UWA Machinima Challenge - My View

Well ya just know I had to pipe in here.

A few more hours and the entries close. I have my "current" list of ten which may of course change in the final hours.

It doesn't take much reflection to see that their have been fewer entries this time out. I doubt this has anything to do with "theme" or "rules" or any other things that the University has control over. It is simply a mirror of what is going on in the creative world of Second Life.

It is Halloween Eve as I post this message -- a special time for some folks, a close friend being one. There is an energy associate with this night. If you have ever lived in one of those "woo - woo" communities (and I have several times) you know what I mean. I am feeling it and hence "the veils are parting". OK. I have to admit I am laughing here.

Any-way.

Along with fewer entries, I think we have some spectacular work. In my mind Tutsy's was his best work and I said so on his YouTube page. I am going to be honest here. I seldom finish his films. Most (only to me I am sure) need more editing. But this one? I only found a few places I would have cut and I watched to the end and even introduced it to a real life artist friend of mine who was visiting.

She was of course supportive of MY film which used the $79 editing program when I am thinking Tutsy has the high dollar software as I know he can do things I can't. Honestly? It ain't the software folks; it's the vision.

It was interesting to me that two films to make it on my list (so far) had to do with war -- an early war which in itself is a comment. Perhaps as a culture we are hesitant to bring things too close to home. War is war and in my mind there has never been a "good" war except perhaps WWII which I would only go so far as to categorize as "just" not "good".

There were a couple of films that I really enjoyed that didn't make it on my top ten list -- not because they weren't good; simply because there wasn't enough content. They were short and clever but needed more filling out to make it onto my tally. Honestly, I suspect that is why my first entry into UWA a few years ago didn't win a prize. There was plenty of clapping,  but it was short -- and while I didn't get that then, I do now.

I always think my film is in the top ten. Well, what can I say? Ego DOES get in the way at times. Now and then it makes it, often times it does not. One real life friend (SL long ago but no longer) thought my latest was my best. I'll go with that and not worry about the actual awards.

You may or may not know that quite a few of the machinimatographers were disappointed with last year's awards. Some are (so far) noticeably absent. I don't know if they have lost interest; I am not a networking gal. I do know that my list wasn't all that close to the actual winner's list last time. My "top folks" just barely made the cut.

I can understand their frustration with so many of the people judging not being in the machinima world. But, in the end, I believe it is most important to support the creative process.  Whether we win or lose? That's not really the highest priority.

I was pleased to see several films with footage taken and credits given to MOSP. Thanks guys!

Winding Down in October

I haven't disappeared!  Not many changes at MOSP this last week or so. Prims are in that "rare" area as I always like to leave enough for you guys to rez reasonable amounts of props and such. This little guy (and he IS tiny) will be greeting you at the entry point for awhile. He is animated and so very cute.

The only other newness is a very nice hammock in the gardener's shelter down by the raised bed garden at ground level.

My very vague plans as we move into winter are a revamp of the snow area. There is a very primmy New Mexico house with furnishing up there that could come down for a more svelte land impact build. I just need for something special to show up.

Meanwhile only a few more days to get your film into UWA. There have been some impressive works. 

New in the Valley

Long, long overdue, Peaceful Valley has new outdoor facilities. The old outhouse was made in my Bayou days - so three years or so ago. This is SO much nicer!  What would have been 40 plus in prims weighs in at 4 and a few land impact points were even saved.  Materials and animation make it photo and film worthy *wink*.

Fun!

Haying

I was thrilled when I spied this hay mound prop at a newly opened venue. The old hay area has been gone awhile, simply outlived its photogenic prime. This one has both couples and single poses and comes with prop giver.

Also in the news, a group gift went out yesterday so if you missed it, check those archives.

And Happy Fall!

Mid October Roundup

Catching up with the newness for the month, much centers on the role play "historic" areas.  New in SOIL the very photogenic well with all sorts of animations (well, not ALL sorts -- but many choices).

Inside the cottage over by the grist mill, find this alchemist set. The book is intricate and calls out for some closeups.

Outside the cottage you can churn butter or simply relax after your chores.

Props are given with the different animations.








  

Over in the Steampunk build you can contemplate the starry skies as well as what the future might hold.

October Additions

The Full Sim City revamp is complete with new streets, lots of streetlights, some new buildings and a gallery with free stuff.

It's nice to have the city on the full side. The picturesque bridge fountain is back too.  Wander around and see what you can find!