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January 12, 2018
‘My Art’: Lena Dunham’s Mom Laurie Simmons Recreates Classic Cinema in Her Directorial Debut
Laurie Simmons found a filmmaking style by directing herself.
A debut feature from a lifelong artist, Laurie Simmons’ My Art examines how the personal and professional lives of a creator often merge. It’s not explicitly autobiographical, but certain elements are closely aligned. Like Simmons, the lead character Ellie is an art professor interested in making movies similar to the ones that inspired her. As she travels upstate for the summer to experiment with performance art mirroring moments of classic cinema, Ellie comes across a number of eager locals interesting in getting involved. They become her silver-screen stars, and in the process, the cast becomes Simmons’ too.
As the film opens in limited theatrical release this weekend, No Film School spoke with Simmons about the choice to cast herself in the lead role, how she sought advice from fellow filmmakers, how she recreated classic movie scenes, and the frequently challenged integrity of comedy.
Source: NoFilmSchool
January 12, 2018
Smartglasses from eSight are changing blind people’s lives by enabling them to see
A pair of high-tech smartglasses are changing the lives of blind people by giving them the ability to see. Using high speed cameras and VR-style technology, eSight’s glasses are as exciting as they transformative.
The post Smartglasses from eSight are changing blind people’s lives by enabling them to see appeared first on Digital Trends.
Source: Digital Trends VR
January 12, 2018
3 Cinematography Musts From ‘Game of Thrones’ DP Anette Haellmigk
Collaboration and cooperation reign in Haellmigk’s kingdom.
Game of Thrones DP Anette Haellmigk has spent her life in film and video production. Her cinematography career began in 1980 when an avant-garde German filmmaker named Hellmuth Costard offered Haellmigk a job as a first assistant cameraperson. It was in working with Costard that Haellmigk realized that she had found her calling as a cinematographer. According to her Behind the Lens column for CreativeCow.net, “Cinematography combines the artistic and the technical, which I liked. So I have found my path.”
Haellmigk went on to learn as much as she could about cinema cameras and eventually connected with Jost Vacano (DP Das Boot) who mentored her and brought her to the U.S. where their work together continued. When Vacano was asked to DP Robocop and Total Recall, Haellmigk worked alongside him and those opportunities opened doors for her.
Source: NoFilmSchool
January 12, 2018
Modern Hacking, Programming Ethics, and AI: Code & Programming Track Sessions at SXSW 2018
The Code & Programming Track addresses topics ranging from programming best practices to ethical dilemmas of app development, and everything in between. Engineers, developers, coders, and programmers of all levels will find insight and inspiration in the Code & Programming Track sessions.
“It is clear that AI has the potential to forever change and reshape many aspects of our lives. With the rapid onset of AI, many lawmakers are scrambling to find ways to regulate this new technology,” observes SXSW Programmer Henry Heuck. In the session, Regulating AI: How to Control the Unexplainable, Andrew Burt, CPO and Legal Engineer at Immuta, will be explaining how the worlds of AI and Law are colliding, and what this means for data-driven companies, the tech industry, governments and citizens around the world. In Ceci N’est Pas Un Hacker: Modern Hacking Examined, Tod Beardsley and James Lee of Rapid7 demystify what “hacking” actually looks like outside of its representation in the news and Hollywood, and educate attendees on how to protect themselves from online crime.
Dive deeper into the Code & Programming Track below with our session highlights focused on hacking, programming ethics, building to scale, and much more. Code & Programming sessions will be held from March 9-13 with primary access to Interactive and Platinum Badges; secondary access to all other badges.
Code & Programming Session Highlights
Regulating AI: How to Control the Unexplainable
Speaker: Andrew Burt (Immuta)
The rise of AI seems unstoppable—from finance to advertising, medicine and logistics, AI is reshaping industries. But the biggest hurdle to the adoption of AI lies in how well this “black box” technology can be controlled. Indeed, the past few years have seen a rise in regulations impacting AI, and more are on their way. This talk will explain how the worlds of AI and law are colliding, and what this means for data-driven companies, the tech industry, governments and citizens around the world.
