(Presentation) Bullshit

So... Yes, there is a lot of shit in the media nowadays. Some of it is very, very obvious and some is not. A form of media that is currently full of it is news establishments, whether it be on television on an internet blog "reporting" the facts. I personally do not watch the news very often because they on purposefully focus on the negative things in the world because that is what will get them views. On a bit of a separate note, the movie Nightcrawler does a great job of depicting how some TV news providers pick their footage and stories by which will get them views, not what is important. I think Joe kind of touched on this in his presentation because he spoke about how channels like Fox and CNN focus more on their guest's opinion on the story more than the story itself. I think this is so because what is more entertaining to you the viewer. The facts about a shooting in Chicago, or some guys outrageous rant about how it's all the Muslims fault and we should ban them from the universe! Leeper also brought up something related to this earlier in the semester about how it is a business, and business is about money. Views = Money, thus Views are priority, not presenting facts. Something else Leeper spoke about is how isn't it strange that we go to comedic sources for news on topics. Sadly it's because those who are making fun of the facts are at least actually presenting  the facts. I tend to do this myself. Maybe I'm reading into the subject wrong, but that is what I got from it.

(Presentation) Flatlands

I had never heard of Flatlands before Shelby's presentation, but it looked pretty interesting to me. The concept that those who lived in the 2nd dimension knew about nothing outside their own world(dimension). Like I said, I haven't read the book, so I don't know all the details. But I think this story can apply to a lot of our lives, or at least this small part of the story. One of the clips Shelby showed was one about a being who existed in what I think was called Line Land? Whatever it was, he could only see what was right in front of him on either sides of the line. He didn't seem like he could really chose what he saw, whatever was in front or behind him is all he ever got to see. 

I think this concept applies to a lot of us going through life today, or at least myself. Sometimes I am so consumed and distracted about myself and the things that are important to me, I miss what is happening around me. Whenever the being in Line Land saw that the Square could move on and off of the line, it destroyed what the Line being knew about his world. After that, the Line being tried to kill the Square, for revealing a truth to him that he didn't want to accept. While I don't try to kill people, I do get upset whenever someone shows me a truth I don't want to know. For example, I enjoy watching shows and playing games, and these aren't inherently bad things but can become distractions from what's important. When I hear these things, I usually decide to ignore them or run away from them, which is basically the same response the Line being had. Overall, I may have to read/watch Flatlands sometime, it seems like it could have a lot of lessons that run parallel with my life.

(Presentation) Cult Classics

Honestly I do not think I have seen many "cult classics". I thought about some of the movies I have seen and I couldn't think of any I would consider to fall in that category. So I did what anybody does when they are stumped, I Googled for a list of cult classics, and I only noticed one that I had seen before, and it was one that I actually enjoyed quite a bit. It was The Thing. 

I usually do not go out of my way to see older films, most of the time I find them to be okay, but they tend to just come off to me as dated. One day though I sat down with my older brother who was very into scary movies, and I never really have been. I enjoy suspense a lot, which I think is why I like The Thing because I felt it utilized suspense very well. The Thing is about a alien found deep in the ice (how original). It is dug up, get's free, kills people, but then shapes itself to look and behave like the person it killed. After thinking about it I realize how silly and simple of a concept this was, but it was presented in such a way that I personally enjoyed it a lot. I can see how this film would be considered a cult classic, it was cheesy, the acting was not the greatest, the effects were actually pretty good, but somehow they pulled it off and made an enjoyable movie. 

Now I'm not sure how I feel about film makers on purposely making crap movies with the hopes that people will rally behind it because it is bad. Olivia said that the creators of Sharknado did just that, now I've never seen Sharknado, so for all I know I may enjoy it myself. I enjoyed the goofy concept of the The Thing, so when it comes to cult classics, who knows.

(Presentation) Music in Media

Jacob made a lot of really good points about music and the role in plays in most of the media we consume today. I've never really been into music that much in general. Don't get me wrong, I love music and I do listen to it basically everyday, but it's not a huge part of my life. To be honest I find most of the music I listen to from other forms of media, such as trailers or from some kind of fan made music video for a franchise I like. Something that Jacob pointed out was that musicals and music in media in general are becoming more common. After he said that, it kinda hit me how true that was. I, somebody who does not even really enjoy musicals, have gone to see two musicals in theaters in the last like, two years. 

The first one I saw was Les Miserables, which I was blown away. This may be common knowledge to most, but I had no idea till after I had seen it that the actors and actresses sang live while shooting the scene. Again, for someone who doesn't really have enough knowledge about music and can't fully appreciate it as much as those who are knowledgeable, I could still recognize what an accomplishment that was. 

