IMMORTALITY's Sam Barlow on why AI art could never really replace people

IMMORTALITY's Sam Barlow on why AI art could never really replace people

Author: SIFTER August 10, 2023 Duration: 36:05

The first thing you notice when you see a game made by Half Mermaid the studio lead by Sam Barlow is that it doesn't really look like a game, the full motion video looks more like a TV show or movie.

For Barlow what initially started as a creative and budgetary constraint of being a small indie team has become a defining feature of his work, with his most recent title IMMORTALITY which explores three decades of filmmaking.

Barlow will be making his way to Australia for SXSW Sydney in October this year and spoke about his creative process, filmic literacy in the audience, and why he stands with the actors striking for a better deal in Hollywood.

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SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang, Adam Christou and Chris Button. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia for their support of SIFTER.


Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of your favourite video games? Lightmap-Conversations with video game creators pulls back the curtain, offering genuine, in-depth chats with the people who bring these worlds to life. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an award-winning Australian podcast that digs into the messy, fascinating, and deeply human creative process. Each episode feels like you're sitting in on a candid conversation between friends, one of whom just happens to be a brilliant developer, a visionary artist, or a composer whose music defines entire gaming eras. You'll hear stories about the breakthroughs and the breakdowns, the initial spark of an idea and the years of grind it takes to shape it into something you can play. Hosted by SIFTER, the podcast moves beyond just the finished product to explore the craft of interactive media itself. By focusing on the creators' personal journeys and professional challenges, Lightmap provides a unique perspective you won't find in standard reviews or previews. It’s for anyone who's ever finished a game and immediately wanted to know how it was made, or for anyone curious about the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that are as much about the people as they are about the pixels.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Lightmap - Conversations with video game creators
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