The Drax Files: World Makers [Episode 32: Jayjay Zifanwe]

The latest Drax Files machinima about machinima --Love it! 

See all episodes on Youtube by Draxtor Despres here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9lFGoxhquvypdNDYpj3ekg

Pursue Impossible with UWA Art and Machinima Challenge Aug 1 through October 31, 2015

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/UWA/64/130/248
UWA web site here: http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/


.
The press release states: " PURSUE IMPOSSIBLE: UWA 3D Art & Film Challenges 2015
http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is happy to announce the launch of 'PURSUE IMPOSSIBLE, the 6th UWA Grand Art Challenge and MachinimUWA VIII with a starting prize pool in excess of L$400,000. Sponsored by Tom Papas & SciFi Film Festival, Reign Congrejo & BOSL, LaPiscean Liberty & SL Artist, AviewTV, Pixel Bits, Virtlantis, Phillip Vought, Carolyn Steele & York University (Canada), Taralyn Gravois, UWA Marketing & Communications, as well as The UWA Virtual Worlds Project. We hope you are inspired by the 'PURSUE IMPOSSIBLE' theme to create many wondrous works of art and film as you have been through the years! (Please note the major rule & special prize guidelines as well as the Audience Participation Prizes for watching the machinima. All machinima will be highlighted on the UWA Blog & SL Artist.)
WHAT: 6th UWA Grand Art Challenge & 8th UWA International Short Film Challenge (MachinimUWA VIII). You may enter the art challenge, the film challenge, or both.
WHEN: Entries close at Midnight SLT, 31st October 2015. Winners will be announced in December 2015.
THEME
The theme is "PURSUE IMPOSSIBLE." Artists & filmmakers can interpret the theme as they see fit. What is your impossible? What is the impossible goal you have conquered, or that you have seen your loved ones or your heroes conquer? What are the things you once thought were impossible, but now are able to overcome? How do virtual worlds help you to visualize, create, and push the boundaries of possibility? What are the things which seem impossible now, which you think you will attempt to hunt down? What are the impossibilities of the mind? of the heart? of the soul? Is it the pursuit of the impossible that takes precedence? Or defeating it? You the artist... You the machinimatographer...You decide.
WHY THIS THEME
Those who pursue what may at first seem impossible are the ones who keep the world turning. What if Ghandhi did not believe he could overcome the impossible for his country? What if Dr Fiona Wood did not believe in second skin for burn victims? What if Professor Barry Marshall did not believe in himself and use himself as a human guinea pig for the benefit of mankind?
The theme 'Pursue Impossible' was chosen in honour of the new brand that UWA unveiled in May 2015. UWA's Karen Carreiro explained, “It says so much about our University – who we are, what we do and how, every single day, our researchers, students and academics are working to shape a better future.”
For those involved in the UWA virtual world presence, it was an honour to see Second Life featuring in the UWA launch!
MAJOR RULES FOR ART
Artwork entered should be able to be interpreted by the casual viewer as being representative of the theme. Where the link to the theme is difficult to ascertain, this should be referenced in a notecard accompanying the work.
    Each artist may submit only one entry. There is a 150 LI (land impact) limit. (Note that you may not get around the limit by using temporary objects.)
    Copy/Mod/Transfer permissions are not a requirement, however COPY perms are appreciated.
    Entries should be submitted along with a completed Artist Notecard (which includes your name, city, name of artwork and a description of artwork) to the drop box in the UWA gallery (SLURL). If you have problems with the receiver, give artwork to Jayjay Zifanwe or FreeWee Ling. These rules and blank notecard templates are available by touching the drop box at the UWA Art Challenge platform.
    We discourage the use of parts that you cannot copy and transfer to us for installation. All work must be free of copyright issues. If you utilize any 3rd party materials, such as music/sounds/media, textures, or prefabricated parts, you must have permission from the creator(s) and you should acknowledge their work in your artist's notecard.
    If you have special requirements for space, media, etc., please contact FreeWee Ling, curator, for assistance.
    Sounds, lighting, particle effects, etc., should be scripted to turn off when not in use. You may be asked to provide a revised entry if it is too intrusive or interferes with the display of other works.
    Exceptionally large or complex builds will be placed on platforms above the gallery with a teleport (TP) device and poster on the gallery floor and a return TP on the platform. You may provide a TP object and/or poster (no more than 2 LI) or we can place one for you. TP objects should be set to copy/mod and given to FreeWee Ling to add scripts and to place.
    Exceptionally laggy scripts may be rejected or only allowed if revised.
    As with all our public programs, an entry may not be accepted if it is excessively abusive, violent, offensive, bullying, harmful, insulting, or contains inappropriate material or excessively foul language. Depictions of explicit sexual activity, as well as material deemed offensive based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation are not appropriate for this venue and may be rejected. Final decisions in these matters will be made by a UWA Cultural Precinct committee.
MAJOR RULES FOR MACHINIMA
There is no limit to the number of entries you may choose to send in.
The theme is 'PURSUE IMPOSSIBLE' and you may interpret this theme as you see fit, however the average viewer would need to be able to appreciate how you fit this theme (alternatively, please indicate in the notes how it fits in the film notes on the web).
Your machinima must be made specifically for this challenge, and the following should be indicated in the opening credits 'For The University of Western Australia's MachinimUWA VIII: Pursue Impossible'