Ceci N’est Pas Un Hacker: Modern Hacking Examined
Speakers: James Lee (Rapid7) and Tod Beardsley (Rapid7)
The public perception of “computer hacking” is often tinged with shades of youthful pranksterism, rakish criminality, and even occult magicks. Recently, however, it’s taken on a darker hue of international espionage with serious financial, political, and even physical consequences. As a result, there are some off-color misconceptions of what actually goes into “hacking,” and what the general public can do to defend themselves against online crime while understanding What’s Really Going On.
When Programmers are Asked to do the Unethical
Speakers: Julie Bort (Business Insider) and Bill Sourour (Devmastery.com)
The world relies on software programmers, whose work can drive company behavior that’s unethical or illegal – whether helping VW cheat on emissions or assisting companies in unfair or illegal business practices. What can be done about correcting a culture that too often encourages such behavior – or is content to just look away? What recourse and protection do employees have when blowing the whistle? Does the government need to get involved, like how it regulates the financial industry?
Exploring Problems in the Humanities with Code
Speaker: Christopher Wolfram (Wolfram)
Can data be more than just numbers?
There are so many areas that could benefit from the use of code and programming that haven’t been exposed yet. Join Christopher as he walks through digital humanities (using computational tools in areas where computers haven’t been used as widely), illustrating the benefits of adding a computational element to non-traditionally computational areas.
Built to Scale: Why “Pause” for a Design System?
Speakers: Alby Barber (Eventbrite), Long Cheng (Pinterest), Laura Skelton (Airbnb), and Marcin Treder (UXPin)
Design that doesn’t scale well hurts—it’s a short-term approach impacting product sprints and ability to ship quickly. Design systems offer a magic solution, but the pause in engineering resource is not easy to justify. They’re not just about pretty buttons—they’re about speed-to-fixability that ensures silo’ed bugs don’t sink your UX. Hear from (+ learn from the mistakes of) the Airbnb, Eventbrite & Pinterest folks involved in selling in of concept, proof of value, & successful creation of a DS.
Code & Programming sessions will be held from March 9-12.
Browse All Code & Programming Sessions
Crossover Track Recommendations
SXSW is the perfect place to get outside of your comfort zone and learn from SXSW sessions across all 24 Tracks of Conference programming. These recommended sessions are outside of the Code & Programming Track, but focus on topics in various industries that are relevant to programmers.
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Data-Driven Storytelling: Perspectives & Paradigms – Alex Simoes (Datawheel), Amy Yu (Viacom), Renee Lightner (Viacom), and Russell Goldenberg (Polygraph / The Pudding)
Track: Design -
From Publishing City Data to Solving Problems – ADRIENNE SCHMOEKER (NYC Mayor’s Office), HADASSAH DAMIEN (Participatory Budgeting Project & Femmetech), MARY TOBIN (Brownsville Partnership), and ZACK BRISSON (Reboot)
Track: Cities Summit -
Sex & Text: Breaking Down Movie Stereotypes w/ AI – Grace Lin (Storyfit), Monica Landers (Storyfit)
Track: Film & TV Industry
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Purchase your SXSW Badge and reserve your hotel today to experience these sessions along with 10 days of screenings, showcases, exhibitions, networking, and more this March 9-18 in Austin, TX. Take the Tracks Quiz to discover which badge will suit your needs.
Already have your badge? Learn how to upgrade to Platinum for primary access to all of SXSW and then begin building your 2018 SXSW Schedule.
Stay tuned to SXSW News and Twitter for more highlights from Conference Tracks and continued coverage of SXSW 2018.
The post Modern Hacking, Programming Ethics, and AI: Code & Programming Track Sessions at SXSW 2018 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Interactive
January 12, 2018
The Daily Chord Weekly Recap – Friday, January 12
Daily Chord stories share musical topics, but take place in a variety of locations. Read about what’s happening on stages, in studios, courtrooms, garages, big muddy fields ringed with porta-potties and anywhere else music news is made. Subscribe to our email blast for a daily heads-up.
