Just a few years ago, there were huge barriers to entry into the
computer animation. The computers cost zillions of dollars and
the artists were often required to work with mathematicians and
"animators", high-tech math whizzes who can apply
three-dimensional movement algorithms to flat pictures.
Using three
one-dimensional drawing called an "orthographic projection", the
computer takes the top, front and side view of an object and
reconstructs it in three dimensional space.
It's time for "Amateur
Hour"
Back in the 1960's
there was a TV show called "Amateur Hour", where aspiring talent
could leap the hurdle into stardom. Amateurs like Frank
Sinatra, Gladys Knight, Nick Carter, Pat Boone, and crooner
Connie Francis all got their "break" during the Amateur Hour.
Well, it's now amateur hour on the
internet, a great source for really good, or really bad homemade
videos.
Today,
the falling prices of computers allows anyone to compete for a
world-famous video. CPU power is 2x faster every
year and disks are now under $1k/gig. This shifting
economics has leveled the playing field, and it's no longer
necessary to be "endowed" to be published. No money, no
talent, no formal training, no problem, you are a computer
animator. The results are fascinating.
The cream rises to the top
Having instant access
to video web sites like YouTube (Google Videos) is the vehicle
to stardom. It's a 24x7 virtual clone of the American Idol
TV show, a platform where anyone, regardless of background,
might rise into instant stardom with a smash hit video.
That's just a few reasons why I
like watching YouTube and Google Videos, and here are some of my favorites.
Please note that some of these links are not appropriate for
children. Evidently, one criteria for web video fame is
the ability to include gratuitous profanity, sexual innuendo and
the heart-wrenching gore of "Apocalypto".
Technology videos:
Since many folks with Mac G5's
can create their own videos with ease, it's no surprise that
many of the most creative talent chooses computer-related
topics:
Is this a real airplane crash caught on tape,
or a magnificent work of animation?
Fun Stuff:
The best laptop computer ever made
Gassy TV
commercial
