I am going to miss Derooted. After completing my internship I was sad that I will no longer work alongside the people I met there. Everyone’s personality was unique, but the shared qualities of honesty, creativity, and humour, as well as a down to earth and collaborative spirit. It combined to create an amazing work atmosphere that is hard to find, but one I will definitely look for in future workplaces.
The internship also gave me real and valuable understanding of the business and the many aspects of design. I interacted with clients, delivered on deadlines, collaborated with co-workers, and carried ideas from inception to production. I also gained unexpected skills — like using the tablet as a substitute for a mouse, and coming up with sales pitches for random items around the office at a moment’s notice. I am looking forward to using all my new skills and experiences in future — although I hope I will never have to sell a certain whistle again!
The power of a photograph has been diluted due to its ubiquity, resulting in audiences with shorter attention spans. Photographer Javier Lovera and installation artist Simon Rojas combine photography and video in a single image with two purposes: reveal and extend the viewers’ diminished attention span.
Our CONTACT exhibit was an amazing project to work on. As one of CONTACT’s featured exhibits we had a great opportunity to develop and deliver something unique and interesting!
With Simón (@derooted) we worked on a photography + video installation. Our work was based on our thesis, that the ubiquity of photography has resulted in shorter attention spans from the viewer. In order to expand the viewers attention span, we mixed photographs with video events that were triggered by viewer’s interaction with the piece. (For some background references you can read Marshall McLuhan’s hot media essays, and Walter Benjamin’s The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction). Our pieces were dependent on the viewer for them to exist as art, hence “there is no art without the spectator.”
We developed two pieces. The first one was a portrait in which the subject was wearing a pair of optician frame measuring glasses. The eyes of the viewer (which were being read by a web cam installed within a completely modular and recyclable box) were projected in real time within the glasses’ negative space, making the spectator part of our piece. To do so, we used Modul8, an iCam, and a Mac Mini to run the software.
In our second installation the pieces presented to the audience and the message of each of the pieces were left to the spectators chance. Two dice were used by the spectator to select the projected images. One dice controlled a subject’s expression, while the second dice controlled a video that was being projected as the reflection of the subject’s eyes. Often political subjects were being shown, alluding to our thought that you can you choose how you view a random situation that life presents you.
People are constantly on the run searching for the latest trend or craze that they feel is going to be “the future”. Lately there has been a trend spreading rapidly throughout the entertainment world, hopping barriers like wildfire. I’m sure you have been pulled in by this trend, even if you don’t like or believe in it you are still somehow entranced by it. This trend is 3D entertainment, the concept that your favourite films should no longer be simply watched and enjoyed but should rather pop out to cause you to interact.
What is it that has reignited this in-your-face entertainment trend? That’s right, you heard me, reignite! 3D movies have been around for years, directors have been dabbling on and off with the effect, often with the final result of lackluster reviews. In fact, the first commercially released 3-dimensional film using two-toned lens glasses appeared in 1922 film The Power of Love. From 1922 on, filmmakers attempted their hand at the format but it did not really catch on until 1952 with the release of the first 3D colour film Bwana Devil. The 1950’s are recognized as the golden age of 3D filmmaking, as I am sure you are all familiar with the two-coloured lens paper glasses, or as they are technically called anaglyph glasses. The 1950’s saw the release of a number of 3D films, especially focusing on the genre films such as House of Wax, even Alfred Hitchcock played around with the format. However, the format fell out of popularity later in the decade due to technical issues and cost. 3D had brief revisits in the 1960’s and 70’s, with a brief trend of 3rd installments being released in 3D in the 1980’s such as Jaws 3D. After its brief stint 3D disappeared from the public eye except for it’s on taking by IMAX that worked in depth with the format. Finally, 2004 marked a resurgence of the format with the 3D release of The Polar Express and other films, which began transforming their 2D films to 3D.