You do not have to film on the UWA sims, however this of course will be appreciated, and there is a Special UWA Prize which will be made available to a film which starts at the same point as the UWA Pursue Impossible Video, at Winthrop Clock Tower.
4 mins 30 seconds is the strongly recommended maximum length, but this is not a hard rule.
Winthrop Clock Tower & Reflection Pond
http://slurl.com/secondlife/University%20of%20WA/120/231/24
OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST AT UWA
The UWA Sunken Gardens
http://slurl.com/secondlife/University%20of%20WA/36/228/24
The UWA Somerville Auditorium with its Norfolk Bay Pine Trees
http://slurl.com/secondlife/University%20of%20WA/238/180/26
The UWA Centenary 3D Art Challenge Gallery (curated by FreeWee Ling)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/UWA/64/131/249
UWA Gallery of Selected Former 3D Art Winners (curated by FreeWee Ling)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/UWA%20Winthrop/121/140/24
 *Space constraints don't allow us to display all
PRIZES
There is a prize pool of L$410,000 distributed across both  art and machinima and at least 10 prizes in each. For Machinima, there will be a Special UWA Prize for the best machinima that starts at the same point as the UWA Pursue Impossible Video. There will also be a Curators Prize for art. There are also audience participation awards for just watching the machinimas and submitting a top 10 list.
METHOD OF ENTRY
For Art
Place the artwork in the art entry receiver at the UWA Art Challenge platform (no perms required, but copy is appreciated if possible) along with a completed Artist Notecard (which includes your name, city, name of artwork and description of artwork) . If you have problems with the receiver, give artwork to Jayjay Zifanwe or FreeWee Ling. Blank NC templates available by touching the challenge notice at the UWA Art Challenge platform.
For Machinima
Load the Machinima anywhere, preferably youtube or vimeo, and provide the link  to Jayjay Zifanwe & LaPiscean Liberty or email Jayjay (jayjayaustralia@hotmail.com)
OTHER MATTERS
*All work must be free of copyright issues. If requested, you must provide detailed information regarding the source, creator and background information of your work. If you utilize any 3rd party materials, such as music, textures, or prefabricated parts, you must have obtained permission from the creator(s).
* Films will not be accepted if they include excessively abusive, violent, offensive, bullying, harmful, insulting or inappropriate material, or excessively foul language, in particular where religious references are used. Depictions of gratuitous nudity or sexual activity may not be appropriate and may be rejected.
* Please acknowledge the works you feature, the lands where you film and any music or content that you use.
* If you need to rez (blue screen etc) at UWA sims, contact Jayjay Zifanwe or FreeWee Ling.
* If you have questions or want to discuss anything, please contact Jayjay Zifanwe
*All entries remain the property of the creator, however once entered, you agree to provide UWA, SL Artist & AviewTV non-exclusive, unrestricted, use in perpetuity in the known universe for educational and promotional purposes.
JUDGING PANEL
Professor Ted Snell (RL) - Director, Cultural Precinct, The University of Western Australia
Lyn DiCiero -  Editor, WA Artist's Chronicle
Len Zuks (RL) - West Australia Artist & Sculpturist
Oron Catts (RL) - Director, SymbioticA, UWA (Art Only)
Guy Ben-Ari (RL) - SymbioticA, UWA
Jeremy Burton (RL) - Marketing Manager (Digital), UWA
Taryn Mokrzycki (RL) - Brand Manager, UWA
Reign Congrejo - Owner, BOSL (Best of Second Life)
Merle Hearns (RL) / Briarmelle Quintessa (SL) - Senior Lecturer, Foundation Studies Department, Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
Dr Helen Farley - Senior Lecturer (Digital Futures), Australian Digital Futures Institute - University of Southern Queensland
Carolyn Steele -  Lecturer, Culture & Expression, York University
Binu Jayawardena (RL) - Founder, WASTV
Inara Pey - Journalist & Blogger
Draxtor Despres - Media Producer, Europe
FreeWee Ling (SL) - Curator, UWA 3D Open Art Challenges
Kip Yellowjacket (SL) - Co-creator, Virtlantis
LaPiscean Liberty (SL) - CEO AviewTV and UWA Virtual World Technical Media Advisor
Mal Burns (SL), Metaverse News Aggregator and Broadcaster
Tom Papas - SciFi Film Festival & Screen My Shorts, Australia (FILM Only)
Saffia Widdershins (SL) - Owner and Editor of Prim Perfect Publications (ART Only)
Ziki Questi - Photographer & Blogger
Taralyn Gravois - Owner of Arts Castle Gallery
Bevan Whitfeld - Avatar Designer & Member of the Board of Directors, Rockcliffe University
Dousa Dragonash (SL) - COO Metaverse Television
Thinkerer Melville (SL) / Selby Evans (RL) - Journalist & Blogger
Chris Thorne (RL) - Co-Founder, UWA in Second Life
Jay Jay Jegathesan (RL) / Jayjay Zifanwe (SL) - Manager School of Physics/ Lead of UWA Virtual Worlds
PRIZE LIST FOR ART
1st Prize: L$50,000 + Feature on Cover of BOSL Magazine
2nd Prize: L$40,000
3rd Prize: L$30,000
4th Prize: L$20,000
5th Prize: L$10,000
6th - 10th Prize: @$5,000
Curators Prize: L$25,000
Additional L$15,000 for audience participation
(prizes given to audience members whose top 10 lists most closely align to the final juried top 10)
PRIZE LIST FOR MACHINIMA
1st Prize: L$50,000 + Feature on Cover of BOSL Magazine
2nd Prize: L$40,000
3rd Prize: L$30,000
4th Prize: L$20,000
5th Prize: L$10,000
6th - 10th Prize: @$5,000
UWA Special Prize: L$25,000 (awarded by UWA members of the committee)
Additional L$15,000 for audience participation
(prizes given to audience members whose top 10 lists most closely align to the final juried top 10)
* Special thanks to Eliza Wierwight the event poster design and for all her support
* Special thanks also to the creator of some of the spaces at UWA. These include FreeWee Ling, Chuckmatrix Clip, quadrapop Lane, Nyx Breen, Bradley Dorchester (Bradley Curnow, RL). Dragonmage Bogan (Dr Chris Thorne, RL), Sharni Azalee & Minny Werefox (Minh Tran, RL)."

