Is the Future flat?

Is the Future Is the Future flat?flat?

Paul KafnoPaul Kafno

[email protected]@easynet.co.uk

Content, Distribution, Content, Distribution, DisplaysDisplays

Challenges for the next Challenges for the next 10 years10 years

The shift to digitalThe shift to digital Making money (surviving) in a crowded Making money (surviving) in a crowded

marketplace.marketplace. Understanding what new technology Understanding what new technology

brings to the party – threats as well as brings to the party – threats as well as opportunitiesopportunities

Having a real vision of TV viewers todayHaving a real vision of TV viewers today Having a new vision of content and how Having a new vision of content and how

it is created.it is created.

AgendaAgenda

High Definition TelevisionHigh Definition Television InteractivityInteractivity Cross Media ContentCross Media Content Interactive Storytelling.Interactive Storytelling. New ways of creating content.New ways of creating content.

Viewing figures flat?Viewing figures flat? Last year in the UK viewers in Sky Last year in the UK viewers in Sky

digital households watched more digital households watched more satellite than terrestrial TV for the first satellite than terrestrial TV for the first time.time.

BARB reports non-terrestrial had a BARB reports non-terrestrial had a record 51% compared with 49% in 2003.record 51% compared with 49% in 2003.

BBC’s main channels fell to an all-time BBC’s main channels fell to an all-time low – 25% for BBC1, BBC” lost 9%.low – 25% for BBC1, BBC” lost 9%.

BBC4 and ITV2 together got 2.1% BBC4 and ITV2 together got 2.1% (compared to 2.3% UK Gold)(compared to 2.3% UK Gold)

Technology seen as a Technology seen as a ThreatThreat

Many competing channels – terrestrial, Many competing channels – terrestrial, satellite, cable, broadbandsatellite, cable, broadband

Personal Digital Recorders and TIVO-Personal Digital Recorders and TIVO-type devices let viewers skip type devices let viewers skip commercials.commercials.

DVDs offer perceivably better image DVDs offer perceivably better image quality than most digital services.quality than most digital services.

Computers can display better images Computers can display better images than analogue TV.than analogue TV.

What’s wrong?What’s wrong?

Young people are watching less Young people are watching less television and spending more time on television and spending more time on the Internet and computer games.the Internet and computer games.

Old people increasingly feel that there Old people increasingly feel that there is “nothing for them” as broadcasters is “nothing for them” as broadcasters have tried to capture the elusive have tried to capture the elusive “young” audiences.“young” audiences.

Even Sky’s movie channel is down – Even Sky’s movie channel is down – only sports is on the up.only sports is on the up.

So…So…

Broadcasters are looking for new Broadcasters are looking for new ways to grab their audience and ways to grab their audience and “immerse” them in the way that “immerse” them in the way that computer and console games do.computer and console games do.

That means interactivity – getting That means interactivity – getting audiences to lean forward.audiences to lean forward.

They need new content at affordable They need new content at affordable prices.prices.

Bye bye “box” in the Bye bye “box” in the cornercorner

Immersivity 1 – Hullo, big Immersivity 1 – Hullo, big flat screenflat screen

The big screen sales The big screen sales storystory

LCD screen sales 2001LCD screen sales 2001 15,70015,700 Plasma salesPlasma sales 16,30016,300 Rear ProjectionRear Projection 157,500157,500 LCD screen sales 2002LCD screen sales 2002 103,400103,400 Plasma salesPlasma sales 70,60070,600 Rear ProjectionRear Projection 198,500198,500 LCD screen sales 2003LCD screen sales 2003 742,500742,500 Plasma salesPlasma sales 218,700218,700 Rear ProjectionRear Projection 256,000256,000 Sales volume in Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Sales volume in Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the

Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria. Source: Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria. Source: The Economist Summer 2004The Economist Summer 2004

Bigger screens need better Bigger screens need better picturespictures

DVDs already code better pictures DVDs already code better pictures than most domestic TVs can show.than most domestic TVs can show.

Computer Games on computers are Computer Games on computers are generated synthetically and give generated synthetically and give terrific quality.terrific quality.

