TECHNOLOGY WASN'T READY FOR T2 (TERMINATOR 2)
(_ note this blog post was posted in real-time at the Austin Game Conference while blogger Joyce Schwarz was listening to keynote speaker Jon Landau, producing partner for James Cameron at Lightstorm Entertainment --here's a link to Landau's bio. Note, that Landau and a VIP from Multiverse explained that Landau's appearance was sponsored by Multiverse and that Landau and Cameron are both on the board of advisors fo that firm which is creating a network for MMOGs and other 3D Virtual worlds with its technology platform. Here is a link to Landau's bio and advance info on his speech:Academy Award(R)-Winning Producer Jon Landau to Deliver Keynote at ...)
LANDAU really got into the guts of his presentation by saying....(note rather than using quotes for every sentence Landau says in real time...we have italicized his words...and added quote marks on some phrases to make it clear those were his exact words based on what we heard real-time. No transcript was available so we could not confirm word for word the actual speech. We are also providing links to other coverage of the presentation for comparison and as additional resource material.
Titanic was a product of technology it was not just using technology....movies are only memorable when the story works-- like video games when the story works --and when not overshadowed by technologies. Performance capture -- not motion capture is the phrase Landau is using. "We've been working to bring performance capture to a new level." They're working so when Jim (Cameron) looks at the camera he will see the CGI environments like Golum or King Kong as part of the view. In other words, not just the blue-screen version which is later CGI enhanced and this leads to how are two industries come together.
VIDEO GAMES SOFTWARE USED IN FILMING
Landau said, We limit our real time elements to polygons so they can be processed in real time...not only capturing performance but also capturing the camera moves. He explained that they are "Not creating anything new but putting together in ways not used before." Line between pre-production, production and post-production changes. So when does any onoe sequence begin and end?-- anyone's guess. Landau explained Lightstorm is working with Microsoft to create state of the art DAM( Digital Asset Management) system --to create smooth pipeline from movie assets into gaming assets. In fact we hope that many of the assets in DAM can be stored in game creation. This is one of the Holy Grails that our industry has been chasing according to Landau.
PARAMETRICS, SKELETONS, POLYGON MODELS
We're making this movie(Lightstorm's Avatar) in 3D -- not exclusively in 3D. Landau stated that we have had no technological advances in the presentations of our movies in 50 years -- 50 years ago we had color, 50 years ago we had wide screen. Sound has gone from mono-- to 6 track to create immersive experience. We think that we need to find ways to drive people to our theatres.
DIGITAL PROJECTION
Landau said that studio execs viewed change as threat-- almost suffocating the process. Why is it so important -- because digital projection will enable innovation for the consumer -- high quality singular projection 3D polarized projection. No, not 1950's 3D -- through-color immersive experience that will envelop audience. Landau referred to an earlier speech where Cameron talked about 1952 -- 3D movie of its generation was released and 46 movies were then released in 3D -- Dial M for Murder and others....only a handful since then. Someone said to Cameron 3D failed-- and Jim said "No, it worked -- the movie industry is still here".
3D USED FOR WORSE FILMS VS BEST FILMS
Traditionally, Landau said 3D used for the worst films (horror movies) and others you would not go to see unless in 3D. This (blogger addition -- meaning now)is the heart of the 3D revolution -- no one should rush out to make a 3D movie -- enhance experience but not exclusively 3D. "I ask you when was the last time someone talked to you about the resolution of the movie they have just seen?". The average fan can't discern between 35MM and Digital Projection. 3D is the hook for Digital Projection ---attract the public with something they cannot get at home, no matter how big their living room screens are.
Landau referred to a poll that showed that 12 percent of people polled would definitely go to the movies more often if their movies were in 3D - among 18-29 years old--that figure jumped up to 21 percent and 6 percent more said it depends on the film. Surprisingly, only 50 percent of the people surveyed had ever experienced 3D viewing....Landau added that "Based on the experience of Superman, Polar Express and Chicken Little -- we know people are fascinated by 3D."
