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First Prize 40,000L in this second University of Western Australia (UWA) challenge to Machinima filmakers.

The Challenge:

Create a Machinima of between 2 and 5 minutes in length that features some of the 35 winning artworks from the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge. The artworks are exhibited across 4 floors on the UWA sim and you can choose to film as many as you like. You MAY also, should you choose, film any of the art entries from the July or August rounds of the IMAGINE or FLAGSHIP challenges ,if those pieces better suit the machinima you are trying to create. It is understood that at times it is not possible to tightly restrict film length, so there is some  flexibility on this.   Your priority is to produce a machinima that inspires and celebrates the great work of the winning artists.

Submissions open 7th July 2010 and close at midnight, 20th Sept 2010. Shortlisted entries will be displayed on the University of Western Australia (UWA) Second Life Blog. http://uwainsl.blogspot.com

An independent judging panel has been convened and includes both real life (RL) University Faculty members and Second Life (SL) based people. These include:

1. Professor Ted Snell (RL) – Director, Cultural Precinct, The University of Western Australia
2. Dr Carmen Fies (RL) – Second Life Lead: University of Texas San Antonio
3. quadrapop Lane (SL) – Curator of the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge
4. White Lebed (SL) – Lead of Burning Life Art Department, Curator
5. Jayjay Zifanwe (SL) – Owner of The University of Western Australia (SL), Creator & co-host of the UWA 3D Art& Design Challenge
6. Iono Allen – Official Machinimatographer of the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge

So time to get started!

Check out the artworks at the SLURL’s listed below. Keep track of those you include and provide acknowledgment to the artists in your film. If you need to rezz anything to assist your filming, for example a blue screen, please contact Jayjay Zifanwe, quadrapop Lane or Taralyn Gravois for assistance.
The artworks can be found at:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/UWA%20Winthrop/239/130/247 (Level 1)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/UWA%20Winthrop/194/140/269 (Level 2)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/UWA%20Winthrop/228/133/296 (Level 3)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/UWA%20Winthrop/191/126/322 (Level 4)

Once completed, load your Machinima anywhere, preferably Youtube or Vimeo, and provide the link to Jayjay Zifanwe.

Winner will be announced during the announcement of the Grand Prize winner of the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge in early October 2010. This event is one of the most high profile combined RL and SL art events this year and UWA encourages you to participate. Good luck and happy filming.

‘enfant terrible’ 

     Alexander McQueen’s public nomenclature is ’enfant terrible’ for always surpassing expectations.  By taking a brief glimpse into his world, you too will agree that Alexander McQueen was a …

 “young and successful person who is strikingly unorthodox, innovative, and avant-garde.”

     McQueen, we celebrate you, your life, your vision, and your invaluable contributions to fashion.  Alexanders life was as deep and meaningful as the meticulously place color splashes which adorned his black and white fabrics.  His memory will forever prosper RL, and SL, through inspiration and interpretation.  

     Ironically,  his demise brought life to RFL commencement festivities.  Alexander McQueen was known for his unconventional designs and shock tactics.  Who else is known for untraditional shock value?  None other than ‘Frolic Mills’, who brought us not one but four artistic and innovatively styled stages featuring unconventional Alexander McQueen inspired designs.  

     McQueen’s designs were worn IRL by celebrities including Bjork, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna.  The SL inspired McQueen designs were worn by various models and designers, including, Mimi Juneau, Miaa, Ashoka Eales, and Melanie Sautereau.

Frolic Mills: LADIES AND GENTS, BEFORE WE START THE AUCTION, PLEASE WELCOME OUR BEAUTIFUL BOULEVARD AGENCY MODELS PAYING THEIR TRIBUTE AND RESPECTS TO ALEXANDER MCQUEEN!

     This statement marked the start of SL’s relay for life event with a tribute to the late and great Alexander McQueen!  It was quit fitting to mark such a memorable event with such memorable fashions.  Opening the festivities was MC Anastacia Markova.  As the show began, the stage rotated displaying four individual stages featuring Boulevard Models in their eccentric McQueen styled attire.  The Boulevard models showing off “their McQueen”, were Sora Tatham, Miaa Rebane, Kay Fairey, dancer Dallagio, Melanie Sautereau, Alexia Speizer, Florentine Rau, skylei Caproni, Sabine Blackburn, and Katerine Comet. 