The answer appears to be High The answer appears to be High Definition Television.Definition Television.

HD marketing offers a new “wow” HD marketing offers a new “wow” factorfactor

Immersivity 2 – HD. Immersivity 2 – HD. What is it?What is it?

System gives better pictures than we have System gives better pictures than we have now – usually 4 times as much detail.now – usually 4 times as much detail.

Generally a wide screen (16:9) formatGenerally a wide screen (16:9) format An electronic format that originated in the An electronic format that originated in the

Japanese desire to overtake 35mm film.Japanese desire to overtake 35mm film. International standards’ battles in the International standards’ battles in the

eighties and nineties prevented a world eighties and nineties prevented a world standard emerging.standard emerging.

FCC’s decision to go digital has forced USA FCC’s decision to go digital has forced USA networks into line.networks into line.

But there are may competing standards.But there are may competing standards. However, consumers seem to like it.However, consumers seem to like it.

Why HD now?Why HD now?

ManufacturersManufacturers need to sell new display need to sell new display productsproducts

BroadcastersBroadcasters need something new to hook need something new to hook viewersviewers

TV picturesTV pictures have to compete with digital have to compete with digital images from DVDs and computer games.images from DVDs and computer games.

Interactive servicesInteractive services need more text – need more text – therefore better screen quality to show ittherefore better screen quality to show it

Domestic screensDomestic screens are getting flatter, are getting flatter, slimmer and bigger – 35inch plus in Europeslimmer and bigger – 35inch plus in Europe

A new dimension to A new dimension to viewingviewing

The international market The international market wants HDwants HD

USA increasingly demands delivery of USA increasingly demands delivery of programmes in HD (generally 1080:25)programmes in HD (generally 1080:25)

Datamonitor predicts 4.6 million HD Datamonitor predicts 4.6 million HD users in Europe by 2008, Germany, UK users in Europe by 2008, Germany, UK and France leading, with Italy fourth. and France leading, with Italy fourth. Sky intends to launch a service.Sky intends to launch a service.

BBC has made a commitment to BBC has made a commitment to producing all its programmes in HDproducing all its programmes in HD

Importance of TV sales to Importance of TV sales to the UK Economythe UK Economy

In What Form?In What Form?

Datamonitor predictionsDatamonitor predictions

4.6 million HDTV homes in Europe by 4.6 million HDTV homes in Europe by 20082008

Germany, UK, France and Italy will leadGermany, UK, France and Italy will lead Average price of an HDTV set in Europe Average price of an HDTV set in Europe

currently $4,900currently $4,900 MPEG-4 will win against Media 9MPEG-4 will win against Media 9 Take-up will be slow because of cost of Take-up will be slow because of cost of

receivers and shortage of programme receivers and shortage of programme material.material.

Unbeatable co.ukUnbeatable co.uk Instock HDTV ProductsInstock HDTV Products CodeProductAvailabilityPriceFreeview LCD TVCodeProductAvailabilityPriceFreeview LCD TV122194122194

