Pirate Shoot
Posted by: kmikeym | From: June 2, 2004
David Valentino gives short crisp instructions to the four models in pirate clothing standing in position on location at Drunken Monkey Beach. I am behind David, the director and photographer, with Alexin Bismark and Alana Monde watching the models stand achingly still.
They are incredibly disciplined, only the occasional chatter and prate joke. David asks for a small adjustment, waits for it, and snaps another picture. A bystander appears in the background, and without instruction Alana is on it, asking them to move on. Then more quiet stillness.
David finishes the shot, and asks Alana what she wants next. Another pose is set up as they rearrange, change props, and are told to make more and more minor adjustments to get it just right. The sun starts to set, giving a deep red glow. Alana gives a few more instructions, trying to set it up naturally.
Angel Coral and Aces Spade play the wenches. Chris Byrne is the fancily dressed captain and Cutter Rubio his rugged first mate. The light continues to dim, adding a bright red horizon to the backdrop. Alana gives a few commands and David says, "There!" Another click. Alana asks for no one to move, and offers encouragement.
A few more clicks and it's another pose, and it looks like this could go on for some time. The sun sets and David moves in closer. The dedication and the managing of this progress fascinates me, and I hope to talk to David about the details later.
Okay, it's not so easy to explain. Second Life (www.secondlife.com) is an online environment. It's not a game. There is no score or plot. You can do whatever you want. You can learn to create objects. Almost everything is player-created, which is really amazing. I learned of Second Life when I was doing my virtual spectating (http://www.kmikeym.com/gom.html) and then I got a free demo disk from MacWorld. So i checked it out, and I really like the non-plot based environment, so I signed up to "play".
Posted by: Mikey at June 4, 2004 2:17 PM
I guess this goes along with you interest in the attempted nonviolent world of violent first-person shooters. Neat.
Posted by: J_John at June 4, 2004 4:38 PM
Does anyone else not understand what the hell K. Mike is playing?
Posted by: J_John at June 2, 2004 5:52 PM