BeNowHere Interactive

2000

Romy Achituv (US)

The "BeNowHere Interactive" application is an experiment in imbedding a moving video image within a larger static visual context. It is also a prototype for an alternative structure for non-linear cinematic narrative.

As the active video window moves across the screen it leaves a visual trail which is a trace of the time and space of the cinematic path. The user can maneuver back and forth through each scene creating and erasing moments in time, laying down a panoramic still that also represents a captured slice of time, then returning to view the scene unfolding and coming alive.

Any number of shots which share part or all of a common background can be seamlessly integrated into one panorama such that non-linear transitions from one scene to another can be effected through user panning without the need to rely upon "cuts" and "fades," thus retaining the illusion of spatial and temporal continuity. "BeNowHere Interactive" is an early prototype created with pre-existing film footage. The footage used was shot by Michael Naimark for his "Be Now Here" (Welcome to the Neighborhood) installation.