However I did make a silly little thing in the office:
I attached it to my can of pop so every time I picked it up it clicked a video and opened it in Preview on Mac. I made me laugh. I really like not having to have an ‘earth’ unlike the Classic – but there are ways around that anyway.
I have been working on a nice little project at work. I’d rather not say too much about it just yet as it’s a bit of a secret.
But it’s basically a push button interactive that will use a webcam and Isadora. Its stand alone and fully automated. Here is a glimpse of it from the back – if you are a techy like me then you always like to see the ‘guts’ of the piece.
A 32″ samsung LED TV has been used. A standard 2015 mac mini, a HD Logitec webcam, the amazing Makey Makey original board with a commercial grade push button. All houses in a custom made frame.
I will take some more pictures and probably some video once the project is complete.
A nice 3 minute video from Aura here, it’s a bit late – i’ve been rather busy!
“[A]ura – WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get
A performance-gallery with open-source-choreography
One day the internet will be as sacred as a giant ancient cathedral. And everybody will sacrifice their details to pay tribute to the digital gods.
In the interactive performance (A)ura, the user is transformed from spectator, to creator: during the weeks before the premiere they can find a unique feature at ChoreoMixer, with which they can design and remix the choreography and contents of (A)ura, by using the browser.
Walter Benjamin says that in modern art the aura of the work of art withers because of mechanical reproduction, and inaccessibility, due to too close a proximity to the observer.
At the same time, a completely different aura of amazement will be created by new technologies. Every user can be a choreographer, an innovative remixer and in that way create his own virtual memorial which perhaps will follow its own unexpected ways. Closeness and distance will join crosswise in a new way.
But what about the situation when the digital medium refuses to cooperate with the user?
What you see is what you get.
choreography/dance: Elke Pichler
music/video: Alexander Nantschev
stagedesign/costumes: Monika Biegler
programming: Stefan Lechner
interactive technical support: Graham Thorne
legal consulting: Clemens Lahner
pr: Stefan Eigenthaler
camera: Philipp Aichinger
Kindly supported by:
MA7, Kosmostheater and Ars Electronica Center”
I was asked how to create a feedback effects using just the edge of a persons outline. This is how i’d go about it.
1) Use either a Kinect mask (via Ni-mate or similar) or a green screen video. I am using a free download green screen video.
2) Threshold then ‘fills’ the person with white.
3) The Edge then ives you an outline.
4) The video mixer and Spinner actors create the feedback loop. Changing the zoom from 90-120 give good effects. You can also spin the feedback – as you can see me doing. The mix amount can vary; play around with this yourself. Start on 50 so you can see 50:50 and then alter it to your desired effect.
5) The contrast adjust brings the white back up again – this will vary depending on your video feed. I find the IN MAX to 10-12 works ok.
6) Add some motion blur. This is processor hungry so you can always skip this.
7) Out to your stage/projector.
8) I also created a second projector and layered it over the top; using a feed direct from the edge. This will sit on top of the other layer sits more obvious where the person is.
9) OPTIONAL: add more effects such as a coloriser. Add other effects too!
Every now and again I like to post some video that I’ve seen. Here they are;
A music video/live performance all done using Z-Vector; VJ Julius Tuomisto and his Z Vector software from Delicode. I love this type of live, real time visuals.
Isadora user ‘Lanz’ posted this on the forum. A very fun, vibrant and interesting piece. Lovely digital scenery! [More info here]
“Taking inspiration from fairy tales, In A Deep Dark Wood is a fun and interactive show about a little girl who bravely ventures into a dark and mysterious wood. Encountering tempting trees to climb and beguiling creatures, the tale unfolds as the young audience help to create a magical world using shadow and light to guide the little girl through her bewitching adventure.”
Last but not least check out ‘The zero hour’ by Imitating the Dog.
“Taking as its starting point the final moments of the Second World War in Berlin, The Zero Hour follows the stories of three couples living through three very different versions of the same historical events”
If you have any cool videos to share then add them to the comments below.
I managed to get some footage of a project I was helping with a few weeks back.
This was held at the Barbican Theatre/Performance Venue in London, UK. My friend Dan Shorten (from Anomic) who works as Guild Hall School of Drama had students help out and we helped the Barbican promote the spaces and areas they have for potential clients.
I helped with some of the mapping and made sure Isadora ran smoothly. Which it did… of course!
World Stage Design 2013 ‘Isadora and Interactivity’ workshop.
I am pleased to announce that I will be doing a workshop at World Stage Design 2013 in the UK, Cardiff, Wales on Friday 13th September.
This one day course will cover key areas of the Isadora software. And its use as an interactive tool. The workshop will cover many topics that are relevant to a wide range of disciplines including dance, theatre, VJ/DJ and technician/installation.
Delegates will have the opportunity to gain an insight including real-life tips and tricks, from one of the UK’s top Isadora experts (me!).
Who should attend?
Professionals and students within all areas of theatre design
Graham Thorne 
