The Month of Machinima Launches in Second Life

Crap Mariner, known gridwide for his/her sunny disposition

Picture a giant, oddly shaped, metallic geodesic dome on a small island in the middle of the ocean.  Inside there is a dissolute robot standing on a stage surrounded by comfortable seating for hundreds. This was my first glimpse of the Linden Endowment for the Arts (LEA) machinima theatre built by Werner Kurosawa.

Ignoring the rusty robot for the moment, this place is cool and it is the home base for the first Month of Machinima (MoM) event starting today.  The talented SL film artists now have a central inworld location to be viewed and appreciated.  I don't think I was supposed to be there when one of the organizers was testing the functionality and I'm certain I wasn't supposed to click on things.  But I was, and I did, and it worked and I am impressed.

LEA Theatre (moderate)

The films are available to view in the theatre and all viewers will be able to see the video. Let me repeat that before the whining about V2 starts up, all viewers can see the videos.  New machinima will be launched on the first wednesday of every month and then also available on the MoM YouTube Channel which is being activated today. Go to the MoM Wiki page to learn how to submit your own entries.

The is the first project of the LEA Committee and they have obviously been working very hard to not only organize this event but also to create a multi sim destination that highlights and celebrates art in Second Life.  Construction isn't complete yet  but there will be more to see than I had expected.  This includes 3 sims hosting exhibitions by SL Artists and the application process for those exhibits will be announced shortly.  There will also be Bryn Oh's wild new Avatar Games which should launch next month.

LEA Sandbox Under Construction

The LEA Committee members are:

• Bryn Oh
• Chantal Harvey
• Dancoyote Antonelli 
• Dekka Raymaker
• Dizzy Banjo
• Jayjay Zifanwe 
• L1Aura Loire
• Rez Menoptra 
• Sasun Steinbeck 
• Werner Kurosawa
• Courtney Linden

According to Sasun Steinbeck "Our plans for the future include some great things - a welcome center with information about the arts in SL and educational materials for aspiring artists, a full region for Architectural arts, another full region dedicated full-time to Machinima, the Art Sandbox to help build community and encourage creativity and collaboration, and we will be starting an Artist in Residence program for some deserving artists with plenty of land to experiment on. We also plan to build an education center, perfect for hosting lectures, classes, and discussions related to SL art. We also have one region allocated to adult art, so the good stuff won't be left out! :)"

You need to bookmark their blog so that you can keep up with what's happening!

Bryn Oh's Rusted Orrey

The launch of MoM this morning was very successful and honestly had the funkiest audience I've ever seen at an inworld event.  We were entertained by a distinguished monkey playing the accordian and all spent time ducking the tiny ghost with a bloody chainsaw.  Then we had some speeches and viewed 13 wildly diverse but fabulous films. There were a few little glitches but nothing that spoiled it for anybody (but the one Tiny who pointed out the lack of appropriate seating for avatars his size, I hope somebody is fixing that).  You should go visit the theatre and check out both the machinima and the unique technology being used. 

Oh yes, that rusty piece of scrap metal in the photo at the top?  I don't know exactly what the Committee was smoking when they deliberated but, the very first machinima shown in the new theatre was..... you guessed it .....Crap's.  I think s/he's finally forced to wear the title "artist" although I suspect the word "grumpy" will find its way in there somehow.  You can watch his film here but do go check out the rest on the MoM Youtube Channel.

This is not your Mother's Mexico in Second Life

Ciudad de Mexico (moderate)

I don't know what images spring to mind for you when you hear Ciudad de Mexico but, unless you've already visited, they won't be anything like what the creators have built in Second Life.  I was somewhat prepared because Caliburn Susanto had linked to a set of photographs he took.  They were so good and so intriguing I had to go explore.  I owe him big time!

The City is bright, compex and a great mixture of the future and past.  There are streets to walk, shops to spend all your Lindens and gorgeous buildings.  But this Ciudad has a secret.

Ciudad de Mexico Underground (moderate)

There is a second City beneath it.  A huge, cavernous space where the "old" is not only preserved it is as alive and vibrant in its own way as the metal and glass metropolis above.

To get some idea just how large this underground space is you have to look for the pale grey dot in the centre of the photo above.  That's me appreciating the monument in the main square.

Ciudad de Mexico Underground (moderate)

The entire build covers two sims.  There are a seemingly endless number of doorways and tunnels and ramps that take you to new wonders and unexpected corners of both Cities. 

Cal became convinced there was some type of role play going on and there well may be.  It's certainly a great location for it.  But I couldn't find any of the usual backstories or rules and suspect that it's intended to give us a glimpse of the creator's vision of both the past and the future of someplace he or she loves.  Whatever the intent this is a fabulous destination.