I don't really know what I meant to say in this blog, Jacob's presentation just made me think about this film and how it impacted me... So that's all!

There and Back Again (Hobbit Trilogy Fan Edit)

One of my classes this semester was Signs and Wonders, and one type of films that we watched were fan edits. Now right off the bat, the idea of fan edits kind of bother me just hearing the term. My small peeve with the idea of fan edits are that the "fans" who "edit" these films always with the mind set of, "I could've done this film better, and now I will show that to everybody"! The most recent fan edit we watched in class was There and Back Again, which is a cut up and mushed together version of the three Hobbit films. 

Now I will say that I never read the book, so when I saw the films there was no ruining of my childhood because there was a white Orc or because Legolas was in the movies. So whoever edited this film took out any scene that contained any character or event that didn't take place in book in order to create the true Hobbit movie. The way it should've been! My issue with when fans of a series get in an uproar because an adaption of any story/universe into another form of media, and isn't exactly like the original, they end up tearing their hair out because it's not the same. This upsets me because, why do you want it to be the same thing as the last thing? If you want the hobbit movies to tell the exact same story as the book, than just read the book! I really enjoy whenever a director or any kind of creator puts their own spin on someone else's work. In the case of the Hobbit, his films are obviously his take on the story of the Hobbit. To reel it back into the fan edit we saw, this guys attempt at "bettering" the Hobbit films, in my opinion butchered it. Because he felt the need to cut out so much, the movie just bounced all over the place, making the film completely incoherent. But as long as it's closer to the book, than the better it is apparently! I might just be completely bitter towards this subject so I'm overacting, either way, it just gets under my skin when the consumer is telling the creator how to do their work.

Let's Plays

Something that is kind of a recent internet phenomena is a new type of video entertainment called Let's Plays. YouTube is now littered with channels of either a single person or groups of people who record themselves playing video games and then upload it for others to watch. I personally really enjoy watching these sometimes. Some of my favorite channels are Achievement Hunter, Funhaus, and Game Grumps. After about a year or so of watching these, I realized how strange what I was watching was. I mean... It is kinda weird. Instead of just playing the game myself, sometimes I prefer to watch someone else play them, and not just anybody, people I don't even know in person. It's also odd because video games are the only real form of media that something like a Let's Play can work. Nobody ever watches a video of someone else watching a movie. Or watching somebody read a book, or listening to music. 

People watch Let's Plays for different reasons as well. I think some people would rather watch Let's Plays at times rather than play the game because when watching the video, you feel like you're there with them instead of playing the game by yourself. Others tend to watch people play games because they either want to watch through a game that they can't play themselves, whether that be because they don't have the correct platform, or can't afford it. Either way, I think this new form of internet videos are very unique and can be highly entertaining. I do think that they can be dangerous though. For some people, I think they give viewers a false sense of intimacy with the content producer. People can become very attached to others over the internet because these kinds of videos literally give you the feeling of that you are right next to them, experiencing the game with them. Which isn't always bad, but it can be dangerous sometimes.

From DreamWorks to Video Games

So I was recently scouring the InterWebs for information on being a video game animator, and while doing so I came across this article about Lionel "Seith" Gallat. Lionel worked as an animator at DreamWorks for fifteen years and then decided he wanted to take his skills and experience and apply them to new form of media that he had not worked with before... Video Games. Lionel had worked on animated films like The Prince of Egypt, El Dorado, and SharkTale. 

Why I bring this up is because I had never heard of someone moving from animating films to video games. He is currently working on his own game called Ghost of a Tale. I like much of what he has to say on the subject of video game animation, especially since that is something I aspire to do someday. He talks about how working on games is in some ways, a lot more personal than working on animated films. Now that doesn't mean that ALL video games are more personal than ALL films, just that the interaction between a player and his game is different than a viewer watching one of his films. This was a very cool thing for me to hear since I feel the same way about playing video games. It is a lot easier for me to become attached and invested into a story/universe when ever my actions actually make an impact on them. Whenever watching a film or show, you're just a passenger watching everything go by, when in a game you are the driver so to speak.