JVC LT26D50BJ 26" JVC LT26D50BJ 26" FreeviewFreeview Widescreen LCD Television Widescreen LCD Television In Stock In Stock £1,099.99 £1,099.99 122521122521JVC LT32D50BJ 32" LCD Television + DRM10 DVD Recorder JVC LT32D50BJ 32" LCD Television + DRM10 DVD Recorder In Stock In Stock £1,799.99 LCD Television Packages£1,799.99 LCD Television Packages800486800486Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + DVDR610 DVD Recorder DVDR610 DVD Recorder In Stock In Stock £2,099.98 £2,099.98 800528800528Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + DVDR630VR DVD Recorder DVDR630VR DVD Recorder In Stock In Stock £2,189.98 £2,189.98 800504800504Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + DVDR520H DVDR520H In Stock In Stock £2,259.98 £2,259.98 800521800521Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) + DVDR725H DVDR725H In Stock In Stock £2,369.98 Plasma Monitor with Built-in Analogue TV £2,369.98 Plasma Monitor with Built-in Analogue TV TunerTuner120207120207Sony KEP42M1 42" Plasma Television (Black) Sony KEP42M1 42" Plasma Television (Black) In Stock In Stock £2,277.99 Plasma Monitor with Separate Freeview Tuner£2,277.99 Plasma Monitor with Separate Freeview Tuner121650121650Pioneer PDP435XDE 43" Pioneer PDP435XDE 43" FreeviewFreeview Plasma Television Plasma Television In Stock In Stock £3,199.99 £3,199.99 121649121649Pioneer PDP505XDE 50" Pioneer PDP505XDE 50" FreeviewFreeview Plasma Television Plasma Television In Stock In Stock £4,999.99 Widescreen LCD TV£4,999.99 Widescreen LCD TV118595118595LG RZ17LZ40 17" LCD Television LG RZ17LZ40 17" LCD Television In In Stock Stock £469.99 £469.99 121839121839Sony KLVL23M1S 23" Widescreen LCD Television (Silver) Sony KLVL23M1S 23" Widescreen LCD Television (Silver) In Stock In Stock £773.99 £773.99 121909121909Toshiba 32WL48 32" LCD Television Toshiba 32WL48 32" LCD Television In Stock In Stock £1,349.99 £1,349.99 121249121249Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) Philips 32PF9986 32" Widescreen LCD Television (with Table Top Stand) In In Stock Stock £1,999.98£1,999.98

The feel-good factorThe feel-good factor

HD is a great production medium for HD is a great production medium for the creative team.the creative team.

Terrific picture detail – acquired images Terrific picture detail – acquired images often seem like 3D because the often seem like 3D because the rendering of surfaces is so accurate. rendering of surfaces is so accurate. Almost tactile quality to pictures.Almost tactile quality to pictures.

Much improved colour.Much improved colour. Widescreen.Widescreen. Looks terrific on cinema-sized screens –Looks terrific on cinema-sized screens –

good for e-cinema alternative content.good for e-cinema alternative content.

The Creative ChallengeThe Creative Challenge

HD pictures have a different quality to HD pictures have a different quality to even the best film. The effect is often even the best film. The effect is often thought to be 3D.thought to be 3D.

Stability of the image gives a unique way Stability of the image gives a unique way of communicating texture.of communicating texture.

Directors frame differently – they can Directors frame differently – they can spend longer on wide shotsspend longer on wide shots

Editing is different.Editing is different. The viewer experience is more immersive.The viewer experience is more immersive.

The feel-not-quite-so-The feel-not-quite-so-good factorgood factor

Need for greater TX bandwidth.Need for greater TX bandwidth. Compression therefore during acquisition, Compression therefore during acquisition,

post-production and distribution. post-production and distribution. Conflicts between proprietary Conflicts between proprietary

compression protocols.compression protocols. Some curious visual effects.Some curious visual effects. Will the end result really that be Will the end result really that be

impressive on a domestic screen? Will we impressive on a domestic screen? Will we really be seeing HD?really be seeing HD?

Some Negative Business Some Negative Business QuestionsQuestions

Does picture quality really matter to the Does picture quality really matter to the viewer?viewer?

Isn’t TV all about content? Isn’t TV all about content? Aren’t HD displays too expensive?Aren’t HD displays too expensive? How many homes have space for a big How many homes have space for a big

display?display? Won’t pirates be able to pinch high quality Won’t pirates be able to pinch high quality

images from the screen?images from the screen? Isn’t it hard enough to persuade viewers to Isn’t it hard enough to persuade viewers to

sign up to SD digital?sign up to SD digital?

Some Positive Business Some Positive Business QuestionsQuestions

DifferentiationDifferentiation is a well-established is a well-established competitive strategy. Shouldn’t TV competitive strategy. Shouldn’t TV come in a range of qualities like come in a range of qualities like soap powders?soap powders?

Product Cycle?Product Cycle? Is the standard def Is the standard def ““cash cowcash cow” declining. Is HD the ” declining. Is HD the replacement?replacement?

Something new? Something new? Doesn’t TV need Doesn’t TV need a new “wow” factor to sell itself?a new “wow” factor to sell itself?

