As if watching TV weren't geeky enough, Sundance Channel's Web site is letting you do it as an avatar. It's created teamed with a role-playing community called Second Life, which allows users to create computer models who live out a Sims-like existence online. And tonight, at various 3-D-imaged movieplexes around Second Life's virtual "town," the avatars will be watching the premiere of the Sundance Channel-acquired film Four Eyed Monsters. (That's the film's two producers, or rather their CGI stand-ins, doing a video to promote the screening.)
I must admit I never was into D&D, video games or any of the efforts, which go back to the very beginnings of the World Wide Web, to create semi-fictional communities online. But I registered for an avatar anyway (if you're looking for me tonight, the computer gave me the East Euro-sounding name of Androgy Balhaus). I'm interested to see what it's like to watch a representation of myself watching a representation of a movie. Hopefully it won't be the beginning of my own "Scanner Darkly" experience.
And speaking of Rick Linklater films, I've been in Pasadena 12 hours and still no trip to the nearby In N Out Burger. My self-restraint is, if I may say so, admirable.
If you do visit In and Out, be sure to ask for
your burgers 'Animal Style.' You'll thank me later. :)
Posted by: Greg Argendeli | January 09, 2007 at 03:50 PM
The Chief knows all about the In N Out. That's why it's so impressive that he hasn't ducked out yet.
BTW, am I reading the article wrong or is there a typo? Second Life was NOT created by Sundance Channel. I suppose they've bought an island or building there to show the movies.
Posted by: lurkertype | January 10, 2007 at 07:44 PM
Oops, I was writing under the influence ... of too little information. I'll fix.
Posted by: Aaron | January 11, 2007 at 06:26 PM