Landau went on to say that Paramount Pictures and Walden Media are filming JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH and Disney's MEET THE ROBINSONS will be in 3D...he added that "we believe it will only be one element in the recipe for a blockbuster."
BLOCKBUSTER - -Landau talked about some of the elements you find in every successful movie 1) relatable characters 2) worlds that elicit the desire to explore 3) movie that has a theme that is bigger than its genres.
VIRTUAL WORLDS -- Landau commented on a list from a colleague from colleague Multiverse -- 1) immersive art 2) character customization 3) action game play 4) engaged community 5) themes bigger than the game --stay with you when you walk away from the keyboard.
Landau said that films are not that different from MMOs -- what we do as filmmakers is create new worlds...both industries have the same goals. Difference -- with film it's still voyeuristic -- you are always in a third person mode; by contrast in games...greater immersion makes you able to control your character.
Landau explained that Chris Williams calls it "People powered entertainment" -- you can live in an MMO with an ordinary person that becomes extraordinary -- more of a hero's journey...feeling something special. He said "That's where my hat goes off to you --the game designers where every player can become UBER....as a filmmaker I envy the communitis your products create." Landau stated that the immediacy and communal experience is missing when you watch movie at home. Landau said in an MMO -- even when you do solo -- context of being in a community is inescapeable. "It truly is a brave new world here". "Only now can we have broadband and high end graphics cards and only now are the masses ready to share 3D interactions in immersive spaces." MMO's fastest growing segment in the video industry.
DIFFERENCES & SIMULARITIES -- Landau said that film and video games-- audiences have changed --the public wants to experience greater depth than films can provide...."You have raised the bar for us-- games and MMOs are providing such a sustaining experience to make the theatrical experience better. If we can work together we will both win."
Landau went on to say that he's excited to see (what happens) when you base a virtual world on a movie and really pull out all the stops -- make it expansive, make it exclusive. Making a film is not a democracy -- (referring to Jim Cameron)he's the general and I'm the field marshall...the filmmaker can present his vision and the game designers can take it to a different place -- add places and themes we did not have time to include...allow it to grow...way beyond the notion of game as branding after-thought.
BIGGER SHIP THAT'S COMING --- RISE OF THE INDEPENDENTS -- Landau referred to the kind of democratization --when the indies are empowered to create you will truly see a wide range of art....technology has enabled the new guy to explore and say why not -- Landau says this catapaults the art. (Referring to the rise of independent films) Landau added--- Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino -- all of them indies who made it big --(had the)courage to ignore the establishment. Landau said that In virtual worlds-- only a few indies have succeeded -- Daniel James "Puzzle Pirates" and "Eve Online" because had to build technologies from the ground up. Indy film can find audience through Netflix, art houses, cable etc.
WHEN INDIES EXPERIMENT -- state of the art gets pushed -- expecially in the MMO industry-- Landau said "that's why I joined the Multiverse team and that's why I'm here in Austin"....the plumbing is there to connect hundreds, if not millions of simulataneous users. And he went on to talk about value of Multiverse again and again and again....from what appeared to be a prepared speech....
WHAT DO I THINK OF THE FUTURE OF GAMING --Landau asked rhetorically...He said " turn that around I think that gaming is the future." Landau added that " I love what games offer." Jim Cameron's reputation precedes him. I've learned that some of the most difficult people are the most collaborative. Most difficult person I've worked with was Warren Beaty on DICK TRACY ...when we completed Dick Tracy he asked me John what do you think is your best strength as a producer. Beatty said that Landau's best strength is that he went home and dreamed about the movie and then next day find a way to turn those ideas into a reality.
MAKING DREAMS REAL is increasingly about technology....comparing indy game makers and indy filmmakers. Indies won't replace next generation of Cameron or Pardo (referring to yesterday's keynote speaker).
Audience claps....
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