Frolic Mills: ALL RIGHT THANK YOU BOULEVARD AGENCY MODELS.  YOU ALL LOOK GREAT!  NOW FOR OUR MAIN MISSION … LETS BEGIN THE AUCTION TO BENEFIT RFL!

     With enthusiasm, MC Anastasia Markova opened the event by encouraging all to give not only for the sake of fashion, but also for an amazing cause

“Let’s dig out those wallets and purses .Take a Good Look Around!  We all know either ourselves or someone we love would look fabulous in these one of a kind creations by some of SL’s Top Designers.” 

     When it was time to begin not only did we have Anastasia encouraging us to dig deep but also lovely Boulevard Director Kay Fairey came to the forefront as our 2^nd MC of the night.  She reiterated that we were there not only for RFL but also for Alexander McQueen!

THE DESIGNS…

1.  It appeared as if an Angel had appeared from heaven.  Peaceful and serene, the stage opened to a beautiful and twirling Ashoka Eales of Phoenix Rising.  She appeared as innocent and graceful as a ballerina.  This dress was inspired by the dress modeled IRL by Kate Moss.  The first winning bid went to Thalia Heckroth for $20,000L! WOW what a great way to start an auction!  Inspiration for the opening design. Great job by Ashoka of Phoenix Rising

2.  “Amore (Blue)” by Thea Tamura Fashion

Thea Tamura made a one of a kind creation for the auction.  A gorgeous blue outfit which also came with hair and a hat.  Frolic Mills got so excited over this unique number and bid $5,000L taking home the prize.  Do not forget to shave Frolic!

3.  ”Fashion Rebel” by Gems and Kisses

This stunning design was modeled by Deliziosa Vendetta  Not sure whether the dress was for auction or Deliziosa, “Franco Bloch shouts: Deliziosa, I love you!”  “Franco Bloch shouts: 15K for dely ehm for the dress” Yes Franco, ehm … the dress.  This was simply and amazing creation.  MagicMirror Fayray called it “A Masterpiece”.  Barbarella had to remind the guest that the model did not come with the winning bid.  Can you guess who won the dress…?  Yes, Mr. Franco had a winning bid of $15,000L.  Thank you Franco for winning the girl, I mean, thank you for your generous contribution to RFL.

4. “Tribute to McQueen” by Jador Fashion

Designer Jiamela Loon created and unique spin on her “McQueen”.  This was a bold and innovative design which Queenmystic Held could only exclaim “wow”.  The Jador design was modeled by designer Mimi Juneau.  The dress went to Candylicious Forster for $7,000L.  Thank you Candylicious!

5.  “McQueen Gown” by Bliss Couture

Designer Amutey Decuir brought us a great McQueen inspired design modeled by Miss Bliss Couture 2010.  This exciting number went to the highest bidder for $11,000L.  Thank you Carilynn OHare.

6. “Radiant” by Sonatta Morales

Designer Sonatta Morales created an outfit, which caused excitement in the pockets of many.  This “Radiant” design went to Thalia Heckroth for $17,000L.  Thank you Thalia!

7.  ”Zen” by Anubis Style

Anubis Hartunian created balance in this fun event with her Zen design.  Zen went to Enzo Champagne who promised to shave his legs prior to wearing.  The dress bid was $9,000L!  Thank you Enzo!

8.   ”Explosion” by B!

Want to cause excitement at an auction?  Name a design Explosion!  That is what designer Barbarella Cioc presented to us with her gorgeous design.  The bid started at $2,000L and quickly escalated to a winning bid of $11,000L.  Thank you Alelan Cortes for contributing to RFL.

9.  “Pixivor Allen” by la folie

This stunning design was modeled by Nola Huldschinsky.  Even our MC Kay had to get in on the bidding; however, the winning bid went to PepperPicaboo for $7,000L. 

