Climbing Mount Machinima
by Godzprototype, HSM team writer
Making machinima in Home is a real challenge all in itself.
It all started out for me with an idea that has continued to bloom everyday since. The LOOTerprise was something that had to be done because of the way it was designed. I couldn’t help myself when I saw everything that the Flickr API was capable of; then add Crackle to that equation, and the possibilities just kept coming. It compelled me to want to film something in there.
I was already a fan of PSTalent, the Homelings, and the HomeCast; here were people who just understood. Creating something here, now, would leave a footprint – a lasting memory. I have experienced that virtual environments have a shelf life. Home has been around as a successful endeavor a lot longer than most of its predecessors, and most likely will continue to grow because of that combined gaming & social element that is so engrained in today’s society.
Leaving something behind as we move along in this life was becoming a priority to me. I remember when filming had just begun in Home. It actually excited me as to those possibilities. I looked at Home’s environment very differently after those first episodes of PS Talent’s The Spotlight. The Homelings’ first film in the theaters made me think, “That is what should be!” And that is just way cool! The fact that a really creative group of people could get together and produce something as fun and interesting as The Collective was not only entertaining, it was inspiring! I happen to be a sci-fi fan, too.
Second complete machinima - Gabriel
Everything became a possibility: each new space and all of the things you bought for them could be used as a creative tool. Objects that seemed random were no longer random. We all have cameras to take snap shots of interesting things we do or see in Home. All moments we don’t want to forget.
LOOT gave us a complete Studio to work with. Expertly crafted and all for this very experience I am speaking of in this article – the creation of shared memories.
I must warn you though.
This mountain is not only high — it is steep! Lots of things to slip on. I cannot give a step-by-step, this is how you do it, as this article would probably print right out of your front door. I haven’t even read the whole instruction set myself, and it may take me years to even get to the quality these artists perform at regularly – EU Home’s Alinea3, HomeCast’s HearItWow, and PS Talent’s DoD.
When I see people being critical of the work that any of these extremely talented people produce, it gets to me, because these people are giving time and efforts unknown to most people and I believe their efforts are for the benefit and enjoyment of people who frequent Home. They are charting relatively unknown territory. HearItWow and many of my team members have given me very good advice. They have been very supportive and patient with me.
DarthGranny is beginning to make absolutely great videos as her storytelling and experience with acting in Home is – to me, bar none! Sorrow-83 has a perspective about her that can be uncanny, and I try to learn how to see those perspectives with care. Sue of the HomeCast has particular insight into the making of HomeCast, and her and Olivia’s Avatard Production. These people have been an asset and great friends to me! As I progress, I hope I can aspire to the quality and standards they produce regularly.
Third complete machinima - Home's Forgotten Spaces
For me right now, the time it takes to make a one minute clip can get into the 24-hour range, simply because of all the things that have to be considered. Film is the mountain; editing film is the rope for a mountain climber. When you start adding effects to a clip, every shot you take has to have similar elements, especially if it is a particular look you are going for. Effects would be the rocks on that mountain. I hope that as I progress, it will take less time for me to create film, because I will have enough experience to know what I’m looking for in a shot and the act of assembling it will become easier to me.
Honestly I don’t even think I am qualified to write an article about how to go about recording and editing a film. I would only like to say, “If you have the inclination and or the drive to film in Home, please do it!” Once that moment is gone, it is just that – gone.
I watch as much Home film as I can, just because I appreciate the efforts a person has to go through just to make that two-to-four minute clip. Add to that acting a part out with the extreme limitations we are faced with in our environment, and you might have some idea of the difficulties. Anyone that approaches this mountain has their work cut out for them. Mount Machinima can be a hard climb.
Give encouragement to those that start this journey. You can do it! And it will take practice. Look at some indie films and try to emulate something you may have seen you find very cool. The good thing about the lessons you learn doing this is you have a record of it to view. Listen to those who have worked with this environment, they will be the best word of advice you will receive. I am just beginning my journey, I don’t know much at all. I hope to contribute to Home something of a memory or a good experience to be shared.
First complete machinima - Flawless Nights
The first film I made in Home was a real good example of me just getting used to how a camera moved. What angles did my point of view allow me?
Until that first try, and the weight of that recording light looming over me, I hadn’t seen this perspective much – as for the most part – we understand that the camera angle is right behind us and we take that for granted. It suddenly became very important to try and predict what that camera angle would look like!
I made no cuts in the initial film; it was all one sweep, all around, just looking at the stars and moon, and myself. I listened to the piece I intended to play and went with the flow of things. That was a really good learning step for me and something that I have to pay close attention to every time I start recording. Camera angles – it was the first step.
Anyway, I wanted to share some of what I had learned in these past few months and pay some homage to the people who have inspired me and continue to do so every time they share one of their videos with you and I. I hope reading this might inspire you too. To look up the same mountain my Sherpas are taking me up. It appears we will have more climbers soon and more video for you to enjoy.
Thank you for reading and watching!
March 25th, 2012 by Godzprototype | 4 comments
Godzprototype is learning the art of creating Machinima, and would like to share it with you. Hope you enjoy.
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Great job with both your writing and videos. I am super excited to see what you create. I’ll give you a sneak preview of mine if you let me see yours
LOL. Great job! ~ DOD
That is a most appreciated compliment! I have always enjoyed the work you do. I can’t wait to see what you have coming up for us!
I love where you are going with this stuff Godz and I know how passionate you are as a person and artist. Just keep having fun with it and the rest will fall into place.
Anyone who chooses to make Home machinima learns very quickly how hard it is to produce. Those who love the process keep at it, and with time, it does get a bit easier. Of course, by that point, you’re trying to figure out how to fade avatars from black and white to color, just to challenge yourself again.
It’s an endless learning process, and I, for one, welcome the critics. I can learn a lot more from someone who thinks I suck and can explain why something doesn’t work for them.
You’ve come very, very far in a short time, Godz. It is a mountain, but it’s one where you never want to reach the top.