pixel art documentary project: looking for participants

[Helm]

text questions up-front are important because this is a tricky subject to explain and it would serve noone (unless that's the angle you're going for) to have people struggle with definitions and such 'on the air'. If the point is to explain pixel art to the layman, careful, pre-written answers to precise questions is the way to go.

[Lackey]

Here's a tenative list of questions for those who are interested in recording themselves:

Pixel art in general:
What makes pixel art unique?
What is the role of restrictions in art?
What is pixel art? (Alternate: How would you define pixel art?)
How does pixel art compare to other media you've used?
How would you describe pixel art to people outside the community?

Your own art:
When did you learn about pixel art?  What got you interested?
How would you describe the art you make?
Why do you pixel?
What influences your art?
How do you make your art? (talk about process)

text questions up-front are important because this is a tricky subject to explain and it would serve noone (unless that's the angle you're going for) to have people struggle with definitions and such 'on the air'. If the point is to explain pixel art to the layman, careful, pre-written answers to precise questions is the way to go.

The live interviewing process isn't critical, I just think it helps to establish a conversational tone.  I acknowledge that this is more effective if the person is already an expert on their subject though, with clear ideas about everything already in mind and able to speak easily about it.  The other thing is that I would almost definately require more than one interview to get a good recording and I don't want to take too much of anyone's time.  I might need people to record themselves anyway since I'm having problems getting my recording software working.

If you want me - I'm in! Though, I'm not a native English speaker either. If I had the text written down so I could practise beforehand, I would probably do better.

I really liked your idea with the portraits and lip-synch. That is such a cool idea. And I agree - it would really add character to the documentary. It also reminds me of Creature Comforts (from the creator of Wallace and Gromit).

I'm perfectly having non-native English speakers for this, any variety of voices is good!  Agreed on Creature Comforts, its the seminal example of lip-synching to pre-recorded voices.

[ptoing]

Does skype allow for recording sessions somehow?

That would be neat.

[Lackey]

Not natively, unfortunately.  I've looked up various methods of recording but they seem to require multiple soundcards.  There is a program called Hotrecorder which works but the trial only allows for 2 minutes of recording and no exporting to .wav, .ogg, or .mp3.

[miascugh]

Mhh, I think there comes a third party recording tool with the latest version of skype (what version is that again, 3.0?) but I haven't tried it and don't know if it's free.
I'm really tempted to try it, but besides not having that much confidence in my speaking I'm also not sure if I would know what to say, and that I don't have any resolute ideas about it.

[Larwick]

Just thought i'd say this sounds neat, and i can't wait to see the finished result. 

[Zolthorg]

Skype used to be completely free for basic services as part of an offer.
Now it's free for skype to skype communication.

[Rydin]

I don't know how many people you need for this, but I'd be more than happy to spill my guts about pixels if you'd like.  Great idea by the way. 

[Feron]

i'm a bit of an amateur around here, but i have a built in mic to my compy and audacity is a free pro recording tool.  I can export to ogg mp3 wav, what-ever you need.

I'd gladly answer a few questions - i would also record myself with other people's text-written answers if need be.  Subtitles of some of the foreign people would show that it doesnt matter what coutry you come from - anyone can create pixel-art.

On the subject of recording internet calls - there is a skype ripoff, called Gizmo Project which does allow voice recording.  Its a good program.

If you have any good video confering tools you could actually get video answers - perhaps one of the benfits of having a mac.

[goat]

This is a pimptacular idea, and I'll gladly do it if you decide I have anything to say

contacts below