10. “Remembrance” by Divine Couture

What a fitting name for such a memorable event.  Christy Hamer brought us a beautiful design, which was won by auctioneer FOX Andretti for $5,000L.  Thank you Fox!

11.  ”Melissa”   By Morea Decosta

Talk about exciting… talk about catfight… but all in good fun!  This dress created quite a stir amongst auctioneers.  Barbarella Fuosing and Thalia Heckroth went back and forth battling over this one of a kind design.  Hey Thalia, didn’t you already win one?  Wow talk about supporting a great cause!

Barb vs. Thalia ROUND 1

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 8K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 10K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 11K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 12k

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 13K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 15K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 16K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 17K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 18K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 19K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 20K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 21K

Barb vs. Thalia ROUND 2 – TKO or shall I say “TFW”

(Total Fashion War!)

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: Thalia I hate you lol 22K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: hugs back Barb…25K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: lol hugs it is yours

Wysnhymr Beaumont: go girls

Thalia Heckroth shouts: XOXO

Kay Fairey: 25K to Thalia…2nd call…

Kay Fairey: 25K to Thalia GONE!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: wtg Thalia

 12. “Magic Umbrella” by Orage Creations

 Elettra Gausman of  Orage Creations presented us with a lovely design, which came with not one but two skins!  This stunning design went to the highest bidder to support RFL.

 13 “Fly With Me” by Divine Couture

Another fittingly named designed modeled by Arialee Miles.   This lovely design started at a $2,000L bid.  MC Kay Fairy kept commenting about the gorgeous outfit and she  couldn’t bear to part with this one.  In a solitary bidding, war, Kay won this design for $6,000L.  Thank you Kay

Kay Fairey shouts: 6K for me!! CONGRATULATIONS MEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

 14.  “Fractured Spring Turq” by Kimmera Maddison 

This design was truly McQueen inspired featuring unique texturing, and large shoulder pads.  This outfit was out of this world with Cyberpunk styling.  The winning bid was for $13,100L to Shae!

15.  RFL Gown by RFrye

Raven Pennyfeather is known for quality and attention to detail. Tonight Raven gave us an amazing Victorian styled gown modeled by Marry Eel, Miss RFyre.  The winning bid went to Thalia Heckroth for $10,000L!

 16. “Egretta RFL” by Azul

Stunning us repeatedly with her amazing designs, Mami Jewell presented us with intricate texturing and wonderful styling.  This one went into overtime with yet another bidding war…

Barbarella Cioc vs. Thalia Heckroth

Barbarella Cioc shouts: 27k

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 28K

Miaa Rebane shouts: 30K

Barbarella Cioc shouts: 29k

Barbarella Cioc shouts: 31k in a bidding war

Winning of yet another – Kay Fairey shouts: 40K for Thalia GONE!! CONGRATULATIONS THALIA!!!!

 17.  “RFL McQueen” by Champagne

Designer Enzo Champagne continues to contribute to the fashion world and today was no different with his contribution to RFL.  His amazing design was modeled by the one and only MVW Miaa Rebane.  The winning bid was for $7,000L by Caine Elcano.  Thank you!

 18. “Never Enough ( in red/black/white)” by Violator

Designer Soraya Vaher of Violator named her design Never Enough, and it didn’t seem like there was enough time because this bidding war went on, and on like the energizer bunny.  Bidders even called up their credit card company for advances to bid on this “Never Enough” design. 

Caine Elcano vs. Petra Messioptra vs. Thalia Heckroth

(YES Thalia again!)

Caine Elcano shouts: 21k and a half

Petra Messioptra shouts: 25K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 26k

Petra Messioptra shouts: 27K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 28K

Minx Glaz shouts: SHOES AND UMBRELLAS ARE PART OF IT!  *scream

Kay Fairey shouts: 29K for Caine!

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 30K

Caine Elcano shouts: 31k damn it and a half too

Petra Messioptra shouts: 32K

Caine Elcano shouts: wouldn’t I look fab in that dress?

Kay Fairey: omg 32K!!!!

Petra Messioptra shouts: 33.5

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 35K

Petra Messioptra shouts: 47.5 grrrrrrrr

Kay Fairey shouts: 47.4K…no 47.5K from Petra!

