ISADORA
Isadora is a program which allows to manipulate a video in real-time. There are endless possibilities of digital control, which makes it a perfect software for artists. The interface is user friendly, however the overwhelming amount of effects can be difficult to handle at first, which is something I struggled with.
In the session, I was able to add an overlay on top of my video and colourise it, which gave an interesting 'double' effect similar to 3-D images.
Furthermore, Isadora makes it possible for the user to reverse videos and work with the speed and opacity of the images which I also used and though worked well together with the overlay.
Overall, I found the software interesting to play around with, however I realised there is a lot to learn about the program in order to see its whole potential.
LIGHTS, FOOTAGE, PROJECTION AND ACTOR...
In order to create a digital performance it is crucial to set up the performance space appropriately, and this was our starting point today. The lights on one side of the room and additional lighting board for the ceiling lights. 3 projectors around the room had to be positioned close enough to the Apple Laptops in order to operate but also positioned just so the image would be clear and the stage could be utilised well by the actor.
Overtime we began to add more effects on Isadora, thus resulting in complex projections and interesting installations. In addition, we also experimented with live sound. The actor/ dancer was improvising to create a piece in regards to 4 stimuli which were:
- Sunlight
- Silence
- Emptiness
- Weight
It was interesting to discover how much can we could create in a limited period of time. The stimulus was reflected by all of the technical elements, which worked well together along with the dancer, and gave me an initial idea of how a digital performance can come together to reflect particular themes and create meaning.
AUDIO
When using digital media in performance you should never underestimate the importance of sound. Audio has the power to add meaning and depth to an image and performance in general. Today I worked with Logic Pro X, a sound editing software which allows to create or manipulate sound. At first I found it difficult to use as I was not familiar with it. The interface reminded me of Final Cut Pro which I am confident in using, so I started to get a hang of it quickly. However I still have a long way to go.
Before sound manipulation, I used a sound recorder to find different sounds and became aware how sound surrounds us all the time. The world is never actually silent, which I think is an interesting concept to explore. As a class we connected to a large sound mixer and, with the help of projection, created a simple live performance. I though the sound added a real depth to the projection which were mere stills of different colours. I thoroughly enjoyed the end result.
AUDIO CONTINUED & LIVE PROJECTION
By continuing to work with audio, I was able to gain a better understanding of how to set up the large sound mixer and how channels work in order to produce a grand sound from the speakers. 
After working with sound, we created a small prototype of a set and by using a camera and a projector, we created a live feed which the actors could work with. I found that experience interesting as it made me realise how a simple image and sounds can create a specific atmosphere and establish a scene.
I enjoyed setting up the mixer and getting equipment ready for the performance while gaining an understanding of how different elements come together to create a piece.
LIGHTING
Today we looked at how lights can create a performance and how to set up the lights and work with the grid in great depth. I found this very exciting and interesting, looking how to set up the fader and work with different lights and colours by adding gel/ filters.After getting an insight into lighting, we returned into the scene we worked on last time and started to set up the performance, without the help of our tutors. I found it exciting to see us all come together to create a performance. At first we worked with side lights but after using a single spotlight I found that it creates a sinister atmosphere which worked in relation to Sam Beckett's works.
FINAL CUT PRO
Today we worked on editing footage and creating interesting and surreal work by using Final Cut Pro.
I already have vast experience with the software, being a film student, however it was fun and interesting to play around with footage to create something surreal; something that didn't have to make sense.
Later on I also worked with projection and screens. I was able to put up small screens and hang them from the ceiling to project images onto them. I found that very interesting too, and would like to use that for my final piece.