If we produce in HD can we If we produce in HD can we deliver it to the viewer?deliver it to the viewer?

Compression everywhere – at acquisition, Compression everywhere – at acquisition, post-production, distribution.post-production, distribution.

TX multiplexes already deliver variable TX multiplexes already deliver variable quality with standard definition TV. Will quality with standard definition TV. Will this get worse with HD?this get worse with HD?

Digital modems need constant rebooting. Digital modems need constant rebooting. Won’t this get worse with higher data flows?Won’t this get worse with higher data flows?

We have terrible lip synch problems with We have terrible lip synch problems with digital now. Won’t that be even more digital now. Won’t that be even more objectionable with HD pictures?objectionable with HD pictures?

““Immersion” is the Immersion” is the keywordkeyword

Immersion means entering more Immersion means entering more fully into a mediated experience.fully into a mediated experience.

A viewer can lean back and stay A viewer can lean back and stay immersed – if the screen is big immersed – if the screen is big enoughenough

Qualitatively, it’s like the difference Qualitatively, it’s like the difference between 2D and 3D.between 2D and 3D.

Home Cinema 1Home Cinema 1

Home Cinema 2Home Cinema 2

Home Cinema 3Home Cinema 3

Les MiserablesLes Miserables

What are the marketsWhat are the markets

Broadcast now (USA, Japan, Broadcast now (USA, Japan, Australia, Latin America)Australia, Latin America)

Broadcast soon (France, Italy, Broadcast soon (France, Italy, Germany, UK)Germany, UK)

Alternative content for Digital Alternative content for Digital cinema/Electronic Theatre?cinema/Electronic Theatre?

HD DVDs for home cinema.HD DVDs for home cinema.

The Cost factorThe Cost factor

Manufacturers are delivering very Manufacturers are delivering very cheap camcorders using compression, cheap camcorders using compression, but full bandwidth HD still expensivebut full bandwidth HD still expensive

Editing, image processing, graphics Editing, image processing, graphics cost more – investment in new cards, cost more – investment in new cards, software, HD monitors.software, HD monitors.

Design elements may require higher Design elements may require higher finish.finish.

Buying rights to library images – Buying rights to library images – paintings etc – may well cost more.paintings etc – may well cost more.

The Compatibility IssueThe Compatibility Issue The Producer will inevitably also have to The Producer will inevitably also have to

deliver – and pay for - standard definition deliver – and pay for - standard definition versions.versions.

The production team are faced with The production team are faced with difficult format choices – use the difficult format choices – use the widescreen for best effect or shoot and widescreen for best effect or shoot and protect for 4:3?protect for 4:3?

Making a good 16:9 version into a good Making a good 16:9 version into a good 4:3 version takes production times 4:3 version takes production times (decisions) and machine time (format (decisions) and machine time (format conversion/pan and scan) and stock.conversion/pan and scan) and stock.

AudioAudio

Better pictures need better sound.Better pictures need better sound. Lip synch needs to be absoluteLip synch needs to be absolute Apart from acquisition there are Apart from acquisition there are

dangers at edit conform, relays dangers at edit conform, relays through the TX system, and at the through the TX system, and at the home receiver.home receiver.

For projection there may be problems For projection there may be problems of wandering synch because of variable of wandering synch because of variable anti-key-stoning processing.anti-key-stoning processing.

What producers need to What producers need to think aboutthink about

Why shoot in HD? Why shoot in HD? Does it add valueDoes it add value?? What systemWhat system – 1080i/25, 720p, 1080p? – 1080i/25, 720p, 1080p? Have you got Have you got good technical advicegood technical advice

across the whole chain?across the whole chain? Can you Can you check picture quality on check picture quality on

locationlocation? There can be unpleasant ? There can be unpleasant surprises if you don’t have a proper surprises if you don’t have a proper widescreen HD monitor.widescreen HD monitor.

What producers need to What producers need to think aboutthink about

Are Are sets wigs and costumesets wigs and costume up to HD up to HD quality ?quality ?