Caine Elcano shouts: .667k … lol

Petra Messioptra shouts: 47.9

Caine Elcano shouts: calling my ppl again…one sec

Petra Messioptra shouts: caine…stop it …I need minx…I mean the gown!

Kay Fairey shouts: that will be 17.9K for the gown and 30K for Minx.

Caine Elcano shouts: you can have Minx…  I want the dress!

Kay Fairey shouts: Caine at 56K! 

Petra Messioptra shouts: 57…drink up Caine

Caine Elcano shouts: don’t take this personal Petra… 60K bish

Petra Messioptra shouts: u really need to rest lol….n walk ur dog…hurry!

Minx Glaz shouts: throwing some drinks around.

Caine Elcano can you grab me a double shot of whiskey Minx

Alexia Speizer pulls out the popcorn, damn this is better than a soap opera

Kay Fairey: LOL Alexia!

Caine Elcano shouts: I am… but it is a gift for a good friend

Kay Fairey shouts: ok Minx going for 60K…1st call!

Apollo Call shouts: OMG!  Caine!

Minx Glaz shouts: APPLAUSE TO BOTH!

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: Yes, Caine you got it

Kay Fairey shouts: CAINE WINS MINX FOR 65.55K!

Caine Elcano shouts: PETRA!  TYTYTY, you are truly a doll

Petra Messioptra shouts: I need ambulance…

Alexia Speizer exhales… now that… that was a dressgasm

Kay Fairey shouts: omg that WAS a dressgasm!!!!! and a Minxgasm!!!!!

 19.  ”Acure Limited” by Bare Rose

Designer June Dion bought us this great outfit to bid on modeled by Tori Heart – CEO, Model Coordinator and web manager of Bare.  The bidding quickly escalated on this one.  The winning bid was for $35,000L to Akasha Divisadero!

 20  “Entertainment”

The first and last male outfit of the night modeled by Danielle Guisse was also auctioned off in great fun to the highest bidder..  

 21.  ”Sparkle Skye” by Sparkle

Designer Sparkle Skye donated a limited edition dress. This design came with the complete Tsarina set which gave the designer her inspiration.  The winning bid went to Miaa Rebane for $9,000L!

THE END SIGNALS A BEGINNING!

     What and amazing event and beginning for RFL 2010 fundraiser.  Every one of us will be affected by cancer personally or through a close loved one.  It is only through events such as this where funding can be raised to heighten awareness, advocacy, research and ultimately a cure for this disheartening disease.  

Thank you RFL for choosing one of the most amazing venues in SL, Patch Thibaud Auditorium @ BOSL.  There was a plethora of designs, designers, models, and supporters to kick off such an important event. 

RIP Alexander ‘17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010′.  Now let us celebrate new Life and new hope during RFL!

Thank you to all contributing designers: Ashoka Eales of Phoenix Rising, Deliziosa Vendetta of Gems and Kisses, Ziamela Loon of Jador Fashion, Amutey Decuir of Bliss Couture, Thea Tamura of Thea Tamura Fashion, Anubis Hartunian of Anubis Style, Elettra Gausman of Orage Creations, morea Decosta of Morea Decosta, Sonatta Morales of Sonatta Morales , Barbarella Cioc of B! Fashion, pixivor Allen of a la folie,  Christy Hamer of Divine Couture, Christy Hamer/Anna Rokocoko of Divine Couture, soraya Vaher of Violator, Enzo Champagne of Champagne, Danielle Guisse, Kimmera Madison of Tres Beau, Raven Pennyfeather of RFyre and RP Couture, Mami Jewell of AZUL, Sparkle Skye of Sparkle Sky , and  June Dion of Bare Rose.

There can’t be many of us in second life who haven’t experienced the very real life specter of cancer.  Whether it’s been a personal battle, supporting a friend or co worker through intensive treatment or watching a loved one succumb to the disease, each of us has our own story to tell. Cancer is the great leveler -showing no regard for age, race or social background and last year, in the USA alone, there were 1,479,350 new cases diagnosed,  with cancer accounting for one in four deaths. Massive and humbling statistics. In an effort to fight cancer and to help financially and emotionally support the victims of this most cruel of diseases, ‘The American Cancer Society’ hold annual ‘Relay for Life’ events across the country and millions of people give their time and money to help raise funds.