UWA Transcending Borders. Enter Now. Closes Oct 31st.

(Ad poster by Eliza Wierwight)


Be sure to visit the official UWA Web site with all rules and details. http://www.uwainsl.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/transcending-borders-launch-of-uwa-art.html
Visit inworld here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/UWA/128/128/24


On a personal note I will be helping to judge this round.  I have enjoyed perusing the art and machinima in the past and even won audience participation prizes. (this is a fun way to be involved and win even if not contributing to the actual contest --see their blog for details.)


Visit here: Part of their press release /initial info. about this states..."
"University of Western Australia (UWA) is happy to announce the launch of Machinima UWA VII and the 5th UWA Grand Art Challenge, with a starting prize pool of L$545,000 each. The theme is "TRANSCENDING BORDERS".  Sponsored by Tom Papas and SciFi Film Festival, LaPiscean Liberty, SL Artist, AviewTV, Arrehn Oberlander and MetaHarpers, Kip Yellowejacket and Virtlantis, Taralyn Gravois and Arts Castel Gallery, TheDoveRhone and Peace is a Choice and S&S Gallery of Fine SL Art, Barbie Alchemi of Creations for Parkinsons, Jon Stubbs, UWA Student Services, as well as the UWA Virtual Worlds Project.  The prize pool sits at L$1,090,000 (approx. USD 4,200).  We hope you are inspired by this to create many wondrous works of art and film as you have been through the years! (Please note the major rules and special prize guidelines as well as the Audience Participation Prizes for watching the machinima.  These will be on the UWA Blog and SLArtist)"

Very Blurred Lines Styled

Late Night Twerksters a video by Kara Trapdoor on Flickr.

I'm reposting the Blurred video with style info. as some people were asking where we got the goods.  The whole deal was spur of the moment and we were all goofy tired, but was very much a join effort.  Here you go:


Sim, shopping and explore--I was showing off to Bel this impressive sim, Deathrow Island (home to the awesome Deathrow products plus an amazing explore): Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/128/128/72

Outfit--There was a variety of other little shops in the explore area and then we spotted the outfit, "The BAD SHOW Body Suit"  by DRBC which can be found here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/128/128/72

Then Soni came in and we all decided we must dress like Miley and do the twerk dance. 

