Theatre and film is alive and well in SL. The term for animated virtual world video productions is Machinima. Many people feel Machinima is the next generation of entertainment for a techno-savy Gen Y gamer. 'Avatar' was the highest grossing film of all time, and continues to redefine the term 'mega success.' The budget for 'Avatar' was hundreds of millions, with a cast and crew of thousands.
In SL, a much smaller, but just as dedicated, group of artists can put together stunning Machinima videos and programs. Many shows are produced and featured on Treet TV, SL's premier TV studio feed. Treet features many weekly programs and interview-style shows which receive great acclaim for their success. But so far, Machinima has not taken the next step into dramatic, episodic TV.
Until now.
The project is titled 'Awakening,' and is the brain child of none other than Yours Truly. Currently in pre-production, 'Awakening' is a Sci-Fi series that chronicles the worst, and the best, that humans can become, if left to their own devices. The story is rich, the characters are deep and complex, with one twist and turn after another that is sure to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat.
A dedicated team of artists and professionals is working on various aspects of the project, and we are still seeking team members that will accept nothing less than Stunning as the result. We are currently seeking:
Builders, for sets and props,
Scriptors and animators, to bring the characters to life in a way that SL cannot normally,
Avatar makers, for custom-built skins and shapes,
Clothing makers, with great attention to texture and detail,
VO actors and avatar wranglers.
'Awakening' also needs support in the form of financial backing. Nothing like this has ever been done, and getting it done out-of-pocket will be both time consuming and costly. But those that are involved in this epic project will set the standard for Machinima. We intend to be the rail others are forced to jump over.
Beyond all of this, we have a story to tell. A story of Good vs. Evil, set in the backdrop of a post-apocolyptic future that should never have happened, and was destined to happen in the same breath.
Writing about SL is more than a vocation to me; it is a passion. I can think of no better way to contribute to this amazing form of social networking and gaming than to bring it dramatic, episodic Machinima that will generate what I like to call the 'Holy Sh*t!' factor.
Inquiries about supporting the project can be directed to Awakeningproject@msn.com. All contributions, both financial and labor-intensive, will receive recognition in all episode credits. From this point on, everyone else will be playing catch up. Don't miss this opportunity to make your mark on history.
Comments
Never heard of Divas, or I wanna Be a Celebrity? - These are major episodic machinima made in SL. This article is factually incorrect!
How about a day in the life of Molotov Alva, did you not hear of that?? It has been on tv all over the world, actually. (Douglas Gayeton) - very big succesful one.
To the individual above - Thanks for the mention of DiVAS and I Wanna Be A Celebrity! Mr. Greene, Treet TV is a well respected virtual television station, and I have no doubt that any programming they set out to create will be stellar. I know many of the incredible talents there and beyond being superbly creative, they are incredibly professional and kind. However, as pointed out by the above posts, Machinimists like myself who have been pioneering filmed fictional entertainment films and episodics for years will take exception to the uniformed statements you've made in your article. Had you researched films hailing from Second Life, certainly you would have read my production journal on The End Of The World, a feature film made entirely in the platform... or you might have heard of people like Toxic Menges who have has recently featured alongside real life filmmakers by indie advocates Robert Duvall and James Caan. Chantal Harvey, perhaps one of the most prolific and consistent filmmakers from Second Life has been instrumental in getting Machinima recognized by real world audiences and professionals - even having Machinima included in the highly esteemed 48 hour film project that takes place in 90 cities around the world this month. While I would never be so bold as to say your praise for this particular effort is unfounded, I will say that, indeed, it is territory that has been tread long ago, most notably by Molotav Alva who received a production deal from HBO based on his machinima work. That said, I am looking forward to Treet's first foray into the fictional Machinima field and I welcome and support their new addition with great enthusiasm. I hope that clarifies some of the inconsistencies in your piece for your readers.
I thought TreetTV was Linden Lab's TV station. I see the ads on the login screen. Secondly, I agree with those above that have also pioneered they're way thru the Machinima ranks. If anything, I would say that the Author and or whoever is making this series, is actually just catching up with whats going on.
I look forward to watching it though as I am a avid fan of all types of Machinima.
Treet is indepedently owned and operated by CEO Wiz Nordberg and Texas Timtam. They have no affiliation with LL other than a great working relationship. To my knowledge, and I am sure I will be corrected if I am wrong, LL does not own or operate any streaming media video operation in SL.
VolaVola directed by Berardo Carboni,is a full-length Italian-made machinima, filmed in Second Life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_vgUDPhH3Q
also Cecil Hirvi has been doing major-length machinima for years. you can see the immense body of his work here: http://www.youtube.com/user/CecilHirvi
Phaylen's hilarious work is here: http://www.youtube.com/user/phaylen
Toxic Menge's work is here: http://www.youtube.com/user/toxicmenges
Chantal Harvey's work: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChantalHarvey
ColeMarie Soliel's work: http://www.youtube.com/user/rockerfaerie
and others...
What is Scion City ?
http://whatisscioncity.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/what-is-scion-city/id271154590
Even has a iTunes DL area
A sc-fi series made some years back in Second Life - it's been awake a while now, also pre Molotav Alva - so your all a tad late to the party and circle jerk
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