Since starting in 1985, when surgeon Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to run continuously for twenty four hours to raise funds for cancer research, International ‘Relay For Life’ has been embraced by people across the globe, with events held in 20 countries outside of the United States and in Second Life, the community gathers together each year to help the cause too. In fact, ‘Relay For Life’ events have found strong supporter networks in SL, with hundreds of residents donating their time, talent, skills and experience to help fundraise. In 2008, ‘Relay For Life of Second Life’ raised $215,000 – surpassing its total for the previous three years combined, and now in its 6th year, it’s hoped that this figure will be exceeded with a goal target of $300,000. With 93 teams taking part in the actual relays this year, it looks set to be a record breaking year.

This year’s key theme is ‘Wishing On A Cure’ and to kick start the four month long fundraising season off in style, the glamorous surroundings of the Patch Thibaud Auditorium played host to a glittering opening ceremony. Addressing the large audience, RFL Event Chair, Tayzia Abattoir, welcomed us all with an impassioned   speech that had many in the crowd in tears. “Everyone has personal reasons why they Relay.” She told us. “Whether they have been directly touched by cancer, indirectly touched, or just know what a horrible disease it is and pray that people do not have to face it and want to help in any way they can. We are all one family here. We fight the same battle.”Following Tayzia, other members from the 60 strong in world RFL committee explained how all the proceeds from 2010’s RFL will be used to benefit the millions of people and their families affected by cancer each year. All speakers received rapturous applause from crowd, proving that the residents of SL are some of the most caring citizens on earth.

Cancer may be a very serious issue, but the RFL team and all its supporters in world are determined that hope, love and a whole lot of fun, are the biggest weapons in the war against cancer. Over the next few months, thousands of events and attractions will take place in SL to help highlight the cause and everyone at the opening ceremony was certainly in the mood to party! Following a standing ovation from the crowd for venue owner and BOSL CEO Frolic Mills, singer ScarlettLa Roux took to the stage, officially launching proceedings with a superb rendition of a Melissa Etheridge song called ‘I Run For Life’. The combination of heartfelt lyrics and ScarlettLa’s blues infused, sweet voice struck a chord with the audience.

After her thirty minute set, which was well received by the audience, next to take place under the spotlights was singer Damian Carbenell, while glamorous dancers from Dazzlers Inc accompanied him with a delightful routine. Then, to shouts and wild applause from the excited crowd, SL’s premier rock singer, Mankind Tracer, strode onto the stage bringing the audience to fever pitch with his usual mix of original songs, charisma and undeniable vocal talent. Mankind explained why, despite his busy schedule, he is so committed to lending his talents for this cause.

“The events that RFL put on are always fun, bringing in a lot of people who share a common cause.” He confirmed “And year after year, Relay For Life have shown themselves to be consistent in putting on benefits to raise much needed money. People know they can trust that the money raised will be handled properly by the good people running the events.”

The unity and camaraderie of everyone involved in the opening party was evident to see and donations flowed in from people reaching into their virtual wallets to donate to the cause. With a tribute to the work of RL fashion designer Alexander McQueen following the initial ceremony featuring unique couture made especially for this event, RFL  2010 has got off to the best possible start.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

VWBPE organizers Kavon Zenovka, Marty Snowpaw, Phelan Corrimal, Zana Kohime

presenters Soni and Lowe Runo

The official opening of the Virtual Worlds Best Practices Education Conference began today, and will continue through Saturday night, March 13th.  This conference is unique in that sessions and events run continously within Second Life over a period of two days – that’s right non-stop!   It would be impossible to attend every session, but the diversity of presentations covers everything from teaching with machinima to fostering SL educational partnerships across the grid, connecting SL to RL and vice-versa.     Check out the schedule -  https://sites.google.com/a/vwbpe.org/schedule/main-schedule-page.    I had the honor to present at 6AM SLT with Machinima Artist Guild founder Lowe Runo (as the Mad Hatter) as we showed educators and students tips to the art and practice of making what else – but MACHINIMA!   Then our sesssion was followed with the incredible Silverwing Benoir who demonstrated the physics of explosives in the SL classroom.