Dance--Some time back I was talking to Bel about all the twerking and we bought the dance and she put hers into her huddles for us all to use.  We got it at A and M Mocap Danceworks here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mocap%20Dancer/128/128/5

Hair--Soni found the hair, Chemistry "Buttons" at SL Marketplace here: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Chemistry-HAIR-Buttons-Blonds/4452229

Foam Finger--I found the mesh Miley finger by SWaGGa on marketplace here: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/SWaGGa-MESH-Miley-Finger-Wearable-with-10-Animations/5247881

Mic/props--We all used our own hair bows, tennis, and mics, but I used a mic prop by my friend Franklyn which can be purchased for only $5 L on Marketplace here: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Microphone-singing/3324801

Tongue--Then Soni and Bel said they already had the TA sculpt animated tongue so they showed me where to get it on Marketplace here: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/TA-Sculpt-Animated-Tongue/1497013

More video--We all went over to Bel's World where Bel stretched a bear and I colored some prim backgrounds and Bel cranked up her huddles while Soni and I both filmed.  Soni also got some of the outtake snaps I added to mine. You can also see Soni's version on here Flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/simplysoni/9673321152/

And of course thanks to Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke for the music and inspiration. : ) 

UWA Art and Machinima Awards

UWA ART AND MACHINIMA AWARDS

http://issuu.com/freeweeling/docs/uwa_siva_2.1_-_reflections

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx6Ae1YLTqw&feature=player_embedded

Ok, today I went to the UWA art and machinima awards where Jayjay Zifanwe presented winners in various categories for over 1 million L.  I think there were about a million people attending at the tri-sim area to watch and and par for a good event, one or two of the sims crashed at least once I think or maybe it was just me, but I heard someone say a sim went down once when I went out.  No worries, it was all on AViewTV too where you can probably still catch a re-run of it. Anyway, it was great to see such a good turnout and all the talent.   I will start with saying that I was one of the audience participation award winners in the art challenge.  I'm listing most the winners (worth it for over 1million L) so I hope I don't miss anyone or something important.  Huge thanks to Jayjay and UWA.   Woohoo.. check it out:

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION PRIZES - REFLECTIONS: THE UWA CENTENARY 3D ART CHALLENGE
1st Prize (L$7,000) - GISELE89G
2nd Prize (L$5,000) - MICHELBRITZ
3rd Prize (L$4,000) - KARA TRAPDOOR
4th Prize (L$2,500) - TEMI SIRBU
5th Prize (L$1,500) - QEOY
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION PRIZES - MACHINIMUWA VI: REFLECTIONS
1st Prize (L$15,000) - KARIMA HOISAN
2nd Prize (L$10,000) - LALIE SORBET
3rd Prize (L$8,000) - LALA LARIX
4th Prize (L$7,000) - VERUCA VANDYKE
5th Prize (L$5,000) - DYZO

And now for the contestant award winners who all did an amazing job:

MACHINIMA:
1st Prize (L$200,000): PAST | BEYOND by Vilvi Rae of Jyvaskyla, Finland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCfU817j8mc
2nd Prize (L$150,000): NARCISSUS by Tutsy Navartha, Frenchman in Pondicherry India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrCfHxk9v8Y
3rd Prize (L$125,000): PALLINA...THE LITTLE RASCAL by Pallina60 Loon of Rome, Italy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VopdYBW6lFE
4th Prize (L$100,000): THE MIRROR LIES by  Joe Zazulak  of New Orleans, USA
https://vimeo.com/63236597
5th Prize (L$80,000): HASTA TU ESTRELLA by Erythro Asimov of Tours, France
https://vimeo.com/66574824
6th Prize (L$40,000): JUNIPER by Bryn Oh of Toronto, Canada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urmhu0jAZD8
7th Prize (L$40,000): WINDOW ON A TRAIN by Natascha Randt (Germany) & Karima Hoisan (Costa Rica) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA553eGuvck
8th Prize Joint (L$40,000): SHADOWS REFLECTING DARKNESS by Joe Zazulak  of New Orleans, USA
https://vimeo.com/67338631
9th Prize Joint (L$40,000): TAYA TAN by Erythro Asimov of Tours France
https://vimeo.com/69412827
9th Prize Joint (L$40,000): STOLEN REFLECTIONS by Braclo Eber of South Africa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMOHiMhSrDI&feature=youtu.be
10th Prize (L$40,000): CLOUD by Hypatia Pickens of Rochester, USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc-N6g9-Je8

