From: Kevin Tarr <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Future question: suppose someone develops a voice system that can take all that DeForest Kelley said in movies and the TV show, and can translate any dialogue typed in to sound like him. I'm not talking about clipped, obviously computer speech, but perfect sentences, cadence, and emotional response.
A fascinating idea, Kevin. If I was back as a full-time college professor, and I had a decent AI lab at my disposal, you can bet a month's salary I'd try this. Of course, I'd have to hire you as consultant, given the fact that you gave me the idea. :)
I remember seeing a "Siskel & Ebert" profile of emerging technologies in movie theaters, a couple of years ago. (Siskel was still alive and the show was still worth watching). One of the trends they analyzed was the possibility of, one day, having digitally recreated characters interacting with modern day ones. Like, for example, seeing a young Bogart interact with a young and beautiful Marilyn Monroe in the ultimate love-scene.
That taken, I think they can pull it off somehow. I am not taking into consideration specific vocal inflections or specific dialogues that may or may not have a background for them to rely on, though. I am by no means an expert on this technology. Perhaps someone in our knowledgeable audience may wish to jump in at this part.
I think that's the only part where the AI may have to work overtime. Either that, or they'll just have to hire somebody to do some limited voiceover. But I think it can be done in a respectable fashion, yes.
They do it for all of the ToS characters. The alive actors and Kelley's heirs have already agreed for some contract price. Would you watch the animated show?
Absolutely. Some people may argue that it may be considered a travesty. However, I think that this can work if:
a. The script is intelligently written scifi.
b. The script follows the rules of what makes Trek work to the core. They can't miss a beat with something as iconic as TOS characters. Besides, I don't think Nimoy or Shatner would even look at it if it isn't a high-quality product.
c. The director and the producers go for the look and feel of Classic Trek, but with a definite spin on today's production values.
One of the things that struck me of the preview for the aforementioned aborted computer game was exactly that. The special fx were incredible. The textures were amazing. And considering, this was supposed to be done 3 years ago, i guess.
I think "Trials and Tribbleations" proved one thing: Classic Trek can be updated and polished for today's audience.
Following your line of thought, I'll let you in on one of my dreams: as to see an episode of Trek in which the video is digitally remastered and enhanced, but with MODERN DAY special fx. No more grainy shots of a gigantic and clumsy model standing in the middle of a soundstage. Digitally enhanced, real scifi special fx like in TNG or in ENTERPRISE. And think about it. The architecture of the standard Trek episode lends itself wonderfully for this!! All fx shots are usually segmented in a way that they don't get in the middle of the action. Wouldn't that be a cool experiment too???
Writing and plots are okay. Assume what ever you like, I'm just wondering if people will watch things they know are complete computer simulations pretending to be human. (Saying we already have animations, but these aren't based on real actors....for the most part.)
Kevin T. - VRWC
Take care,
JJ
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