presenter Silverwing Benoir

Where else but SL can someone be encouraged to ignite cannons and fuel tanks.     Midmorning,  Linden Lab CEO M Linden addressed an auditorium of educators as part of  the  grand opening ceremonies, and noted that Linden Lab intentionally made the “tools to create the experiences”  that amplify our reality through an immersive social environment.   That’s it for now…the rest of the story in BOSL Magazine’s April issue.  Look for more pics.    Be sure to attend some sessions Friday and Saturday!   ALL FREE.

Literally, as this is posted, the event has just finished! And what an event it was!! But what else would we expect from BOSL and Bliss Couture? Amazing designs, mixed with b-e-a-utiful models, and an incredible venue (Patch Thibaud Auditorium)…it’s just chemistry destined for a stunning show!

Patch Thibaud Auditorium

The pictures attached to this post, are some snaps that I managed to take whilst there. I will post the others up on my Flickr page, as there are far too many to post all here. But the ones that ARE posted with this…will really give you a good idea of the show, and the amazing designs were showcased for the large audience gathered at the Auditorium!

Bliss Couture Anniversary Show

As always, a show at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium wouldn’t be the same without a stunning stage set. And this was no exception! And really added to the whole..feel of the event. The models strutting their stuff down the runway were:

- Miaa Rebane (Miss Virtual World 2010)

- Melanie Satereau (Miss Bliss Couture 2010)

- BlackBarbie Bravin (BLVD Agency Model)

- ZoeAnastasia Aeon (BLVD Agency Model)

- Aleida Rhode (BLVD Agency Model)

- Valeria Pienaar (BLVD Agency Model)

Bliss Couture Anniversary Show

Amutey DeCuir (Bliss Couture CEO) and team, never fail to impress, and simple WOW the audience and fellow designers across the grid! This was simply one amazing show, with great talent on hand to showcase unique, colourful and stylish creations from one of the resident’s favourite stores…Bliss Couture!

And after this anniversary, may we all look forward to another year and sweet content!

Happy Anniversary Bliss Couture!

For Life in Second Life — Its Relay Your Way!

In its continued effort to raise awareness and support for the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life Second Life has taken a lead from it’s real life counterpart and is beginning a new series of focused fund raising events. We are therefore pleased to announce the inauguration of the For Life in Second Life program.

For Life events are intended to focus on specific interest areas and allow their followers to plan and hold an approved event to support the Relay For Life of Second Life. For Life events are not intended to be team related, but instead are festival events in support of Relay For Life of Second Life. With the diverse nature of the virtual communities in Second Life and the abilities of the platform, the scope of For Life in Second Life events is limitless.

For Life events such as Bark For Life have been held in Relay communities across the United States. Bark For Life celebrates, in a Relay format , the companionship, comfort and therapeutic benefit provided by pets. With the addition of For Life the American Cancer Society is able to reach a new or expanded audience for its programs and resources, and the fund raising that helps support them.

The first of these For Life events planned is Sail For Life. The event, chaired by Chad Swanson and Aislyn Keynes, will center around Second Life’s vibrant sailing community. Sail For Life will include Regattas, Sailing displays and lessons, auctions and social events. The Yacht Clubs and other communities around the Blake Sea area of the grid will all be welcomed to participate. The event is scheduled to take place in June. Other events are currently being planned, including the building and live music communities.

Trader Whiplash, who is well known for his many roles in Relay For Life of Second Life is the 2010 Chair of For Life. The former Mission and Corporate Chair and 2009 Spirit of Relay Award co-recipient is very excited about the new opportunities presented by For Life . “Second Life presents so many different areas with in which we can work to support the American Cancer Society and with this new format we are given a new avenue with which to approach and encourage participation. ” Trader, a leukemia survivor, states. “I look forward to working with the many groups who make up this amazing community. We hope that with the addition of For Life events the Relay For Life of Second Life will increase not only its all important fund raising results, but will bring more and more members of our community in contact with the efforts and programs of the Society and its continuing fight for a cure for cancer”.

