News Stories

Interactive Online Platform for would be Filmmakers

1.10.2010

iVoiceNetwork announced the completion of its alpha development phase.  This is an interesting new platform for interactive story construction in a social media way.

The idea is to redefine traditional broadcast entertainment by taking the concepts behind social media and making the content more compelling and entertaining.

According to the company, the system is based on a model called Multi-Character, Non-Linear Scenario Driven Narrative.  The platform is “genre, content and language agnostic, enabling massive scale and character-story connectivity.”

According to Guy Morris, company founder and CEO: “iVoiceNetwork has developed the first platform that fully captures the interactive nature of the Internet, allowing fans to become part of the show by creating unique user characters, connecting through role-based social groups and directing and starring in their own stories.”

They are looking for content partners with studios and production companies for a late 2010 launch.  You can check out a slideshow on the iVoiceNetwork site to learn more about how the concept works.

orchestrationFramework

Sony Report part 2: 3D Concert Events and Upcoming Products

1.10.2010

Sony emphasized the fusion of content and technology during CES, during which the company positioned itself to lead the 3D home movement.

“We intend to take the lead in 3D,” said Sony chief Sir Howard Stringer. “We are the only company fully immersed in every part of the 3D value chain.”

Gadget ShowIts annual press conference opened with Taylor Swift, who performed her hit “Love Story” while providing a hint at potential future content. Introduced by Sir Howard, Swift confirmed that her upcoming concert tour will be documented in 3D.  Sony execs declined to provide further details.  Sir Howard also restated plans to deliver live performances in 3D, including an upcoming Kenny Chesney concert.

Sony product announcements included:

– PS3s, which will be firmware upgradeable for 3D in 2010.

– Sony 3D BRAVIAs, with the first sets launching this summer.  They will come in screen sizes up to 60-inches, bundled with two pairs of active glasses.

– A prototype 3D OLED TV.

– 17 new models of camcorders, including a new Handycam that shoots full HD progressive.

– A Vaio eco-edition, made in part of recycled material.  The case is also made of recycled materials and there is no printed manual.

sony-vaio-eco-edition

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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