ART:
REFLECTIONS: UWA CENTENARY 3D Art Challenge (OVERALL WINNERS)
1st Prize (L$100,000): I THOUGHT I HATED HIM by Glyph Graves of Sydney, Australia
2nd Prize Joint (L$59,000): MIRROR WITH 4 VIRGINS ON THE SHORES OF DEPRAVITY by Jipe Loon of Haute Savoie, France
2nd Prize Joint (L$59,000): LOOKING BACK by Carmsie Melody (Australia) & Struthious (USA)
2nd Prize Joint (L$59,000): SILENT REFLECTIONS by Krystali Rabeni of Blackpool, Lancashire, England
5th Prize Joint (L$30,000): QUANTUM by Barry Richez of Toulouse, France􀀅
Also in a 3-Way tie for 5th on 38 points (L$30,000) is:
5th Prize Joint (L$30,000): NEURON SPHERE by Shenn Coleman of Avignon, France
And completing the trinity on 5th is:
5th Prize Joint (L$30,000): ECHO'S REFLECTING POOL by Misprint Thursday of New Hampshire, USA􀀇
8th Prize Joint (L$25,000): FRUIT OF TIME by REBECCA BASHLY of Belgrade, Serbia
8th Prize Joint (L$25,000): REFLECTIONS OF WAVES by Nino Vichan of New York, USA 􀀃
10th Prize Joint (L$8,500): HIDDEN by Rose Borchovski of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
10th Prize Joint (L$8,500): WHO ARE YOU by Blue Tsuki of Seattle, USA
10th Prize Joint (L$8,500): REFLEXTIONS OF REFLECTIONS CAROUSEL by Yepar Saez of the Martinique Islands in the French Carribean

OTHER:
MACHINIMUWA VI: ART OF THE ARTISTS SPECIAL PRIZE (L$50,000)
REFLECTIONS OF A LIFE by Devi Sky of Northridge, USA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1E364TJcdw
MACHINIMUWA VI: CENTENARY PRIZE (L$50,000)
DRAWING OUTSIDE THE LINES by Chic Aeon of Corvallis, Oregon, USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ShQ5JB5MZM
MACHINIMUWA VI: CENTENARY HONOURABLE MENTION (L$25,000)
REFLECTIONS: 100 YEARS OF PASSION by Wynshel Heir of San Francisco, USA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjpyESZwVWk&feature=youtu.be
ART EXHIBITION CATALOG (By Curator - FreeWee Ling)
http://issuu.com/freeweeling/docs/uwa_siva_2.1_-_reflections
UWA CENTENARY SPECIAL PRIZE (L$50,000)
STRANGE OAKS FROM SIMPLE ACORNS GROW  by Soror Nishi, of Kent, England!
UWA CENTENARY HON MENTION PRIZE (Joint - L$15,000)
ECHO'S REFLECTING POOL by Misprint Thursday of New Hampshire, USA
Sharing the UWA Special Honourable Mention Prize is:
UWA CENTENARY HON MENTION PRIZE (Joint - L$15,000)
THE THINKER by Ama Avro of Starbourg, France
3D ART CURATORS PRIZE (JOINT - L$15,000)
WINDOWS INTO OTHER ROOMS by Takni Miklos of Figueres, Spain
3D ART CURATORS PRIZE (JOINT - L$15,000)
REFLECTION ANDROHUMANOID by Thierry Lowtide of Popes, Avignon Vaucluse, France

UWA MachinimUWA VI Reflections - Winners Announcement : 4th of August

                                       (video by YesikitaCopollaSL)

6AM SLT (SUNDAY) 4th August  UWA will announce the Grand finale winners of the UWA ART and MACHINIMA GRAND CHALLENGES..... where more than L$1.8 million will be distributed! As a special treat all the machinima will be running for 24 hours at the venue prior to the start.

Location: The UWA-BOSL Grand Amphitheatre visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/University%20of%20WA/128/128/25

Check out the official UWA web site for more information, to see the machinima and info. on the art and contest. http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/

(I ran over and snapped a couple of shots of this amazing amphitheatre while Jayjay Zifanwe was setting up)

Josie and The Pussy Cats Second Life

My Friend Belinda Barnes Fitzroy made this cute Josie and the Pussy Cats machinima in Second Life and I played the Josie role! I took a few stills while she was shooting the video.