Most recently, we can thank James Cameron for his transformation of 3D technology and the assurance that 3D is here to stay. With the enormous success of the latest films Avatar and Alice in Wonderland not only are these films extremely popular but also the 3D effect itself is drawing viewers in for the experience. Say goodbye to the old-fashioned paper glasses and post-production 3D effects and hello to modernized, stylish glasses and effects. Previously 3D films had been released to lukewarm and often negative responses, but with the latest developments and large number of films hopping on the trend it appears it is not going anywhere, at least for a while; especially now with the latest advancements and production of 3D television. However, along with all the hype and excitement the nagging question comes to mind, is the 3D trend actually effective and is it truly here to stay as a success? Personally I do feel that it can be a very effective film entertainment trend if used properly. If the technique is used in the course of production of the film and is used as a tool of expression with a sense of purpose it is very effective. A great example of this is James Cameron’s film Avatar that uses 3D animation to make the viewer feel as though they are a part of the world of the film. In this film, 3D is actually used to compliment the films storyline and theme and the production of the film was developed with the 3D effect in mind. A current issue with the 3D trend is that every director wants to hop on simply for the sake of riding the popularity wave and drawing in crowds. With a number of films lately the 3D technique is being added as an afterthought or simply for shock value rather than truly being incorporated into the production and script. Unfortunately this use of the format cheapens the image and feel of 3D entertainment, which if continued could possibly lead to its demise yet again.
Taking a look at this trend brings to consider whether this trend has legs, and how could it be utilized in relation to advertising? This all blends perfectly into the latest development and release by Sony, Phillips and LG of 3D televisions so that now the interactive experience can be had in your own living room. This technological advancement is very new but may very likely be adopted the majority of households in the near future. This is a very exciting and promising concept for advertising and design! Imagine a world where the consumer could not only see your product and commercial but also connect and interact personally with it. This could completely change the way commercial ads and product placements are conceived and created. These could be built around the ability to invited consumers to interact with the product and to more realistically present the qualities of the product. Imagine feeling as though you are surrounded by and brought into the world of the advertisement. 3D entertainment may just be a rising fad now but I have a feeling that it could transform the way we think about advertising and interaction for good.
Today I had the opportunity to sit in on a photo shoot for Carl Young; an up and coming musician who is breaking through the clutter with his elegant, sophisticated lyrics and smooth debonair style. Carl is truly an artist with his own crooner style and strong, masculine image. Currently working to promote his album, as well as brand himself in the public’ mind, Carl Young is stepping out as his own. Currently shooting promotional photos, the experience on set was a true reflection of Carl’s style and personality. The feeling was professional yet comfortable with Carl working closely with the stylists, photographer and director to capture the perfect reflection of his persona. Everyone on set was comfortable and friendly as they worked together keeping things light yet to the point.
As we arrived at Moroco Chocolat, the production set was prepared and abuzz with setting the lighting and preparing Carl for the shoot. This was the perfect location for such a shoot with its elegant and romantic yet edgy image, a mix of royal purples and black leather; an upper scale yet trendy lounge perfect for the strong sultry mood. The lounge itself is very unique as it is attached to the delightful chocolate boutique, the chocolates and macaroon work their way into the lounge as well as decorations on plants and table décor. As the crew prepared it was clear that the shoot was very comfortable and social with everyone joking and easing into the shoot. The feelon this set was perfect to emblemize Carl’s warm yet strong image. Carl’s face was constantly alight with smiles and laughs as the stylists joked with him while reorganizing his dress shirt and tie. He was extremely personable and open to all suggestions as well as ready to offer some of his own.
As things got started on set the main thought that came to mind was James Bond. Everything from the set to the clothing and Carl’s rugged sophisticated look came together to personify the ultimate 007 man, a feeling that I’m sure Carl as well as the ladies will appreciate. This style is one that appeals to everyone, the suave sexy feel for his female fans and a strong masculine feel for the males; Daniel Craig would be proud. The shoot began inside, posed against a dark leather couch with Carl in a black suit jacket and dark pants. The combination of dark on dark was perfect at accenting the shoots feel and really brought out a great array of comfortable yet sophisticated poses. This set provided for a variety of movement and freedom for creativity, while the deep tones really allowed Carl to stand out. From here the shoot moved outside to Moroco Chocolats all-white furnished patio where Carl was prepared in a white cream suit. The lighting and colors brought out the other side of Bond, the clean cut Miami vibe that contrasted perfectly to the rugged dark of the indoor shoot, and really allowed his deep blue eyes to dazzle. Outside the shoot became playful and easy going with Carl playing with the different furniture available while interacting and joking with the staff capturing his cool, easy-going side on camera.
The photo shoot was really a capturing experience that perfectly complimented and embodied Carl Young’s strong yet suave image and truly brought out his inner 007. I’m sure that these photos will perfectly compliment Carl’s musical style as well as truly present an image to the public of who Carl Young is. I know that I for one can’t wait to see how they turn out and to see how Carl takes his audience by storm.
