Another Perspective on Deep Fakes: Threat and Opportunity

At the NAB 2019’s Broadcast Cybersecurity course, Emblematic Group founder/chief executive Nonny de la Peña introduced deep fakes by showing pairs of images and asking the audience to call out which was fake and which was real. From paired images of Presidents Obama and Trump, among others, audience members were consistently unable to pick the correct “fake” image. University of Washington researchers created a very convincing — but fake — video of Barack Obama, she revealed, by using neural network AI and 14 hours of Obama footage. Continue reading Another Perspective on Deep Fakes: Threat and Opportunity

Registration Discount for Engadget’s Alternate Realities Event

The rise of AR, VR and AI present new mediums for artists and storytellers to push boundaries and make us reconsider our preconceived notions of reality. On November 14 in Los Angeles, The Engadget Experience: Alternate Realities invites you to witness firsthand — through immersive installations, in-depth interviews, and screenings — today’s creative pioneers living at the intersection of art and technology. The all-day event will feature a collection of compelling talks, panels, artist spotlights and a closing reception. Visit Engadget for a complete list of presentations and to order your tickets online. The ETCentric community can get 50 percent off General Admission tickets by using promo code ETCCENTER50. Continue reading Registration Discount for Engadget’s Alternate Realities Event

‘The Engadget Experience: Alternate Realities’ Slated for LA

The rise of augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence present new mediums for artists and storytellers to push boundaries and make us reconsider our preconceived notions of reality. On November 14 in Los Angeles, The Engadget Experience: Alternate Realities invites you to witness firsthand — through immersive installations, in-depth interviews, and screenings — today’s creative pioneers living at the intersection of art and technology. The all-day event, to be held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel, will feature a collection of compelling talks, panels, artist spotlights and a closing reception. Visit Engadget for a complete list of presentations and to order your tickets online. Continue reading ‘The Engadget Experience: Alternate Realities’ Slated for LA

‘The Engadget Experience: Alternate Realities’ Slated for LA

The rise of augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence present new mediums for artists and storytellers to push boundaries and make us reconsider our preconceived notions of reality. On November 14 in Los Angeles, The Engadget Experience: Alternate Realities invites you to witness firsthand — through immersive installations, in-depth interviews, and screenings — today’s creative pioneers living at the intersection of art and technology. The all-day event, to be held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel, will feature a collection of compelling talks, panels, artist spotlights and a closing reception. Visit Engadget for a complete list of presentations and to order your tickets online. Continue reading ‘The Engadget Experience: Alternate Realities’ Slated for LA

USC: Evolution of Entertainment Conference to Focus on VR

The student-run Business of Entertainment Association (BEA) at the USC Marshall School of Business is producing a day-long conference on virtual reality. The E2 Conference will focus on the business of VR entertainment, highlighting many of the tech innovations related to VR, while addressing the practical applications of VR in studio entertainment. This will be a great opportunity to network with business students exploring careers in media. Warner Bros. is a sponsor, and ETC@USC’s Phil Lelyveld is moderating a panel. Go to the E2 Conference site for more information and to register. E2 is scheduled for Friday, February 19. Continue reading USC: Evolution of Entertainment Conference to Focus on VR

Immersive Journalists Talk Real-Time and Long-Form VR News

Award-winning filmmakers and video reporters Nonny de la Peña, Sandy Smolan and Ben Solomon, along with ABC News Digital executive Dan Silver, took part in a wide-ranging discussion about immersive journalism at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival this past week. Among the ideas expressed were the importance of choosing the right stories for the virtual reality medium, of telling them with filmic finesse to maintain audience interest, and of designing the role of the on-screen reporter. Noted as on the near horizon for immersive reportage were real-time streaming, interactivity, and live action capture with the aid of videogrammetry. Continue reading Immersive Journalists Talk Real-Time and Long-Form VR News

Must-See VR at Sundance: Volumetric Capture, Empathic Tales

At the Sundance Film Festival, the latest in virtual reality appears at the New Frontier, the Sundance Institute’s showcase for virtual reality, immersive cinematic works, and media lab innovations. 2016 is no exception, and the buzz is already out about some of the must-see virtual reality movies and experiences. Among them, “The Wasteland” from 8i is one recommendation. Other notable VR experiences at Sundance include “American Bison,” “Kiya” and “Wave of Grace.” Continue reading Must-See VR at Sundance: Volumetric Capture, Empathic Tales

USC: Evolution of Entertainment Conference to Focus on VR

The student-run Business of Entertainment Association (BEA) at the USC Marshall School of Business is producing a day-long conference on virtual reality. The E2 Conference will focus on the business of VR entertainment, highlighting many of the tech innovations related to VR, while addressing the practical applications of VR in studio entertainment. This will be a great opportunity to network with business students exploring careers in media. Warner Bros. is a sponsor, and ETC@USC’s Phil Lelyveld is moderating a panel. Go to the E2 Conference site for more information and to register. E2 is scheduled for Friday, February 19. Continue reading USC: Evolution of Entertainment Conference to Focus on VR

Digital Hollywood: VR for Live Events in Music, News, Sports

Virtual reality for live events is a reality, not just for music, news and sports but red carpet events, revealed Variety editor David S. Cohen, who hosted one covering the debut of “Guardians of the Galaxy” recently. He noted the difference between the three genres under consideration. “Sports are a live play. News is perishable but doesn’t always have to be live. Music is more evergreen.” At Digital Hollywood, experts shared the most exciting opportunities and most concerning pitfalls of VR content. Continue reading Digital Hollywood: VR for Live Events in Music, News, Sports

SIGGRAPH 2015: More on VR and 360 Degrees of Experience

Last week we reported that beneath the aura of excitement generated this year at SIGGRAPH 2015 by the prevalence of virtual reality, a number of compelling panels examined the nuts and bolts of creating VR experiences, including managing workflow and assets. Part 2 of our report on SIGGRAPH VR panels continues with coverage of the VR Village sessions Creating on the Edge and Convergences in Film and Games Technologies, featuring perspectives from professionals in production, post production, visual effects, gaming and journalism. Continue reading SIGGRAPH 2015: More on VR and 360 Degrees of Experience

Virtual & Augmented Reality Summit Comes to Digital Hollywood

Last week’s Digital Hollywood Spring event at the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey featured a new track: a three-day Virtual & Augmented Reality Summit. Panels and sessions covered a wide range of topics — including cameras, software solutions, sound design, workflow, file management, and more — and demonstrated just how rapidly this new art form is evolving. GoPro’s acquisition of multi-GoPro spherical stitching software company Kolor was the big news. At the same time, VR producers say they are looking for better camera and stitching solutions. Continue reading Virtual & Augmented Reality Summit Comes to Digital Hollywood