Creating art for God or Myself

     So this has kind of come up in my mind a couple times throughout this semester, specifically because of what we have talked about during this class. We have talked a lot about using art to spread the Gospel, to use our gift for the greater good of God's kingdom. But I don't really see a connection between the ideas and concepts I have in my head and how I can use them to further God's kingdom.
I've really struggled with this for a while, because it sometimes makes me feel like the ideas that I have aren't worth creating because if it doesn't represent Christ, what's the point? God gave us our gifts to glorify him. I don't think though that in order to glorify him in our works we don't have to be painting pictures of the Crucifixion all the day long. While doing that isn't a bad thing, I just don't believe it's the only way. The way I reconcile with this idea is that as long as we use our gifts well and do not squander them, I think that is a way to glorify him as well. To recognize that whenever we create any form of art that it is because of him and is in his honor, we are glorifying God. Just because the things I want to create aren't of Bible stories or ideas for a "Jesus' love" film, doesn't mean that I am misusing the gifts that God gave me.

Music Videos are Awesome!

     Music videos are one of my favorite forms of "videos" to watch on the internet, especially if I really enjoy the song as well. The quality of music videos has increased a lot over the years, and have become in my opinion, like a different form of short films(Some music videos are... not all). I really enjoy the ones that tell a story, or visually depict what the song's message or idea is. One of my favorite music videos is Elastic Heart, by Sia. The song is about love and how it can tear people down, but she has an elastic heart, which she thinks makes her near invulnerable to getting hurt from a relationship. If you haven't seen it, I would definitely recommend watching it. In the video is Shia LeBeouf and Maddie Ziegler in a cage together. They don't say a word to each other, they only interact with each other by motion and physical expressions. A lot of people have different opinions on the relationship between the two, and what the video is really trying to tell the viewers. I think it's about how conflicted people can become internally because of their emotions, specifically love. I actually watched a behind the scenes video on the production of Elastic Heart, and I loved hearing the director talk about how much time went into the choreography and production of the video. He was so passionate about the project, and I think it showed in the video as well.

And then there are some music videos that have a lot of money that aren't... So great... *CoughtNoise*Bad Blood*CoughNoise*

Games becoming more and more like Films

It has become more common for games nowadays to be more and more like movies. Triple A games have started to shift their main focus from being a mechanically stable, and functioning game, to being as cinematic as possible. In the Serious Play article we read, they author spoke of how much they enjoyed the game That Dragon, because of some of it's more film like aspects. Now I enjoy video games a lot, it's definitely one of my favorite pass times. I have personally noticed this change of what video games are expected to be in today's gaming market. The more movie like the experience, the better. This shift in how games are developed kind of worries me, but also excites me a little. Some of my favorite games have had almost no story, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario!

The way those games played provided enough entertainment, that I didn't need a story to keep my attention. Newer games however have began to focus more on the plot and the cinematics than if the game functions well and that playing it is fun. Now I also enjoy many of these newer games as well. Some of my favorite modern games that are very plot heavy are Halo and The Last Us. The way these games play are pretty fun, but I play them more for the captivating story and universe tat they immerse me in. I love the story of Halo because it simultaneously tells a very intimate and emotional underlining story between two characters, and on top of that, the dangers they face in a massive and action packed plot of, you guessed it, saving the universe. While I enjoy both forms of games very much, I do not think that one or the other is necessarily better than the other. I don't we should be saying, "games have to be like this". just as much as we shouldn't say, "movies and film have to be like this". While the more film like games are taking most of the spotlight and becoming more popular, It's the same mindset I have on that I love superhero movies, but I don't want all movies to be just like the Disney Marvel Films.

Essay Quiz #2

     My choice of reading and a film shown in class is on CG Animation 2, and the film Two Sisters.

In the reading Keith Lango speaks about how most animators feel that if their work doesn't look and move as smoothly as say a Pixar film, it's not worth the time of day. Whether that time be to work on it, or for somebody to view it. I can attest that this feeling is common, at least for me it is, whenever working on a project. It becomes difficult when working on a small project and I run into difficulties on my own, and the thought pops into my head. "Does what I'm making even matter? It's never going to look like (Insert whatever makes you feel like your work is inferior)".

The film Two Sisters looked nothing like anything like a modern, big budget, animation production that is in our theaters today. Never at any point while watching it did I think to myself, "I wish this looked like Up". The style of the film is what I think made it so captivating and enjoyable. While the style she used was unique, the characters and the story, along with the style, is what kept me watching.

Are Video Games Art?

     Video games have been a huge part of life since I was about 6 years old. It really excited me to hear Leeper say that we would be discussing them in a Digital Media Arts class, because that is what I've always thought that they were a form of art. I've always enjoyed shows, cartoons, and movies, but I always get the most excited when a video game I've wanted is announced or released. Now my question is whether you consider video games a form of art?

     While I've never heard anybody say to my face that they do not believe video games are art, or that they will never be art, I think it's common for most people to never compare something like Super Mario to the Mona Lisa...
                  
