Tribute to Alan Turing

Alan Turing is often referred to as the 'father of the computer'.  A gifted mathematician and engineer built the first electronic computer which was used to break German Codes during the war.    He was one of the first people that studied Artificial Intelligence which explored the possibility of creating a machine that could imitate the human brain.   Alan Turing suggested a theory that Artificial Intelligence could be better accomplished if you created a childlike brain and then feed it information.   Binary Code which is the basis of computers today is based on Turing's theory of computation and is the reason why he is considered the founder of computer science.

1938 - Sound and Color

The making of Snow White was a historical step in movie making because it included sound and color which was just being introduced at that time.  It is amazing to see how many people are involved in creating simple things such as sounds and every tiny movement.   There is genius in the transition from the drawing to the animation and sound involved in creating the movie.  The use of music and the defined characters in the story adds to appeal to its audience and captures their hearts.  Great storytelling and originality in use of available technology is worth the money that it cost to produce a movie such as this.

Blu Blu and Broken Fingaz

Awesome artwork using music synchronized to the movements and animation of the video.   Both of these videos features graphic art and music which add dimension to the piece.   It is very enjoyable to watch and see how this type of work can begin with an idea such as the one we will create using flipbook art.   These videos are examples of how technology is being used to re-create the same manual techniques used in animations in the early 1900's.  Adding color and sound has become so much easier and there are many options now available.   It is exciting and very inspirational.

A Trip to the Moon - Silent Film

I love the way this film uses exaggerated movements and choreographed placements to create the story.   Méliès uses metaphoric shots that imitated war-like movements and created a scene with soldiers loading a cannon which shot off in grand style to penetrate the moon.  The use of lighting and clothing greatly enhances this production.

Interesting Article about What Moviemakers Can Learn from Videogames

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/digital-gap-why-arent-moviemakers-learning-narrative-videogames-205902302.html;_ylt=AgePNRqln5puurHYuwIQ7TAO.xx.;_ylu=X3oDMTRxcXYzcGZsBGNjb2RlA3ZzaGFyZWFnMnVwcmVzdARtaXQDTmV3cyBGb3IgWW91IE1peGVkIExpc3QEcGtnAzVhN2IwNzBlLTY5NGMtM2M3Ny1iOWNiLWI5M2JlNTNiNjNlNgRwb3MDNgRzZWMDbmV3c19mb3JfeW91BHZlcgM0YTY5NzcyMS03NDhlLTExZTItYmVkZi02YmExMjcwMzUxNjA-;_ylg=X3oDMTNmaDhqdDBvBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDYjAyMmY3OTItNmU0Ny0zOTQ5LThhMjMtN2M0NjQ0NWNiMmM1BHBzdGNhdANuZXdzLWZlYXR1cmVzfC1yZWxhdGlvbnNoaXBzBHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQ--;_ylv=3

The Birth and Life in Opera

The Birth and Life in Opera explores the use of art to bring attention to social and political issues.  Art is usually attended by powerful and influential members of  a society, in part because they are the only ones who can afford to attend.   This story shows how different composers such as Monteverdi and Mozart, used music and recitative language similar to what was being used in the church to convey sensitive messages such as death and mistreatment of subjects.  Opera originated in Italy and became popular in most of Europe in the 18th and 19th century.   To dramatize stories about real life issues such as love, death and politics, Opera combines music, poetry, dance, drama, and design to depict stories about love, tragedy and injustice.    Opera continues to be used as a political venue which brings social issues to light through universal stories.  Using music to dramatize passionate stories creates an entertainment setting that has become relevant in most of the world including cities in China and North America.  This setting is unique and is considered the parent of the musicals which have also become increasingly popular in bringing attention to social issues such as war, discrimination, and other social injustices

Technical Highlights Used in Broadway Shows

The Adams Family.  The lighting effects in this media greatly enhanced the setting and the technical influence is seen when Pugsley is gradually raised up in a comical scene as Wednesday pushes on a mechanical lever as part of her performance.

A Christmas Carol is a musical that depicts spectacular scenes with lighting as it portrays a winter wonderland scene.  There is a lighting show that erupts as the character springs forth and its so amazing to watch.

In Camelot, light and props are used to create a snowfilled outdoor garden similar to the one in the Christmas Carol but it has a more magical feel.  This difference is created with the clothing and a princess fairytale type setting.

Top Hat creates Hollywood's Glitz and Glamour using lighting that reflects and moves in the rhythm of the dance.  The wardrobe and the choreograph makes this performance different and fun to watch.

 

Into the Woods shows a stage that changes into a scene in the woods complete with animals and treacherous looking trees.  Again even though this is another outdoor scene, the lighting is dark and shadowy.

Wicked use lighting, makeup and technical means to create a flying green witch.  The wardrobe in this scene is more modern.   Here the use of dark lighting creates the mood for the witch scenes.