Not all of the speakers are recording their presentations for immediate playback, but one speaker, John Martin of Reallusion, had the foresight to do just that! He couldn't make it to the Festival, so he streamed live, using his webcam and desktop, to a website, Operator 11. It allows you to upload webcam media and play it in real time. You can find the high quality version of his iClone demo here.

One of the most common questions that I'm asked about making machinima in SL is how I make my avatar's lips move. Reallusion just so happens to make this wonderful software, CrazyTalk, that is my companion in filmmaking. John demonstrates both CrazyTalk, using our very own SL resident Aren Mandala's work as an example, and their other program, iClone. That software is a 3d engine for filmmaking, but can ALSO be used in conjunction with Second Life through chroma keying. It's nice to see Second Life being recognized!

MPrem.com is holding their First Annual Online Machinima Film Festival, and they'd like Second Lifers to get involved! I'd previously mentioned the Fest to my Machinimatographers group in SL while it was still in the write-in nominations stage. This time, however, they're looking to narrow things down to just a few finalists in each category, with voting ending on April 30th. An account is required in order to vote, but don't let that discourage you. It's quick and painless!

When voting for this round is over, they will hold an awards ceremony in Second Life! Please help support your fellow Second Lifers that were nominated in their respective categories. For the full list of SL nominees, read on...