Mexico Distrito Federal Underground (moderate)

For those looking for a new romantic location you must go visit the underground of Mexico Distrito Federal.  There is a palace of sorts with a lush garden that was being enjoyed by multiple couples while I was there.  To add to the intrigue of the whole thing there are many futuristic touches in this underground eden - don't expect anything to be simple or straightforward.  It's as if aliens saw photographs of Mexico and recreated it with their own touches.

I've been back a few times in the past two days and noticed some additions this morning.  I think they're getting ready for Cinqo de Mayo.  This is a perfect time for you to go celebrate the magical possibilities of the grid.  Get out of your sky box, take some time away from that hunt and go explore these two marvelous visions.  I'm in awe.

Ciudad de Mexico Underground (moderate)

Finding Eternity in Second Life

Eternity Castle (moderate)

I spent some time this morning trying to figure out why I keep winding up in role playing communities.  The answer, I think, is in part because there are so many of them and in part because they have great builds.  If you combine a passion for creating with a community purpose the result can be amazing.

So imagine, if you will, 18 medieval sims collectively known as Eternity with a population "drawn from 10 races including Humans, Vampire, Drow, Demons, Shapeshifters, Lycan, Fae, Elves, Mermaids and Dragons. There is also a band of pirates set base on the land. These groups are supported in their role play by guilds such as the Mage and Cleric Guilds. Community groups such as the Queen's Gallery, the Bards and the land's Nobility further strengthen RP activities."

Eternity (moderate)

I began my tour on Tir na Latis -which seems as good a place to start as any.  All of my links but one will lead you there - I'm doing that because there is an extensive information package that you really should read through before starting to explore.

The romance of medieval times (without the hassle of poor hygiene, plagues or an over abundance of rodents) is well presented on these islands.  The population mix adds an edge that keeps it from being cliched or bland.

Eternity (moderate)

This is a seriously evolved and involved community.  There are lots of castles, villages, farms, forests, pathways and harbours.  This group also has some truly wonderful fantasy/medieval shopping available.

For those with a penchant for violence grin  you'll find all sorts of sword play, jousting, magical combat and tournaments galore.

Eternity (moderate)

One of the things I loved about visiting Eternity is that I didn't feel intimidated or threatened.  Nobody tried to kill me (which always earns points in my book) and it feels like a friendly environment - if you want to try role playing and you like medieval then I suggest you go to Eternity.

One last note.  The Ruins is an OOC (out of character) location which hosts concerts etc.  Open every day after 6:00 pm this might be a good destination if you just want to talk to local residents and get a feel for the place.  Or go merely to enjoy the music. :)

Eternity (moderate)

Art & Grieving for Japan in Second Life

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

Photographer Sayoko Moonwall and Illustrator Yoyo Quartz are Japanese artists taking advantage of Second Life to express their grieving for the recent events and current recovery of their country and fellow citizens.  Their installation "Strength & Prayer" opened yesterday and I think it will touch you as it did me.

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

Yoyo's illustration of "Strength" becomes a 3d rotating Carp with floating banners and fading shadows when built inworld.  Sayoko's photographs representing "Prayer" and surrounded by burning candles (displayed primarily in the black room) appear and disappear reminding us how fragile our world and life really is.

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

I spent some time chatting with Sayoko and, in spite of the confusion caused by 3 translators simultaneously getting it wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and learning about their friendship and collaboration.

Strength & Prayer on Kick (moderate)

I was sufficiently intrigued that I went to visit their Gallery Sayopiyo on Kyoto Bakumatsu.  This is a gorgeous sim and deserves some exploration on its own.  Do go see their new exhibit and then check out their gallery.  Two very talented artists are sharing the results of a successful partnership with us and I, for one, am very grateful.

Gallery Sayopiyo (moderate)

A Hodge Podge of Second Life History

The Box for my Hippo Avatar by Daryth Kennedy & Stickman Ingmann (moderate)

I've been rereading Lalo Tellings great series on Second Life history and it occurred to me that there are a few things that form part of our collective consciousness that newer residents might not be familiar with.  Nothing world shattering but the sort of thing many of us take for granted and assume everybody knows.  I thought I'd highlight just a few.

One of them is the reason for the prevalence of hippos on the grid.  If you just arrived and wondered why the apparent fascination with them there is an explanation and the easter egg we were used to in the original viewer was added to V2 just so this bit of history didn't get lost.

Climbable Beanstalk (general)

The story goes that "Linden World was opened to a trickle of Beta users in March 2002; the first to register chose the dubious name "Stellar Sunshine" for her avatar.  As the Linden staff exited the warehouse office for the night, they left Stellar alone to wander the world ... The next day they got to see what their first citizen had made." (source The Making of Second Life by Wagner James [Hamlet] Au)

What she had made, in part, was a giant climbable beanstalk.  You can still see and climb her creation and visiting this first example of "user created content" should be a requirement for all of us.

Governor's Mansion (general)

Stellar also built the Governor's Mansion, now a heritage building in Second Life.  You can visit here and take a dip in the pool imagining the "old timers" having a barbecue on the deck.  What you really ought to do is find your way into the basement and look at some of the early photographs.  Holding on to those memories is, I think, important.

