Independently, my cell-block uses the snare of the audio provided to cycle through a set of mouth shapes to simulate lip syncing (albeit not realistic lip syncing). It also takes the video input and through Ramp and Displace, warps the image based on the “mid” registered from the audio as well. Without outside input the audio used is “Position Famous” by Frost Children, and the video is a looping timelapse POV of a subway traveling underground. This was to create a sense of motion and exhilaration (the movement of the subway and displacement), and playfulness (the lip syncing).
Collective documentation:
Video/photos of the assembled system: Admittedly, I forgot to take footage of the showcase. I was a bit more nervous about this project, worried about everything working properly with the other cell-blocks. Once it was my turn, I only focused on presenting my work. I plan to reach out to classmates to see if they recorded footage.
Process reflection:
The cell-block was self-contained but, on the exterior, was connected to incoming TOP and CHOP inputs as well as feeding those inputs out. So, on its own, the block would play as planned, but once outside audio and video were fed in, they would then take the effects of the previous media. There were some issues with feedback loops when testing this out, but mostly, it worked. The lips were a last-minute add and therefore independent…so no matter what, the lips stayed on screen; how it reacted depended on the audio input.
I made the choice to control the level of flashiness and movement with my visuals. It’s easy to fall into producing loud and flashy imagery with programs like TouchDesigner or even After Effects, however, I try to use media responsibly, and I also didn’t want to give myself a headache. I’ve made materials that are hard for photosensitive people to take in, and while some others loved the chaotic visuals, I wasn’t satisfied knowing a group of people wouldn’t be able to watch it (and enjoy it).
I was surprised a lot of people didn’t use audio that contained a lot of snares (or used much audio at all)… I was also surprised that everything worked together for the most part (if you can’t tell, I was nervous).
Everyone’s work offered me something new when combined. I would combine with Luke’s when I wanted the most cohesive combination, I would combine with Zarmeen’s when I wanted to destroy everything (or use her audio), I combined with Chad’s because I wanted to appear on his channels more, and I combined with Curtus when I wanted to see a dragon.
This project was a new way to envision Halprin’s cell-block method, but in a strictly digital realm. The goal was to have every block exist on its own and influence others (multiply the possibilities of the content produced). I think we mostly did that, although networking still feels stressful to me; I at least know how it works (sort of).