Stingray Raymaker, the American Cancer Society Staff Partner for Relay for Life in Second Life agrees. “We are so very excited introduce this new fund raising opportunity to Second Life. We are fortunate to have a great volunteer, Trader Whiplash to spearhead this venture into new horizons, and this is a great step forward for both Relay For Life and Second Life. We hope that the For Life concept will help to open new doors for various communities and groups within Second Life to learn, participate and feel welcome to the world of Relay For Life. This demonstrates that there are ways for all types of different communities in Second Life to join the Relay Nation in the fight against cancer. ”

The American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Second Life recognize the capacity of the For Life program to engage new participants and capitalize on the unique ability of Second Life to host these For Life events. For Life in Second Life welcomes any interest group in Second Life to explore the possibility of hosting their own event. Interested groups can contact Trader1 Whiplash in Second Life (trader@t1radio.com) for program requirements and standards, and additional information.

As we all know now, one of the best Fashion Designers in the world, passed away last week, which saddened many, if not all, in the fashion world.

Here in Second Life, on March 13th, Some of the BEST designers and fashion creators will come together, and put on an amazing show, to remember Alexander McQueen, and to benefit Relay For Life, which launches on the same day.

Nearer the time, notices will be sent out in the Best of SL Magazine Readers group, and another blog post to get the final line-up of Designers taking part in the show. Below, are a list of people, who are already confirmed:

Ziamela Loon
Kimmera Madison
Amutey Decuir
Ashoka Eales
Joy Fellini
Anubis Hartunian
Raven Pennyfeather
morea Decosta
Sonatta Morales
Barbarella Cioc
pixivor Allen
Mami Jewell
Sparkle Sky
Thea Tamura
Enzo Champagne
soraya Vaher
Applonia Criss

More are expected to take part also! This is going to be an amazing show, and many are excited for it. Second Life Residents are welcome to the event, which location and time are listed below. See you there!

A TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDER McQUEEN TO BENEFIT RELAY FOR LIFE
March 13th
4:00 pm SLT
Patch Thibaud Auditorium

In its hundred year history, the film industry has been dominated by large Hollywood studios willing to spend mega bucks in pursuit of box office success. But now, at the dawn of a new century, film making is being reborn at the hands of some exceptionally creative individuals who use nothing more than a PC, online gaming platforms and their limitless imagination to create some of the most thought provoking films ever made. This is the golden age of a new film industry known as ‘machinima’.

Machinima is a relatively new cinematic art form, classified as the art of using a game engine to create film. It was conceived in the late 1990s, when ingenious players of the earliest online games discovered that they could capture moving images from in game and by adding sounds, dialogue and simple edits, create a high impact movie without even leaving their homes. Now ten years on, ‘Second Life’ is a creative melting pot of some of the finest machinima makers on the planet. In celebration of their pioneering spirit, this year sees the second ever ‘MaMachinima International Festival’ take place in both RL and SL locations.

Initiated by Dutch machinima artist Chantal Harvey, this festival is bringing together over 40 machinimatographers, showcasing 50 original works of film and will allow real life audiences attending the event in Amsterdam to interact with the Second Life participants. Set over four sims kindly sponsored by Linden Lab and with futuristic domes adapted by ‘Pop Art Lab’ acting as immersive movie screens, this seven hour extravaganza of virtual film making will enable the machinima community to promote the very best work from this genre to new audiences unfamiliar with machinimas allure.

So why is this art form, which is still in its infancy, so deserving of such a large and globally recognized event? Chantal Harvey explains “I wanted to create a platform in which machinimatographers could showcase their best work, and share it with the world. I consider it the new media for filming. I come from a RL television background, and discovered machinima in 2007, and haven’t stopped since. I try to improve, grow, and never stick to one genre. I want to show machinima to the world-and the possibilities of it! In RL Amsterdam, people will be able to watch the in world event on a huge screen, and several large monitors are set up to show different angles. They can interact with the SL venue, using stream and webcams-which means that we in SL can see the RL venue too!”