Are your Are your artistesartistes up to it? up to it? Will you be using Will you be using lightslights? HD pictures ? HD pictures

only look good with the proper shaping only look good with the proper shaping What kind? What kind?

Are you sure about your Are you sure about your editingediting and and special FXspecial FX? Not all systems work ? Not all systems work quite as well as manufacturers claim.quite as well as manufacturers claim.

What producers need to What producers need to think aboutthink about

The cThe creative implicationsreative implications of better of better picture, widescreen and big screen for picture, widescreen and big screen for framing and transitions.framing and transitions.

Think about Think about audioaudio and be vigilant about and be vigilant about lip-synch through post. lip-synch through post.

Think about Think about compatibility with 4:3compatibility with 4:3 - - decide priorities.decide priorities.

Think about Think about titlestitles – size, positioning and – size, positioning and movement – will the concept work in 4:3movement – will the concept work in 4:3

Recent ExperienceRecent Experience

Dion Beebe shot some of Michael Dion Beebe shot some of Michael Mann’s Collateral on HD. Choice Mann’s Collateral on HD. Choice was practical rather than aesthetic.was practical rather than aesthetic.

SWOTSWOT

STRENGTHSTRENGTHBetter pictures.Better pictures.

Pictures will also work on big screens Pictures will also work on big screens as “Alternative Content” for e-as “Alternative Content” for e-cinema.cinema.

Higher quality for archive/library use Higher quality for archive/library use in futurein future

WEAKNESSWEAKNESSSystems may not deliver full quality.Systems may not deliver full quality.

Expense – need for upgrading Expense – need for upgrading acquisition, PP and display.acquisition, PP and display.

Displays need to be big to see qualityDisplays need to be big to see quality

Extra costs – and concerns – for Extra costs – and concerns – for producers, and consumers.producers, and consumers.

Need to convince consumers,Need to convince consumers,

System alone will not succeed – it System alone will not succeed – it needs appropriate programmingneeds appropriate programming

OPPORTUNITYOPPORTUNITYProvide a home cinema type of Provide a home cinema type of experience that attracts audiences,experience that attracts audiences,

THREATTHREATIf full quality not delivered by If full quality not delivered by broadcasters consumers will feel broadcasters consumers will feel cheated.cheated.

Producers invest in HD production Producers invest in HD production but cannot recoup their extra costs.but cannot recoup their extra costs.

New approaches to image making.New approaches to image making.

StrengthStrength

Better PicturesBetter Pictures Pictures will also work on big Pictures will also work on big

screens as “Alternative Content” for screens as “Alternative Content” for e-cinema.e-cinema.

Higher quality for archive/library Higher quality for archive/library use in future.use in future.

WeaknessWeakness

Systems may not deliver full qualitySystems may not deliver full quality Expense – need for upgrading Expense – need for upgrading

acquisition, PP and display.acquisition, PP and display. Displays need to be big to see qualityDisplays need to be big to see quality Extra costs – and concerns – for Extra costs – and concerns – for

producers and consumers.producers and consumers. Need to convince consumers.Need to convince consumers. System alone will not succeed – it System alone will not succeed – it

needs appropriate programming.needs appropriate programming.

OpportunityOpportunity

Provides a high quality home cinema Provides a high quality home cinema type of experience that attracts type of experience that attracts audiences.audiences.

ThreatThreat

If full quality not delivered by If full quality not delivered by broadcasters consumers will feel broadcasters consumers will feel cheated.cheated.

Producers invest in HD production Producers invest in HD production but cannot recoup their extra costs.but cannot recoup their extra costs.

New approaches to image making.New approaches to image making.

Immersivity 3 - Immersivity 3 - InteractivityInteractivity

Broadcasters like interactivity. The red Broadcasters like interactivity. The red button is appears more and more frequently.button is appears more and more frequently.

Evidence shows people like to vote.Evidence shows people like to vote. Olympics - 10 million viewers accessed the Olympics - 10 million viewers accessed the

service.service. Wimbledon - 4.2 million Sky viewers Wimbledon - 4.2 million Sky viewers

accessed the service.accessed the service. Test the Nation – I millionTest the Nation – I million Big Brother – 700,00- viewers paid 25p for Big Brother – 700,00- viewers paid 25p for

enhanced NTL/Telewest service.enhanced NTL/Telewest service.