SL Historical Museum (general)

This is the SL Historical Museum.  It's a horrible photo but a fun site to visit.  Volunteers created and maintain this build and it's a great place to learn something about the early experiences inworld.  In fact, this is where I first found out why there were so many hippos all over the place. My first visit was a few years ago but I still return just to remind myself of the grid's roots and envy the early explorers.  That sense of "one community" doesn't really exist now but I wish it did.

Blue Bay (general)

As a last location today I'd love to be able to send you to the notorious Corn Field - but that's not possible.  It sometimes is opened to the public and I hope you take advantage of that opportunity should it arise.  

I can, however, share with you one of the many little discussed "truths" about the Second Life grid.  Blue Bay is an innocuous name for a vital piece of our infrastructure.  You've certainly rezzed a plywood box inworld and I'll bet you didn't stop to wonder where it came from.  Think about it, there are millions of them on the land, in the sky and in inventories but they have to come from somewhere.  It might look like a quasi oil derrick but this is, in fact, the factory which churns out thousands of our favourite building blocks a day.  The machinery is well oiled and I hope well maintained.  If it ever stops working we're in deep deep trouble.

It's 1891 & Jack the Ripper isn't the only threat in Second Life

1891 (moderate)

If you want dark role play but don't want futuristic cyber spectaculars then consider the Victorian Era.  Specifically, consider the Benighted Quietus.   This destination and its sister Beyond Darkness exist in the Victorian England of 1891.  Home to Legacies 1891 Role Play it is claimed that you will finally learn the truth about Jack the Ripper.

1891 (moderate)

If you go to their website you will learn that "Legacies is a beautiful, dark universe for the demented and twisted either residing here or exploring here. Mature, No Holds Barred,  extremely dark and cold, no mercy is found here. Leave your inhibitions behind, open your mind, your imagination and simply let go. We here, exist beyond darkness deep in the crevices of the disturbed."

Beyond Darkness (moderate)

The sun doesn't shine in this forsaken part of the universe.  The journal explains what happened but I suspect it will take much time and effort to free this lost place.  What then what would they do or think if they returned to us?  That is a problem for future generations to consider.

Beyond Darkness (moderate)

For the experienced role players I can tell you this is "Free-form RP using LaRPS. VTM, WOD, D&D, dice-rolls" and includes Vampires, Nekos and Demons. (you'd think Jack the Ripper would be enough right?)

I'm not easily spooked .... OK, yes I am and this place got to me.  I think my photos would have been much better if I hadn't been running so hard while I took them.  If you seek the dark and dangerous then 1891 should be on your list.

Oh and one last note.  They've been invaded by demented squirrels.  I even found them underwater when I was hiding resting my camera.

1891 (moderate)

The Ridiculous, Sublime and Impossible in Second Life

David Rumsey Maps (general)

I thought that, before I return to the dark role play type of destination in Second Life, I'd show you a couple of old friends and a few new ones just to "cleanse your palate" (as it were).

The David Rumsey Maps has grown in size since my last visit - it now covers 4 sims.  This "Library and Exhibition of old maps from the David Rumsey Collection" is a fascinating build.  If you love old maps from different times and places this is your opportunity to actually walk on a topographical realization of some classics.  More information on the collection can be found on their website and I encourage you to consider it one of those places you must explore at least once in this life.

Photon's Castle (general)

Photon Pink's Castle is ridiculous.  It is fun and bright and cartoonish and fabulous.  One of the really irritating things about it, if you're a builder, is that it's so well done.  The attention to detail is incredible and if you like taking fantastical photographs you'll love the castle and the island.  You can find outrageous items for your home here and once you've spent some time getting into the spirit of the place you'll want everything.

Heart of Dragons (moderate)

If you're afraid of heights be prepared when you visit the Heart of Dragons.  This medieval kingdom has been built on a series of floating islands connected by thin wooden suspension bridges.  There is an En Garde arena for those addicted to the game (or those who wish to learn), shopping, a ballroom and more. 

Sialimonus (moderate)

If you want to experience space age bumper cars - or in this case Zipper Cars - go visit Sialimonus.  360 Racing offers you the chance to race inside the globe sideways, upside down and however you feel will work.  The cars and racing are free and up to 8 of you can compete at the same time and try for bragging rights.  I had my usual luck with an inworld vehicle, which is to say I can't steer for sh*t and I'm glad nobody was watching.  sigh

GreenBurg (moderate)

Finally today I bring you a perfect location to rest after all that exertion.  The Garden of GreenBurg surprised me.  I initally thought I might have to conclude it was cliched or "precious" but there are enough surprises and different touches that it's a joy to explore.  Keep your eyes open for evidence that the builders have a really quirky sense of humour.

I'll get back to wonderfully realized dark role play tomorrow.  Today I think you should go experience some of the random excellence available inworld.  :)