Kara Trapdoor as Josie McCoy
Sonicity Fitzroy as Melody Valentine
Belinda Fitzroy as Valerie Brown

The Best of Second Life Magazine March 2013

This month March 2013 marks the month I was featured in the BOSL magazine. Writer Sonicity Fitzroy has been featuring SL machinimists for about a year now in the publication and this month I was honored to be featured as the Social Machinimist for her article.  So I must brag and show off here of course.  Everyone knows I'm not the greatest at this around or even in their league but I do a lot, have fun, often make them for others or to archive something, and include others a lot, so I'll take the article and rejoice in it.  Soni is an amazing writer both in SL for a variety of publications and is a published author RL with numerous publications on a variety of subjects, most notably in SL for her 2 books "Second Life Media and the Other Society", and also "Machinima: The Art and Practice" (http://www.amazon.com/Machinima-The-Practice-Virtual-Filmmaking/dp/0786461713/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362706261&sr=8-3&keywords=machinima).  So she made me look good and Morgana Nagorski, artists, photographer, gallery owner (http://www.ballaratart.com/index.php?pageID=12  and http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gardenia%20Islands/128/128/2) took some great pics to go along with some clips from a few of my machinima for the article.  Please have a look starting at page 128 here: http://magazine.thebestofsl.com/issues/March-2013  This is such a well put together monthly SL magazine that I hope everyone is very familiar with it.  It can be easily read online at that site or via hard copies inworld.  If anyone would like a hard copy inworld just let me know and I will pass you one.  BOSL also has kiosks all over the grid to vend these free monthly publications.  They cover fashion, events, art, sims, well just about anything in SL that has public interest.  Check it out.. and now a few snips from the magazine here:

(Check out the site for more pics)
The article author Sonicity below (I took this shot)



And then I located a pic of myself also in the society page collage (pic by Kato Salyut) which is pretty cool.. .. see if you can find me, yourself, or others you know (yeah that's KT down there in the rust colored gown by the N in News)

Yesikita Coppola Did a Great Video of the Haunted Houses.. Yay!

Children of the Night from Yesikita Coppola on Vimeo.

Yesikita Copppola does amazing machinima and I'm so pleased she visited both the Haunted Castaway Island and GAFL Haunted Castle to make this amazing memory! Thank you thank you Yesikita!  It's also up on Youtube and I'll add the Vimeo and Youtube links later so it can be viewed larger.  What a great rememberance! Thanks to everyone for all the fun!

Ok, here is the Youtube link to enjoy it larger and find all of Yesikita's great machinima! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjZP67ZKf84&feature=plcp
 or on Vimeo here: http://vimeo.com/52371485

Book Launch Party May 11-12-Machinima Book

From the press release: "Welcome to the Official Virtual Book Launch of our recently published Machinima:  The Art and Practice of Virtual Filmmaking   (McFarland, 2012)."

                US: Friday May 11, 6PM-9:00 PM SLT (7PM Short Presentation)
                EUR: Sat. May 12, 12PM to 3:30PM SLT (1PM Short Presentation)
                                 Steampunk themed at NeoVictoria Sky Club!
"Adult verification is necessary to enter the estate, which is crafted for mature roleplayers.  Our event is taking place on the skylevel, where there is no roleplay."
Launch Party Here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/NeoVictoria/17/128/1001 or direct link here: LaunchHere.

 ****************************************************************************************
                                        Hosts:  Sonicity Fitzroy & Lowe Runo
"We appreciate all those involved in this project  and we consider it a collaborative effort among numerous people inside SL as well as those looking in from the outside.   This book is not intended to promote SL, but we seriously view it as a major platform for the creation of innovative machinima.

This is not the definitive voice in machinima, but a collective voice within the virtual filmmaking community that represents many perspectives.   The machinima story will continue to evolve, and we are pleased to document this point in history, as well as to encourage so many to experiment with this medium through this book."
 



-----------------------------------
Book Availability -
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/machinima-phylis-johnson/1103882877

http://www.amazon.com/Machinima-The-Practice-Virtual-Filmmaking/dp/0786461713/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2

Machinima Book and Rez Day Celebrations!

Today is a special day for two of my friends, Lowe Runo and Sonicity Fitzroy. First of all Lowe, otherwise known to many as machinima man, is celebrating his 5th SL rez day today. On top of that the publisher has released pre-order information for the book, "Machinima, The Art and Practice of Virtual Filmmaking" co-authored by Lowe and his business partner and great friend, Sonicity, otherwise known to me as word-woman for her many previously published books, articles, and multitude of RL and SL writings. They both have worked hard and have accomplished a lot and I'm very proud of them and also proud to call them friends. This should be a very happy day for them and so I want to pass on their information here but plan to provide more information when the book is actually released some time later this fall. Many Second Life residents were interviewed and mentioned so we can look forward to seeing names we recognize.

Pre-orders can be made now and I've ordered and am waiting for my copy. : ) You can pre-order here: http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-6171-4 or direct link here: SoniLoweBOOKorderHere.

