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Machinima: The Art and Practice of Virtual Filmmaking

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Machinima is a rapidly growing art form that uses video game engines to create films. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the techniques and aesthetics of machinima filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production. It is written by a team of leading machinima artists and scholars, and is the first book to cover the subject in such depth.

Machinima: The Art and Practice of Virtual Filmmaking

by Phylis Johnson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3216 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	327 pages

What is Machinima?

Machinima is a portmanteau of the words "machine" and "cinema." It is a form of filmmaking that uses video game engines to create films. Machinima artists use the game engine's built-in tools to create characters, sets, and props, and then use the game's physics engine to simulate the movement of the characters and objects in the film. Machinima films can be anything from short films to feature-length films, and they can cover a wide range of genres, including action, adventure, comedy, drama, and horror.

The History of Machinima

The history of machinima can be traced back to the early days of video games. In the 1990s, players began to use game engines to create short films and videos. These early machinima films were often crude and experimental, but they laid the foundation for the art form that we know today.

In the early 2000s, machinima began to gain popularity as a way to create films that were not possible to make with traditional methods. Machinima artists began to use game engines to create films with complex visuals and sophisticated storytelling. The release of the Source Filmmaker in 2012 marked a major turning point in the history of machinima. The Source Filmmaker is a free software program that allows users to create machinima films using the Source engine, which is the engine that powers the Half-Life and Portal video game series. The Source Filmmaker made it possible for anyone to create machinima films, and it led to a surge in the popularity of the art form.

The Art of Machinima

Machinima is a unique art form that combines the techniques of filmmaking with the aesthetics of video games. Machinima artists use the game engine's built-in tools to create characters, sets, and props, and then use the game's physics engine to simulate the movement of the characters and objects in the film. Machinima films can be anything from short films to feature-length films, and they can cover a wide range of genres, including action, adventure, comedy, drama, and horror.

One of the most important aspects of machinima filmmaking is the creation of characters. Machinima artists use the game engine's character creation tools to create characters that are both visually appealing and believable. The characters in a machinima film should be able to convey a wide range of emotions, and they should be able to interact with each other in a realistic way.

Another important aspect of machinima filmmaking is the creation of sets and props. Machinima artists use the game engine's built-in tools to create sets and props that are both visually appealing and functional. The sets and props in a machinima film should help to create the atmosphere of the film, and they should be able to support the action of the film.

The physics engine is also an important part of machinima filmmaking. The physics engine simulates the movement of the characters and objects in the film, and it can be used to create realistic effects such as gravity, wind, and water. The physics engine can also be used to create special effects such as explosions and car chases.

The Practice of Machinima

Machinima filmmaking is a complex and challenging process. It requires a combination of artistic and technical skills. Machinima artists must be able to use the game engine's tools to create characters, sets, and props, and they must be able to use the physics engine to simulate the movement of the characters and objects in the film. They must also be able to write a script, direct the actors, and edit the film.

The first step in machinima filmmaking is to develop a script. The script should outline the story of the film, and it should include dialogue for the characters. Once the script is complete, the machinima artist can begin to create the characters, sets, and props for the film. The machinima artist will use the game engine's built-in tools to create the characters, sets, and props. The machinima artist will also use the physics engine to simulate the movement of the characters and objects in the film.

Once the characters, sets, and props are complete, the machinima artist can begin to film the movie. The machinima artist will use the game engine's built-in tools to control the camera, and they will use the physics engine to simulate the movement of the characters and objects in the film. The mach

Machinima: The Art and Practice of Virtual Filmmaking

by Phylis Johnson

5 out of 5