My Experience With the Take5 Machinima Festival

When I was hired on with Alt-Zoom Studios in Mid-May as the Community Manager, I have to admit, I had heard of machinima, but never done anything with it. My tasks were straightforward. Find people to submit their films and then promote attendance to the festival. I was only given about a week to find submitters to the May festival and as a result, it wasn't very big. After that, a lightbulb turned on. Maybe I should try this…this…machinima!

I asked BuhBuhCuh the basics of it and was on my way. My first movie involved me jumping around on a bunch of couches. My second video, filmed on the same day, involved more of a plot line and became the "Supermodel" movie. I started messing with various techniques, hanging out with talented directors and before I knew it, I was hooked! What does that have to do with the festivals, you might ask? Well, I feel it brings me closer to the machinima community.

The goal for June loomed upon me. 20 videos. How was I ever going to achieve that? I pounded the pavement, griefed Torrid, messaged anyone interested. We held classes and meetings. I was always around to give advice to anyone starting out.  All of this culminated into the most successful machinima screening in the 3 year history of SL. We had a whopping 23 films by 25 directors. This included an 8 minute premiere of Pierce Portocarrero's full-length film.  We filled the sim with 60 people and much fun was had by all.

The machinima enthusiasts are really great.  We haven't had any griefers yet or people that outright insult a film.  Everyone clapped, congratulated the directors, commented on scenes they loved.  If that didn't inspire more people to make films, I don't know what would.  Thank you everyone for your support for me, Alt-Zoom Studios, and machinima itself.  Without you, we'd be nothing!