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And Now For Something Completely Machinima
Trailer
Bonus
Episode 168
Season 5
S5 E168 We Are Demo | Commodore 64 (Feb 2025)
February 6, 2025
Ricky Grove, Tracy Harwood, Damien Valentine, and Phil Rice
Full Transcript
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This week's pick is nostalgic for a time before machinima... its a rare look back at the demoscene era that informed and influenced the evolution of machinima all those years ago. The film selection is called We Are Demo, made in 2016 by Fairlight, Noice, Offence, and it was originally shared on X by the Commodore Computer Museum. Check out our review and thoughts, and do add your comments on our YouTube channel.
- Phil introduces the film We Are Demo, which was made in 2016 using technology from the 1980s and 1990s
- The film is a tribute to the demoscene, and the Commodore 64
- Phil explains the demoscene and its requirement for both technical and artistic skills.
- We discuss the historical context of the demo scene and a few anecdotes from some early experiences
- The demoscene was a way for creators to self-promote and showcase their skills, often incorporating their team logos into the demos
- Phil examines the use of the SID chip, which limited music to three notes of polyphony, explaining how composers overcame some key limitations
- We Are Demo adheres to the musical limitations, using the SID chip to create the music
- Is it all about nostalgia and creativity involved in creating music and visuals within these technical constraints?
- We discuss the visual and musical style of the film, and how it is faithful to the era of the demoscene
- What’s the role of an emulator these days, a discussion inspired by the film.
- Ricky recalls the SIGGRAPH conferences and the demoscene meetings
- We reminisce about the unique community and artistic spirit of the demoscene, which is similar to the early days of machinima.
- What are your thoughts about this pick – add some comments in the discussion below about whether the demo scene is something only older generations will appreciate.
Credits:
Speakers: Ricky Grove, Phil Rice, Damien Valentine
Editor/Producer: Phil Rice
Music: Animo Domini Beats
Speakers: Ricky Grove, Phil Rice, Damien Valentine
Editor/Producer: Phil Rice
Music: Animo Domini Beats