Monday, January 8
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Lana Del Rey says Radiohead are suing her
Post from BBC News -
Hip-hop’s year of dangerous living put the accused on the charts
Post from NY Times -
From Chinese communities to Durban taxis: How dance music went global
Story from The Guardian -
Music fans bought a lot of cassettes last year
Item from NME -
What Spotify going public could mean for music fans
Post from Pitchfork -
2017 year-end special features: Top tours, promoters, venues, grosses
Post from Pollstar
Tuesday, January 9
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Music trade organizations across the industry band together to endorse key initiatives in Congress
Post from Billboard -
Facebook dives deeper into music streaming with Sony/ATV deal
Post from CNET -
Report: Texas music industry accounts for 95k jobs in state’s economy
Post from KXAN -
The most unpronounceable band names ever
Post from The Guardian -
David Byrne announces new album ‘American Utopia’
Item from Pitchfork -
Is the UK music industry set for a gender pay gap row?
Post from Music Business Worldwide
Wednesday, January 10
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Songs in the dock: Landmark lawsuits and what they cost
Post from The Telegraph -
This wi-fi speaker uses Amiibo-like figures to play music
Post from The Verge -
Funk carves out a groove at the Funk Music Hall Of Fame in Ohio
Post from NPR -
Playing it safe: How music documentaries are often hagiographies
Post from The Independent -
Hi-res audio grows as industry pivots to streaming
Item from Twice -
The Breeders announce new album
Item from Pitchfork
Thursday, January 11
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How likely are you to get tinnitus from clubbing?
Post from The Independent -
Lana Del Rey, Radiohead and the difficulty of making original music
Post from The New Yorker -
Spoon’s Britt Daniel on the music that make him an indie rock lifer
Interview from Pitchfork -
13 artists you need to know about in 2018
List from Fader -
The Commodores trademark fight decided in Florida court
Item from Billboard -
Denise LaSalle, singer and writer of earthy songs, dies at 78
Obituary from NY Times
Friday, January 12
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Sigrid: Norwegian pop star wins BBC Sound Of 2018
Post from BBC -
Live Nation acquires Frank Productions
Story from Billboard -
Janis Joplin: The singer who screamed a very American pain
Book excerpt from The Guardian -
They may have the Arctic Monkeys comeback, but Halsey isn’t happy with Firefly Music Festival
Post from NME -
Samsung’s S-Ray speaker is like a death ray for your ears, without the dying part
Post from CNET -
This ring lets you bend musical notes on a keyboard with a wave of your hand
Post from TechCrunch
The post The Daily Chord Weekly Recap – Friday, January 12 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Music
January 12, 2018
The 3DRudder makes your virtual reality experience a bit more hands-off
If you’re looking for a more immersive virtual reality experience, the 3DRudder allows you to use your feet to control movement in VR spaces, and even works as a controller for non-VR games.
The post The 3DRudder makes your virtual reality experience a bit more hands-off appeared first on Digital Trends.
Source: Digital Trends VR
January 12, 2018
Winter Time in Ginzan Onsen (Hot Spring) and around Japan
Winter Time in Ginzan Onsen (Hot Spring) and around Japan
Seeing images from Ginzan Onsen made me miss Japan pretty badly, especially during this time of year. Being from Canada, winter tends rightfully cold and long. But again, seeing the pictures from Japan-based photographer naagaoshi, they are just so breathtaking. It almost feels like that is taken from a scene of the animated fantasy movie: Spirited Away. Let’s follow naagaoshi and his photographic adventure into the silver mine hot spring and several locations around Japan.
About Ginzan Onsen
The translation means “silver mine hot spring” from Japanese. It’s located in the area of Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Nowadays, this place is better known as one of Japan’s prettiest onsen towns with historic ryokan lined-up along the river.
More Links
Via Instagram
AoiroStudio
Jan 12, 2018
Source: Abduzeedo Photography
January 11, 2018
25 Years of SXSW Film Festival – Jamie Babbit
To commemorate the 25th edition of the SXSW Film Festival, we continue our weekly alumni spotlight on careers launched, artists discovered, powerful performances, and more with filmmaker Jamie Babbit.
