Monthly Archives: October 2009

CALL FOR DESIGNERS, ARTISTS & TECHNOLOGISTS: Let’s Create an Art & Tech Corridor at this Year’s 3 Rivers Arts Festival

Posted by Admin in Art + Tech Events, Art and Technology, Design, Entertainment Technology, Events, Exhibitions, Festivals, Opportunities, Pittsburgh and tagged with , , , , , , , ,

homepage_15DEADLINE EXTENDED to Monday, November 30 NOON
This year is a brand new year for the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Under new management, the folks at the festival have asked us for a proposal to infuse leading edge technology into the art show this June. Throughout the month of November, we will be compiling proposals from creatives of all genres: design, robotics, interactive art, music, entertainment technology….and more! No idea is too big or too small — send us your proposals by November 20, 2009, or contact kharvey@pghtech.org for more information.

DETAILS:  CALL FOR DESIGNERS, ARTISTS & TECHNOLOGISTS:

The Pittsburgh Technology Council is in currently creating a proposal  to create an Art and Tech Corridor in the Cultural District during this year’s arts festival, and is looking for companies and individuals to participate – and showcase the innovation and creativity of our region.

DEADLINE: November 20, 2009

MEDIA: All tech related

WHO CAN SUBMIT: Any individual artist, group or business

ART SPECIFICATIONS: Indoor and outdoor space available. Gallery space, vacant buildings and storefronts. We will find space based on your proposal. Artwork must be available for display for a 10-day duration during the festival.

PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS: Email  a one-page proposal, one-page artist resume and any applicable images of related work to kharvey@pghtech.org by November 20, 2009.

BUDGET: Please include any budgets or artist stipends necessary to complete your project.

NOTIFICATIONS: Selected artists will be notified after the Arts Festival Directors review, based on their recommendations. Notification will likely occur  in the February/March timeframe.

For more information, contact Kim Harvey at 412.918.4223.

Is Film Dead? Find out at the Three Rivers Film Symposium on November 13

Posted by Admin in Art + Tech Events, Education, Events, Film and tagged with , , ,

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The 2009 Three Rivers Film Symposium: “IS FILM DEAD?”
The Changing Ways Movies Are Made And Displayed

Date:  Friday, Nov. 13  10a-5p at Pittsburgh Filmmakers

As part of the Three Rivers Film Festival, the second annual Film Symposium will look at the state of the film medium and its alternatives.  Celluloid’s demise has been predicted for decades, with video advancing in picture quality, sound, portability, and affordability. Yet film has itself improved over the years, and 35mm film remains the standard of attainment for video.  Will high-definition (HD) video, in some form, finally eclipse film?  Those attending this event will gain an understanding of these often-complex technologies, and an appreciation of the tools in making motion picture art.

Attendees will participate in a number of ways:

  1. Be an extra in a performance video: A veteran crew with an Red (HD) camera will shoot a band performing a song in the Soundstage.  Then a Flip camera will do the same thing.  Then a 35mm film crew will show and discuss the footage they previously shot of the band.  Same subject–three different media, with three different approaches.  Attendees will be needed as extras, and can observe the process and the results.
  2. Check out the demos: How does a film camera work?  How does film make an image?  How does video cameras make pictures?  How about special effects?  Hands-on demonstrations of current gear, and a rare display of vintage equipment will demystify the technology.  The day will feature special presentations of the latest in film imaging (by a visiting professional from Kodak ) and hi-definition video (by a Panasonic pro) and a case study by a filmmaker who has worked with both.
  3. Join in the discussion: Anyone who has been to a movie theater, watched TV, or viewed video on the Web has something to contribute to the open discussion that wraps up the day, because the audience is the ultimate arbiter of the whole film vs. video business.

A few underlying questions and themes will define the day:

Film’s Life Expectancy: Now a venerable 115 years old, cellulose-based cinema is still going strong, chosen for about 90 percent of feature film productions.  What will be its share by 2015?  2025?  Will film ever be retired as a means of acquiring moving images?  If so, what will be lost?

The Medium is Not Always the Message: Most artists shoot with whatever they can afford or get their hands on. While format plays a part in conveying meaning and artistic expression, how about storytelling?  Does an enrapt audience care if it’s 35mm or Hi8?

The Rise of the Enhanced Viewing Experience: DLP Cinema projection… Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound… the growth of 3D.  How will these exhibition features change the films?  Will independent artists utilize them?

The Rise of Crappy Images: The most compelling movie of 2009 came from a shaky cel phone on the streets of Tehran.  A hundred million Americans watch 14 billion videos every month on YouTube alone.  We’ve become accustomed to watching motion pictures of approximate quality of the proto-TV broadcasts of the 1930’s (or Super8 film). Will the ease of acquiring, transmitting, and displaying low-res ensure its continued presence?

Cost at the door: $30 (or $15 for students and members)

Contact:  Will Zavala      zavala@pghfilmmakers.org (412) 681-5449 x219

http://3rff.com/