                            

     I obviously recognize that video games are not only a very different form of art, but it is a relatively new form of art as well. While games have been around for years, within the last decade they have become drastically more mainstream. Perhaps why people don't consider them art is because at the end of the day, it is just a game. I don't think though that because it is a game that it cannot move us emotionally, or that it cannot relate to events and situations in the real world.

     I always think about one simple fact about I can't believe that video games are not a form of art. It is the fact that video games are comprised of many widely accepted art forms. Tons of concept art is created by artists to develop the look and atmosphere of the universe the game takes place in. Music is composed and orchestrated for the game, so even when nothing is being said, the suspense or intensity of that moment is represented to you.

      Leeper said in class that good art engages in a conversation with us. I feel more immersed world the developers created in a good video game series, such as Halo which is my favorite, than I ever have from watching a movie or pondering on a painting. Am I thinking about this all wrong, or do some of you agree with me? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this!

New Vs. Original?

There are a lot of movies being made nowadays that are either a remake of an older film, or a cinematic adaption of an already established universe. It seems that no matter what the creators of these new films do, they always get a lot of hate for showing the world their take on this idea that wasn't originally theirs. 

I personally will watch just about any film and enjoy it, because most of the time I shut my brain off a bit when I walk into a movie theater. For example, a movie that got a lot of flak last year was the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. I am a huge Ninja turtles fan, and have been for very long time, and this film is one of my favorites of all time. I enjoy films like this(and other poorly received films like Transformers) because I love seeing characters or worlds that I've enjoyed since childhood that aren't real, be real! Films like this were actually what influenced me to go into animation.

But when I hear a lot about how others didn't like the film for reasons such as it didn't match the old cartoon, or their appearance wasn't like the comics, I even heard some say they didn't like it because it was purely different from any other renditions of the Turtles. Hearing these things come from others who I know love TMNT as well really shocked me, because the biggest reason I enjoyed the film is because it was almost all completely new! It seems to me that a lot of people want art to stay the same. Wants art to tell the same story, have the same characters, say and do the same things. But I love seeing other people's interpretation on things I know and love. I wouldn't have enjoyed this movie if it was the same thing as every other TMNT piece of media.

Am I the only one who feels this way? To be able to enjoy someone else's view on something I like, without criticizing it on what I would've done differently?

Fridge and Apathy

     While I enjoyed the Small Hands film a lot, Fridge really hit home with me, specifically on the subject of apathy. Apathy is something I have struggled with for most of my "mature" years. Whether it be in school, in church, or the people who are right beside who need help, just like in the film. While watching Fridge, it was easy for me to think to myself, "Of course I would go out of my home to save the boy, I'm not a heartless scumbag!". Now I've never been in a situation where someone's life is in immediate danger, and there could be something I could do to help, but I miss opportunities to help people all the time. And when I say missed opportunities, I don't mean that I didn't see chance to lift someone up, I mean that I chose not to do so. 

     With the time and place that fridge was set in, I can see how it could've been socially unacceptable to help the homeless man and woman trying to save the boy. It was really disappointing to see the people in Fridge pick their safety, or the time they have, or their social reputation, over the life of that boy stuck in the fridge. 

     Thinking about this reminded of what we read in a previous class, about should art aim to delight or inspire us. While I think they can do one or the other(or both), Fridge makes me want to be less apathetic, and to watch and care for those around me, more so than I have before.

     That was kind of a downer, so here's a puffy cat!

Noah Stinson

     Hello Everybody!
My name is Noah Stinson, and I am from Bloomington Indiana, and NO I am not an IU fan! I am a freshman this year and I am majoring in animation. I've been home schooled my entire life, and feel that it was the right choice for me, even though I am an extrovert, rules and structure all day do not mix well with me. I've also been a soccer player since I was six years old, and have loved almost every moment of it. I enjoy watching shows, playing video games and watching films of course! I have done some digital 2D animation before, but I am looking forward to pursuing 3D animation (as of now) while here at Huntington. Sonic the Hedgehog is one of my all time favorite video game characters, so he is what most of old videos are about. My favorite video game series is Halo, I love the story and lore that exists throughout its universe. My favorite film is The Dark Knight, I'm a huge Batman fan, which I know makes me such a unique snowflake. My favorite show is a tie between The Walking Dead and Parks and Recreation, I love them both very much for totally different reasons and can never pick one over the other.

Here's one of my personal favorite that I've made if anyone wants to see! (It is about Sonic, you've been warned)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHJ55mjwp3Q