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A Writing Research Associates research project SOFTWARE FOR DANCERS 24 September to 6 October 2001 In collaboration with the Arts Council of England, Sadler's Wells Theatre and Random Dance Company with primary funding from the Dance Department, Arts Council of England |
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project description [ONE] |
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participants [TWO] |
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research days [THREE] |
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focus days [FOUR] |
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roundtable [FIVE] |
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public seminar [SIX] |
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real time documentation [SEVEN] |
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writings/ references [EIGHT] |
Prototype: basic description
EMERGENT MOVES (working title)
Aim: the development of a concept for a screen based rehearsal tool for choreographers
Goals: [1] to develop a partially functional prototype, and [2] to draft a proposal for how to proceed to the next phase of development
Description:
Emergent Moves will comprise three main layers of functionality.
[1] BASIC INPUT LAYER // [2] ARTIFICIAL CREATIVITY LAYER // [3] COLLABORATIVE LAYER
The BASIC INPUT LAYER is intended to be generally useful to a wide range of choreographers (or others working in time-based media). The aim is to make this layer as easy and straightforward to use as possible. It will comprise a functional "storyboard" that will accept video, audio, text and graphic input via standard i/o features (sound/ video card, firewire in, graphics tablet, scanner, graphics tablet, etc.). Structural features will include a database and indexing system and time line. There has been a discussion of the use of 'skins' to enable some level of customisation to take place.
The ARTIFICIAL CREATIVITY (QUIRKY) LAYER is intended to provide small customized tools for use by particular choreographers. The aim is to develop small modules that may or may not function as plug-ins or extensions to the Basic Input Layer. Some examples of possible functions/ features: Pseudo 3-D might enable the artist to instantly render two dimensional graphics into forms that evoke three dimensional spaces. Various forms of video signal processing may be used to generate drawing, text, sonic or number abstractions of videotaped movement material. Artificial Life algorithms (rule based, generative, randomised, emergent) may be used to create visual and other forms of abstractions that may be used directly as input into the choreographic process. For example, "creativity sliders" may be implemented that would allow the artist to set a number of simple behavioural rules to generate complex patterns.
The COLLABORATIVE LAYER is intended to enable and support collaborations between different artists on the same project. The aim is to link this layer in particular with the Basic Input Layer so that composers, media artists and choreographers working on the same piece can more easily share information essential to the structuring of a work. For example, time coded material can be easily exchanged and used to coordinate sequencing/ structuring of a performance work.
Questions/ Concerns:
- Are there other programmes that perform functions similar to what is being proposed in which case perhaps training to use pre-existing software is what is required? e.g. Is the basic layer simply a version of iMovie? Other possibilities, Electrifier, etc.
- What level hardware system should the software be written for? Is hardware required to be obtained/ rented, i.e. Wacom Graphics Tablets, etc.
- Is other programming/ scripting expertise required? i.e. in video signal processing, RealBasic, etc.?
- What sort of partially functioning prototype can be realistically produced for the 6 October deadline? i.e. what level of interface design, etc.
R&D Working Process/ Schedule - 3 working stages as follows:
- Choreographer Requirements: discussion about dance making process between digital artists and choreographers to articulate requirements for Emergent Moves.
- Software Stage 1: working sessions to determine more precisely how to translate requirements into interface modalities and code
- Software Stage 2: programming prototype(s), e.g. Lingo/ Director; Real Basic
These three stages will take place in the ten days from 24 September to 3 October 2001.
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