Interactive menus Interactive menus clearer on HD clearer on HD

But….But…. Consumer experience in all systems is fairly Consumer experience in all systems is fairly

weak because of TV’s “asymmetry (only weak because of TV’s “asymmetry (only phone lines back). Cannot compete with phone lines back). Cannot compete with the speed of Internet or computer games.the speed of Internet or computer games.

The middleware platforms – Open, The middleware platforms – Open, Liberate, Freeview are incompatible. Liberate, Freeview are incompatible. Producers have to code separately for each Producers have to code separately for each system.system.

Some attempts to bridge the gap – Some attempts to bridge the gap – EnSequence, Chello, BBC has written its EnSequence, Chello, BBC has written its own system.own system.

Immersivity 4 – Content Immersivity 4 – Content EverywhereEverywhere

Producers increasingly need to Producers increasingly need to exploit their work, not only exploit their work, not only internationally, but across all media.internationally, but across all media.

Digital Cinema, Broadband Internet, Digital Cinema, Broadband Internet, Mobile devices (phones, PDA’s)Mobile devices (phones, PDA’s)

Challenge is to find a way to re-Challenge is to find a way to re-purpose entertainment brands so purpose entertainment brands so that users will pay.that users will pay.

Digital CinemaDigital Cinema Stability of electronic image offers enhanced Stability of electronic image offers enhanced

viewing.viewing. Instant distribution possible by satellite, Instant distribution possible by satellite,

terrestrial or cable.terrestrial or cable. More flexibility for cinema exhibitors.More flexibility for cinema exhibitors. Easier showing of commercialsEasier showing of commercials Can show much wider range of content – Can show much wider range of content –

concerts, events, theatre, sports, gaming concerts, events, theatre, sports, gaming tournaments.tournaments.

No hard copies to pirate, and good encryption.No hard copies to pirate, and good encryption. UK Film Council funding conversion of 200 UK Film Council funding conversion of 200

cinemas to digital.cinemas to digital.

The InternetThe Internet

Broadcasters’ salvation. They can put Broadcasters’ salvation. They can put more public service material on more public service material on related websites.related websites.

BBC’s website seen as a major plank BBC’s website seen as a major plank of their remit.of their remit.

Full symmetry for interactivity.Full symmetry for interactivity. Can link to the wider facilities of the Can link to the wider facilities of the

semantic web.semantic web. Keeps a toe in the broadband world.Keeps a toe in the broadband world.

The miraculous mobileThe miraculous mobile Consumer’s “favourite” device.Consumer’s “favourite” device. Producer’s favourite device also – consumer Producer’s favourite device also – consumer

pays to receive messages, and billing is pays to receive messages, and billing is automatic.automatic.

New Nvidia GoForce chip puts the power of a New Nvidia GoForce chip puts the power of a multi-media computer onto a mobile device.multi-media computer onto a mobile device.

But there are limits to how many users an But there are limits to how many users an individual cell can support.individual cell can support.

Will Wi-Fi be the answer?Will Wi-Fi be the answer? Meanwhile a battle royal is shaping up Meanwhile a battle royal is shaping up

between Microsoft and Symbian to dominate between Microsoft and Symbian to dominate the operating system.the operating system.

What can consumers What can consumers get?get?

Extra information.Extra information. Personalised servicesPersonalised services Special offersSpecial offers Opportunity to gamble.Opportunity to gamble. Additional storylines from a Additional storylines from a

favourite soap.favourite soap.

Content CreationContent Creation Experience shows that just relaying TV Experience shows that just relaying TV

content onto mobiles does not work?content onto mobiles does not work? Challenge is to find a way of producing Challenge is to find a way of producing

extra value at small cost.extra value at small cost. Producers such as Endemol experimenting Producers such as Endemol experimenting

with customised content.with customised content. Broadcasters also need good, cheap Broadcasters also need good, cheap

content..content.. Squeeze on producers to make more for Squeeze on producers to make more for

less.less. What are the possibilities. What are the possibilities.