If you want more info. on these two I previously blogged a great deal about them over a year ago when Lowe Runo Productions, LLC was established in SL. More info. here: http://karasecondlife.blogspot.com/2010/05/lowe-runo-productions-llc.html direct link here: LoweSoniHere.

I'm posting a couple of casual pics I took of them. Don't forget to congratulate them both and wish Lowe a happy rez day while you are at it.




Check out a link to just one of their many machinima sites with great info. : http://slmachinimaarts.ning.com/ or direct link here: MAGHere. Pro-mag direct link also to the right in fav'd sites. Lowe made a very cute thank you to his SL friends today which has been posted on this MAG site linked here as well as his Flickr and yes.. shameless plug since I am in it. : ) Check it out.. very cute and touching remembrance of his 5 years in SL via machinima.

The Need for Speed

Cool vid.. look for me in there too! : )

Machinima Book by SL Authors is At the Publishers!

Well it's about time I get my friends back after a year of their hard work researching, interviewing many many machinimatographers (or is it machinimists? machinimisters?-not sure) and writing their book about machinima with a heavy focus on Second Life but including interviews and information from various other platforms such as World of Warcraft, The Sims and others.

Word Woman, Sonicity Fitzroy, and Machinima Man, Lowe Runo, (I swear I'm going to make them the super hero outfits to match my secret pet names for them some day), have completed their book which is out to the publisher and Soni has written about the book at their web site: Magnum, The Machinima Review, a monthly blog Soni does here: http://magnummachinima.blogspot.com/ and direct link here: MagnumHere.

I'll quote the blog here a little, but go and check it out for yourself......"many did contribute to the making of Modern Machinima: Aesthetics and Practice in Game and Virtual Film making. The manuscript now awaits the first round of review by the publishers and the process continues through the summer months, with a Fall 2011 release scheduled."

So, yeah.. Yay! They are done! Well... it seems their work is never done and I am very sure they are both on to other major projects even as I write this. Many SL avatars are mentioned in the book and I think it will be a fun read for a lot of people especially since we will recognize many of the key players who provided expert insight for their book. I sat in on one of their round table interviews and was a bit in awe of the experience and knowledge the group had. They did include amateurs as well as many professionals in their open discussion groups for a good variety of skill levels and insight. But the leg work was done by these two hard working individuals who have a end product they should be very proud of in RL and SL. Their individual experience and skills blend exceptionally well for a team that is very productive. Soni herself is a RL educator in the media field, is previously published, has a great deal of long term experience in RL/SL media and machinima and of course Lowe is the machinimaster with the amazing special effects and SL/RL photography and video skills and experience. Search my blog for past information on both of these two if interested.

If you really want to see these two in action check them out this Friday at 2 SLT when they present at the Virtual Worlds Best Practice in Education Conference in SL. I've previously blogged about this as well. They are both great speakers with a passion for teaching and assisting others in learning more about machinima. Check it out! O, btw, did I mention they are friends of mine? heheh : )

Fairy and Elf Talk-Glam

We are at it again!

Impressive Machinima -Harbinger by Phaylen Fairchild

Ok, I know this has been out a while, but I just had to get it copied here. A must see.

SL Roller Coaster Ride from Kara Trapdoor on Vimeo.

A super cool SL Interpretation of the Cyclone roller coaster and very nice sim. (condensed ride for video) Visit here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/SOHO%20New%20York/190/37/34 or direct link here:
CycloneHere.

Phaylen Fairchild and Divas Machinima

One of my all time favorite machinima. Phaylen Fairchild has this series "Divas" and she just recently released the 3rd episode that can be viewed on her Youtube or Vimeo.. check out her Youtube here: PhaylenYoutubehere. Phaylen is well known in Second Life for her cute machinima and the Diva series is done in WOW with her SL avatar. This one happens to be my fav and I just wanted to pull it here and share. She has many many other great machinima and so far 3 Divas episodes.

Amadeus, Machinima by SpyVspy Aeon-premier Aug 12

Photo I took during filming


Tomorrow, August 12 at 2pm SLT SpyVproductions in association with Yourmachinima.com presents a machinima premier at Versailles, Chateau de Verssailles-Parterre, Chateau de Versailles 120, 128, 28. SpyVspy has been working on his production this summer and asked if I'd like a role, which of course I did. He is one of SL's leading machinimatographers. But alas, my U.S. day work hours did not work well for the rest of the cast and crew, so I was only able to spend a short time with the group. This became a first for me. When SpyVspy called me up he said he was in need of a guy, and when I asked him if he wanted me to find a free guy for him, he said, nah, just come and be a guy=ROFL! So I did. And to top it off I was not the only female playing a male role that day. But in the end I was not able to continue with their schedule so gave up my male role. (See above pic and I am the man in the blue). Spy advised me his end production is a lot better than his trailer, but here is the trailer and I look forward to seeing the final product when I get home from work later in the day tomorrow when he will have posted the final on Youtube following the premier party. I have very high expectations, knowing his prior works. Land here for the premier AmadeusHere.



