For my transmission arts sketch, I decided to explore Second Life and try my hand at machinima.
I have a tiny bit of 3-D modeling experience using Google Sketch-Up, but getting the hang of Second Life was a bit complicated. In order to ease into the idea, and to try out “filming,” I searched for some potential movie sets upon which to do some goofy movie reenactment. When I discovered that there is a Titanic replica in Second Life, I decided that the silliest thing I could possibly do would be to pose my avatar in the infamous Leonardo DiCaprio pose at the bow of the ship and yell, “I’m the king of the world.”
When I “teleported” to the location, I found that several other avatars were there — including one who apparently shared my idea. I waited my turn and then tried my best to contort my avatar into the Leonardo pose. Not too easy, considering all I could use were the built-in gestures.
Next, I thought I might try my hand at some dancing. Here’s my avatar dancing away in the background… This dance floor actually pays you to dance on it… Perhaps it’s meant to look like a happening spot. The area appears to be owned by a virtual realty outfit.
My next sketch explored camera placement opportunities. I found it very interesting that Second Life’s basic interface includes very flexible camera positioning. It’s almost as if the world has been set up to duplicate a cinematically-inflected viewpoint. Real life is not dramatic enough, so let’s give ourselves the ability to pan and zoom our view of the landscape and ourselves.
That said, I enjoyed my explorations, but I don’t know that I’ll return there. Too easy to get sucked in.