Immersivity 5 - Immersivity 5 - AnimationAnimation

Synthetic imagesSynthetic images Animated films like Shrek and Toy Story are Animated films like Shrek and Toy Story are

among the most popular kinds of content.among the most popular kinds of content. But they are slow and expensive to produce.But they are slow and expensive to produce. Software like MAYA and 3D Studio Max is Software like MAYA and 3D Studio Max is

good but complex to operate.good but complex to operate. Television needs series to build viewer Television needs series to build viewer

loyalty – Monkey Dust, South Park, The loyalty – Monkey Dust, South Park, The Simpsons.Simpsons.

Is there a way this kind of creation can be Is there a way this kind of creation can be speeded up?speeded up?

3D Story Creation3D Story Creation

Settings, objects and characters are Settings, objects and characters are created as 3D meshes built from created as 3D meshes built from polygons, and “skinned”.polygons, and “skinned”.

Once built they can be observed Once built they can be observed from any position – a film-maker’s from any position – a film-maker’s dream.dream.

They are inherently interactive.They are inherently interactive.

The Machinima The Machinima “movement”“movement”

““Animated filmaking within a real-Animated filmaking within a real-time virtual 3D environment. time virtual 3D environment.

Uses games engines – Quake, Unreal Uses games engines – Quake, Unreal Tournament - to generate contentTournament - to generate content

Puppeteered or menu driven creation.Puppeteered or menu driven creation. Spielberg used it to storyboard his Spielberg used it to storyboard his

latest movie.latest movie. But still very basic.But still very basic.

MachinimaMachinima

European development over European development over 5 years5 years

VISIONS – Virtual storyboardingVISIONS – Virtual storyboarding VISTA – prototyping commercialsVISTA – prototyping commercials V-MAN – creating virtual humansV-MAN – creating virtual humans INSCAPE – Interactive StorytellingINSCAPE – Interactive Storytelling

Virtual peopleVirtual people

Builds sets, objects, Builds sets, objects, characters.characters.

Storyboarding for Storyboarding for televisiontelevision

Creating a movie in the Creating a movie in the International Space StationInternational Space Station

Virtual StorytellingVirtual Storytelling

Creates fantastic worlds easilyCreates fantastic worlds easily Capable of infinite special effects.Capable of infinite special effects. Creates story in real timeCreates story in real time Light data loadLight data load Viewers can put themselves in the story, Viewers can put themselves in the story,

create new storylines and characters.create new storylines and characters. Cheap easy way to storyboard, prototype Cheap easy way to storyboard, prototype

for testing, and author for direct use.for testing, and author for direct use.

Effect on Content StyleEffect on Content Style

TV drama moving further away from TV drama moving further away from strict realism to incorporate games and strict realism to incorporate games and interactive styles (eg Green Wing).interactive styles (eg Green Wing).

Sports (Olympics, Wimbledon) offer Sports (Olympics, Wimbledon) offer more alternative pathways through more alternative pathways through experience.experience.

Reality Shows (Big Brother) dependent Reality Shows (Big Brother) dependent on votingon voting

News channels mimic “Windows” News channels mimic “Windows” approach of the Internet.approach of the Internet.

Is the Future Flat?Is the Future Flat? Displays will be flat, big and immersiveDisplays will be flat, big and immersive High Definition will give the illusion of 3D High Definition will give the illusion of 3D

pictures.pictures. Content will be everywhere, customised for Content will be everywhere, customised for

devices. More fantasy (history, sci-fi) devices. More fantasy (history, sci-fi) settings.settings.

Viewers will be increasingly given the Viewers will be increasingly given the chance to enter the experience and interact chance to enter the experience and interact with contentwith content

Virtual storytelling will use 3D characters, Virtual storytelling will use 3D characters, objects and settings to author “flat” images.objects and settings to author “flat” images.

Paul Kafno – Paul Kafno – [email protected]@easynet.co.uk