Presented by: Justin Rotolo

Through manipulation of the world environment and the characters themselves, animated media, closely associated with visual effects, game, and other virtual entertainment experiences, can be true “modern” art experiences because they share fundamental elements of the modernist spirit (Telotte 2015). The tools used for digital moving image production are often complex, leveraging many years of research and development from a range of seemingly unrelated sources. As contemporary digital artists in their respective fields embrace evolving technologies, novel production practices sometimes develop to become the enabling tool and subject focus within science fiction and fantasy-based narratives. This presentation unpacks the history and role that old and new technologies have in the production of “real unrealities” (Otto 2011) within entertainment and animated media, while positioning digital tools as the synergistically aligned enablers for new artistic practices whose evolution is closely intertwined with the essence of many science fiction and fantasy-based narratives from the 19th century to today. This talk also includes examples of how the presenter’s production workflows influence the context and ultimate display of their creative works in development.

Biography:

Justin Rotolo leverages digital production techniques with a traditional artmaking practice to exploit and challenge the relationship between humanity and emerging technology. Justin has worked in the post-production industry for over twenty years and currently lectures in the College of the Creative Arts at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand.