This new work from the SFU Generative Media Project is a meditation on our natural environment, inviting viewers to relax and consider the passing of time. The system produces sequences of video joined by slow visual transitions and enriched through their interaction with music and soundscape. It is a real-time and ongoing collaboration between three communicating generative systems: video sequencng, soundscape, and music. The work runs continuously using computational processes to build the audio-visual output for a single high-definition video stream with stereo sound.
The work encodes the aesthetics of Ambient Video as developed by Jim Bizzocchi to generate the sequence of video clips. Generative music artist and composer Arne Eigenfeldt has developed a version of his MUSE BOTS system to continuously provide music. Sound artist Miles Thorogood has adapted his AUME system of soundscape generation to provide a matching ambient soundscape. The systems communicate in real-time with each other to adjust the sound and music based on the content of the video sequences. In addition the sound and music work together to blend the sounds and create the final mix that is sent to the speakers.
Seasons was created with the assistance of GMP team members Jianyu Fan, Le Fang, Matt Horrigan and Justine Bizzocchi. All of the material has been shot specifically for this work by Bizzocchi and a team of talented cinematographers including DoP Glen Crawford, Active Ingredient’s Samantha Derochie, Jeremy Mamisao and Julian Giordano, and Jenni Rempel.
Support for the research and creation of Seasons has been provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, with additional support from the GRAND NCE and the School of Interactive Arts + Technology at Simon Fraser University.
This work is also featured at ISEA in [DP7] Demos and Posters, Tuesday, August 18th, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