SpyVspyYoutubeHere. Yes, yes, I know the right 1/4 is cut off, sorry, I don't know why.

On a separate machinima note, today I dropped by Spotlight TV Live as the host Scorpinosis interviewed Chantal Harvey on the 48 hour film project, which will be September 17-19, 2010 this year. Teams get together to make a machinima with some starter information and specific expectations and the winning team goes on to Filmapalooza in real life. Filmmakers from all over the variety of virtual worlds will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. Their website for more information is: 48hrFilmSiteHere.
Also RL info. here: http://www.48hourfilm.com/filmapalooza/

The Guild's New Video/Lowe Runo Machinima

"Game On!"
A short while back The Guild released a new music video "Game On" that I will link here. TheGuildGameOnHere. I can very much relate to many of The Guild's comedic situations and I love The Guild's regular shows, as apparently do many other "virtual world participants" according to their vast following as it falls into it's 4th season. Most SL'ers are very familiar with The Guild, but for anyone newer to this virtual phenomenon The Guild is a group of 6 real life people led by Felecia Day who are friends that play WOW and produce very short regular videos about this. It's a web series about gamers that started in 2007 and has won many awards. If you haven't seen this it is a "must view" for sure. I laugh so hard at every episode and they are short enough at 3-8 minutes to really keep my interest and leave me wanting more actually. A lot of people tend to talk about which character they associate with in The Guild, but my SL play is so varied I really see a little bit of myself in each of the female players.

Last year The Guild released their first music video, "Do You Wanna Date My Avatar?" DoYouWantToDateOriginalVidHere. This was kind of a spoof on how sexy, cool, superheroish, or divine everyone makes their avatars but in real life.. it is usually not quite the case, yet even still it's fun to have a little dating, passion or "whatever" in the virtual world. The song has some classic lines. The video is about how Felecia goes on about how her avatar is "hotter than reality by far".. anyway.. it's one of my all time favorites and I was so lucky to be involved in a SL rendition of this produced by the famed machinimatographer, Lowe Runo. I am snatching a copy of it from his Vimeo stream to put here for all safe keeping for myself now that I think about this. I love the song and both videos. Recently someone did a fantastic job morphing the original which uses the real life Guild cast members on top of Lowe's SL avatar version for a very cute combination that sums it all up in Youtube. Check out Lowe's Youtube for his other great work while in there. He has been working on some excellent action flicks. LoweHere. Anyway, time to jump back in SL.. game on time!

Do You Want To Date My Avatar (Second Life Adaptation) from LoweRuno on Vimeo.

Ooops, I forgot to mention, my avatar is in the pink slave rags with long dark hair as one of the back up dancers. This was fun to make and there are some still pictures taken during the quick filming Lowe did over in Flickr if you want to see more about it.

Art of the Artists Machinima Contest: 40,000L First Prize

The University of Western Austraila has begun a new machinima challenge that runs from July 7 to September 20, 2010. The challenge is to Create a Machinima of between 2 and 5 minutes in length that features some of the winning artworks from the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge. There are more than 35 artworks spread across 4 floors, and you can choose to film as many (or as few) as you like.

This sounds like a fun contest and UWA is known for such artistic contests with great prizes, publicity and fun events. For more information about them and this contest check it out here:UWAHere.

Here I will list some other great machinima web sites and some sites that are helpful when getting started with machinima. Machinima can be a very fun hobby, way to showcase or publicise an event or avatar, or even develop an income in SL as a producer. If interested in seeing more or learning more about machinima check these out:

One of my favs: MAGHere.

Some high quality professional machinima: PROMAGHere.

One of the best all encompassing (almost all lol) sites for beginners I have seen so far, including what tools to use and where to get them and how to make good machinima. This is a must visit for beginners as well as seasoned machinimatographers alike. Note all sections because there is a learning tool machinima that includes yours truly: MAGInVirtualWorldsHere.

A good friend's professional site: LoweRunoHere.

Insight into different aspects of machinima and another good friend's blog that also includes me in some places, yay!: MagnumSoniHere.

Another's friend's helpful and interesting site: SpyVspyHere.

Another good site featuring machinima and related news: AViewTVHere.

Of course there are many many other good machinima sites, but these happen to be some of my favorites and good ones to get people started and see other great works. Youtube and Vimeo are also great spots to view a lot of machinima. Have fun with the contest if you decide to participate.