As with standard film festivals, the MMIF will be highlighting work from different categories such as humor, high octane action films, romance and music. There will also be some innovative pieces on show, including a film specifically produced for this festival using 3d technology by Pyewacket Kazyanenko who says “I’ve made a 3d SL movie whereby a real life audience wears red and blue glasses. It’s never been done with SL machinima I’m sure! The work is a short dance video which plays on many aspects of machinima creation- the lone avatar , joyful in creation, the tacky effects, the quick cuts and the celebration of the new 3d phenomenon in a retro-3d way. It’s about the amateur film maker, ready to explore new territory but not altogether pulling it off professionally.”

It’s this sense of fun that seems to define machinima and unite its creators. The majority of machinimatographers also excel in other artistic disciplines and view machinima as another tool for creative self expression, as leading film maker, Colemarie Soleil, who has over 180 pieces of critically acclaimed machinima films to her name vividly describes. “Expressing myself is just what I do” she says “As a person, that is how I am. It doesn’t matter what medium I use; music, particles, painting, sketching, sculpting, Second Life building and design. But the reason machinima became so important to me in the end though, is because of that form of media’s ability to reach further outside of Second Life. To me, it’s a way of holding onto what I view as an extremely transient art form and to share it with people who might not have gotten to experience it. It becomes easier for me to visually show how I view SL too. My own little window to the metaverse I guess”

It’s opening up this window onto the film making of Second Life that the MMIF event hopes to achieve; proving that films created within virtual worlds are just as valid and culturally significant  an art form as traditional cinema. And if you think this genre of film making is only taken seriously by hard core gamers-think again. Already, famous Hollywood directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, use machinima in the pre production process of their movies and like any underground artistic movement, Machinima is on course to become the next mainstream success.

Bryn Oh, a revolutionary machinima maker and one of the most prolific virtual artists of our generation, has contributed a video of her real life book the ‘Rabbicorn’ story to this year’s event. She predicts that the machinima producers of today are helping to direct the very future of the film industry itself. “Chantal Harvey has put together an event which will showcase some of the ways people are using the medium of Second Life” she reflects “ It may convince some people outside SL that this medium has a multitude of applications beyond business and leisure- it’s a new frontier in creative expression. I truly believe that we are part of a new movement in art that has not yet been recognized, much of the machinima we are creating may be used, at some point, to explain this virtual art movement in the art history books of the future.”

The MaMachinima International Festival takes place on Saturday 20th February from 11am-6pm SLT.

For more information visit: http://mmif.org/

SLurl:  http://slurl.com/secondlife/MMIF4/22/234/29

Last chance to catch the fashion show wrapped in a broadway style theatrical event .

Sponsored by Nicky Ree, BOSL & Dark Starr Mercantile.

Costumes for cast provided by Nicky Ree and Luna Barak of Moonstruck.

Noon SLT today

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Park%20Avenue/81/84/21

Featuring Designs by:

• Moonstruck
• Mer-Elf Creations
• Mystic Sky
• RiFi / La Kara
• Black Rose
• GutterPup

For a fashion show all about the creations for fantasy roleplay, midieval, gorean and more … don’t miss out on Swirl’s Fantasy in Fashion.

http://www.GiveItASwirl.info (reviews are already comin in )

A Fashion Event you wont want to miss … it’s fantasy, it’s fashion … it’s a Fantasy in Fashion!!!  Entertaining roleplay oriented show featuring the latest in roleplay and fantasy attire from SecondLife’s leading designers.

Two dates/times to serve the various timezones:

1. Saturday February 13th at 5pm SLT
2. Sunday February 14th at Noon SLT

Held at the Pyramid Theatre: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Park%Avenue/81/84/21

Costuming by: Nicky Ree & Moonstruck

Sponsored by:

• Best of SecondLife Magazine
• Designs by Nicky Ree
• Dark Starr Merchantile

Featuring Designs by:

• Black Rose
• GutterPup
• Lace & Steel
• Mer-Elf Creations
• Moonstruck
• Mystic Sky