive Storytelling vs traditional Storytelling

Can the story become too stretched?

Due to the results of our previous poll, we thought perhaps the reason people aren't entirely keen on interactive methods is because the story cannot simply stay linear with a definitive beginning and end. Maybe people prefer the traditional storybook as in most cases, they will able to reach an ending which will bring a sense of shock or relief.. or maybe they simply enjoy flicking through the pages or the classic 'new book smell'. For those who enjoy participating in an interactive experience, perhaps people crave the gaming aspect of an interactive experience where they become a part of the story and have control over circumstances.

As a whole, when we experience a narrative in the present day it doesn't simply follow a path of events which are based around a journey-like structure. Joseph Campbell's 'Monomyth' (Hero's Journey) describes a basic pattern which reflects many narratves around the world where he argues that a character will follow a set of steps within a story.

Is this also relevant for today's interactive experiences? I would say no, as when we go to the cinema to see a film or take part in an interactive experience we are not solely being subjected to a set of predicted circumstances or paths. Instead, the ever-evolving nature of technology and the media world has made for new themes and ways of experiences stories so the ambiguity and unpredictable nature of narratives works to the advantage of the creators which lend their success to this.

FastCompany magazine: Having Friends Could Save Your Life?

I came across this interesting article on FastCompany website about how a lack of human contact via social networking may be connected to health risks. I also thought it was worthy for sharing as most write ups surrounding social networking sites are written negatively and for the purpose on condemning the use of sites like Facebook, Twitter etc.

"People with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with weaker social relationships,"

Here is the link to the site: http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681420/having-friends-could-save-your-life?utm_source=twitter

" A Long story should never be boring" - Gypsy Roma Traveller Leeds

Continuing on with our research on User Generated Content, I have realised the potential and importance of audience participation upon the success of a storytelling experience. After distributing questionnaires to our class in order to determine whether story telling is actually still current in today's youth, we extracted some findings which proved quite useful.

We also wanted to find out what an audience wants from a story and if they prefer new interactive experiences as opposed to traditional story telling methods. From the data extracted in our questionnaires, we were also able to obtain whether factors like gender affected certain aspects of our overall findings. A considerably larger number of people felt that a good story telling experience was dominated by story over character resulting in 10 people out of 11 choosing this answer.

What was consistent was that almost all participants, bar one told us that the last time they felt involved in and gripped by a storytelling experience was in the past couple of weeks. Another startling result which we found when we compares male answers to female answers was that only 3 out of 11 females had taken part in interactive experiences online, whereas as all of the males had participated in at least one of the following three: ‘Take this lollipop’, ‘Ipad for Alice’, ‘The beauty Inside’.

We then did a poll on Facebook to find out if people would rather experience a story through the traditional method, or through an interactive experience. Our results were unexpected as we had predicted that people today would opt to take part in an online/interactive experience, but after voting in the poll, more than 75% of the class opted for the traditional story telling method.

The Brief

So we have been given our question for the brief which comes in the form of the Digital Fiction Factory, represented by Ian Wareing:

"The Internet, social media and other open systems have allowed for user generated content (UGC), crowd-sourcing and other forms of audience participation to prevail in digital media. But how do we translate these features into storytelling experiences, without treading on the toes of the author?"

Since given the question we have been carrying out various research in order to determine an answer for this question. Interactive storytelling is something in which our current technologic climate has allowed to flourish alongside the media industry. We are all familiar with interactive experiences like the 'Million Pound Drop' where such shows rely on audience participation as central to their success.

Another massive part of our daily lives is spent online on social networking sites such as Twitter on Facebook which have brought about a revolutionary change in the way we communicate and interact. With the aid of laptops, mobile devices and tablets we are now able to experience a story in a whole new way from the traditional storybook method. The popular Channel 4 drama 'Hollyoaks' experimented with this type of interactive experience in their online experiment titled 'The Morning After' in which characters from the show were brought to life via social networking site 'Bebo'. Projects like such help to provide a richer story experience for an audience who would otherwise not be able to engage with the characters, and also contributes to the success of the show as a whole; creating more participation results in a greater amount of publicity. See below