After her groundbreaking debut film But, I’m a Cheerleader, Babbit world premiered her third feature, The Itty Bitty Titty Committee at SXSW 2007, where it earned the Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature Competition. In 2015, she brought her ensemble dark comedy Fresno, starring Natasha Lyonne, Judy Greer, Molly Shannon, Fred Armisen, Ron Livingston, and Aubrey Plaza. Babbit has worked consistently in television and directed multiple of episodes of hit television series such as, Gilmore Girls, Looking, Girls, Silicon Valley (also co-executive producer), and more!
We are pleased to share her #SXSWFilm 25 story with you.
“I love SXSW because I made a film about a ragtag punk group of ladies who blow up phallic symbols in DC (The Itty Bitty Titty Committee) and not only did SXSW show it, but the jury gave us an award. The SXSW audiences are fearless and the programmers aren’t scared to show some out there films.
I’ll never forget that at our Itty Bitty Titty Committee premiere at The Alamo Drafthouse, a petite shy woman whom I would NEVER think would like this punk film just started crying as she came up to me afterwards whispering ‘it’s just so empowering’. This encounter is why I make movies. Thank you, SXSW!”
Stay tuned to SXSW News each week for more 25th edition stories.
Join Us For SXSW 2018
Grab your Film Badge today for primary access to all SXSW Film events including world premieres, roundtables, workshops, and parties. Register to attend by Friday, January 12 and save. Book your hotel through SXSW Housing & Travel for the best available rates.
Stay tuned for the 2018 SXSW Film Festival lineup which will be announced in January.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage, announcements, and updates.
See you in March!
World Premiere of Fresno at SXSW 2015 – Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW
The post 25 Years of SXSW Film Festival – Jamie Babbit appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
January 11, 2018
Adult Coloring Books, the Future of Fun and More: Experiential Storytelling Track Sessions at SXSW 2018
Discover how new technology has impacted the world of storytelling and immersive entertainment in the Experiential Storytelling Track at SXSW 2018. Learn how experimental strategies of storytelling are re-shaping the way global audiences digest information and changing a practice as old as time. Check out some of the highlights of the Experiential Storytelling Track with our session recommendations below.
“At a time when everyone can be a storyteller, Experiential Storytelling is an attempt to understand the ramifications,” says SXSW Programmer Jim Kolmar. “Initially concerned with the influence of technology on narrative strategies, this track provides a showcase and platform for storytelling as a living, breathing entity that can move in unpredictable directions, unbound by any one method or form.” For example, the session Provocative Adult Coloring Books delves into the storytelling potential of the hugely popular, yet unexpected medium of coloring books. Sally Eckhoff (F*CK ART (LET’S DANCE)) and Andrea Baker (FAMOUS RAPES) of Water Street Press will explore how they adapted their texts into coloring books, and what they learned along the way.
From reclaiming identity through multi-media, to how interactive audio will change everything, the Experiential Storytelling Track will showcase different sessions that highlight the evolution of storytelling. Dive deeper into the Experiential Storytelling Track from March 12-14 during SXSW Convergence programming. SXSW Convergence programming features a range of topics that straddle the cultural and technological intersection at the heart of SXSW with primary access granted to all SXSW Badges.
Experiential Storytelling Session Highlights
Say What? How Interactive Audio Changes Everything
Speakers: Matt Lieber (Gimlet Media), Patrick Givens (Vaynerchuck Media), Ruth Gaviria (Entercom Communications), and Tracy Garraud (SiriusXM Radio)
Podcasts! Spotify! Alexa! Everywhere you listen, audio is going interactive and on-demand. And as listeners take control entire industries are feeling the heat to innovate and evolve, catapulting us into a new era – The Golden Age of Audio. In this session, leaders from the industries shaping this new landscape will discuss its changing dynamics, how they are experimenting in audio today, and the impact on entertainment, marketing, and culture at large they anticipate in the years to come.
Black Gotham: Immersive Storytelling & Technology
Speakers: Armando Somoza (Rapport Studios), and Kamau Ware (Black Gotham Experience)
Black Gotham Experience (BGX) is an immersive visual storytelling project that celebrates the impact of the African Diaspora on New York City through a series of walking tours and graphic novels that incorporate photography, design, and fashion. This workshop will lead participants through a sample of the walking tour, history, and culture. Come learn about how we leverage immersive technology including VR/AR to place you in the story so that you experience untold narratives and history.
Full Body Immersive: The Future of Fun
Speakers: David L. Spigner (Boda Borg Corporation), Lou Pizante (Two Bit Circus Inc), and Vince Kadlubek (Meow Wolf)
Join pioneers immersive entertainment from Two Bit Circus, Meow Wolf, and Boda Borg to explore the future of fun. Find out how they’re working to break the mold of traditional entertainment. Discover the power of story rooms, immersive theater, group gaming, experiential collectives, mixed, and virtual reality. Learn how creativity and technology will combine to engage, entertain, inspire, motivate and activate the body, mind and spirit, from micro-to-macro-amusement!
Reclaiming Identity Through Multi-Media
Speakers: Jade Begay (Indigenous Rising Media), Stina Hamlin (East Coast Digital), and Alex Simon (Sovereign Sounds)
For centuries, Indigenous Peoples have been systematically taught that their identities are illegitimate or shameful but now Indigenous Peoples are using multimedia like film, podcasts, and VR to show the world our stories of reclaiming identity and culture. In this panel, you will hear from Indigenous digital storytellers and filmmakers on how multi-media is being used by Native Peoples to break stereotypes and to bring more awareness to the Indigenous experience.
Browse All Experiential Storytelling Sessions
Crossover Track Recommendations
Explore topics outside of your comfort zone and learn from SXSW sessions across all 24 Tracks of Conference programming. These recommended sessions are outside of the Experiential Storytelling Track, but will interest any SXSW attendee.
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Data-Driven Storytelling: Perspectives & Paradigms – Alex Simoes (Datawheel), Amy Yu (Viacom), Renee Lightner (Viacom), and Russell Goldenberg (Polygraph/ The Pudding)
Track: Design -
Setting the Visual Language of VR Storytelling – Timoni West (Unity Technologies), and Natalie Grant (Unity Technologies)
Track: Making Film & Episodics -
Illusion Design, Story Craft, and Virtual Worlds – Curtis Hickman (The Void)
Track: VR/AR
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Purchase your SXSW Badge and reserve your hotel today to experience these sessions along with 10 days of screenings, showcases, exhibitions, networking, and more this March 9-18 in Austin, TX. Take the Tracks Quiz to discover which badge will suit your needs.
Already have your badge? Learn how to upgrade to Platinum for primary access to all of SXSW and then begin building your 2018 SXSW Schedule.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage, announcements, and updates.
Teaser Photo by Nicole Burton
The post Adult Coloring Books, the Future of Fun and More: Experiential Storytelling Track Sessions at SXSW 2018 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
January 11, 2018
Super Stylish Illustration and Animation: Wonderlust Ident / Racing
Super Stylish Illustration and Animation: Wonderlust Ident / Racing
Wonderlust Ident / Racing is an illustration and animation project shared on Behance by a few super talented people. Their goal was to show that when you approach life with a childlike sense of wonder, life will always be fun and never boring. That is what the project is all about, and it’s a series of beautiful illustration combined with smooth animation. It definitely makes you wonder why things got much boring as we grew older.
When you approach life with a childlike sense of Wonder, it’s never boring. For this series of personal idents, we are exploring just that.
Credits
Studio: Wonderlust
Producer: Christian Rankin
Creative Direction / Concept: Ryan Rumbolt
Art Direction / Illustrations: Loris F. Alessandria
Character Animation: Juan Ponta
Compositing / Animation: ARM Sattavorn
Original Music / Sound Design: Facundo Capece
Animation
Illustration process
abduzeedo
Jan 11, 2018
Source: Abduzeedo Illustration