Latest news with #Indie
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lights, Camera, Algorithm! Runway AI Joins the Production Crew
Live Events Not that innovations tend to enter the scene under the cloak of obscurity, now come loud, Netflix and Disney are venturing into the future of film production via their considerations toward Runway AI 's generative video technology . This isn't a headline-catching pivot or marketing ploy-just a wise, strategic investment for a leaner and smarter ecosystem of content productions. Instead of losing their voice over discussing how "AI is changing the entertainment industry," they have quietly placed AI tools to multiply creative capabilities behind the curtains, rather than replace human AI made headlines when it revealed that Netflix had utilized generative tools for visual effects in its Argentine sci-fi series The Eternaut . One of the scenes featured in the video was of a building collapse execution performed ten times faster and at a fraction of the traditional VFX costs using Runway's AI increasingly secretive Disney experiments with Runway's capabilities. Disney has its eyes set on a fast, scalable avenue for pre-visualization, editing, and rendering of high-quality content without costs ballooning, given the huge franchise portfolio and large-scale production pressures. Unlike some of the tech-first disruptors, both studios are extremely careful about getting into any kind of controversy. Their deployment of AI is consciously thought out by humans and integrated into existing what makes the Runway AI even more enchanting, beyond generating almost-realistic videos from text or image prompts, is its expansion of the creative toolkit. With Gen 4 and Act Two, directors and editors can rapidly scratch visual ideas, animate scenes without green screen, and replace cumbersome manual steps with iterations based on a few prompts. In effect, it's equipping the filmmakers with a virtual VFX assistant that can churn out high-fidelity results in a matter of hours, as compared to the several weeks it takes a business operations standpoint, this is a dream scenario. Budgets become leaner, production timelines shrink, and visual standards go up. Studios can now prototype scenes faster, test narratives more effectively, and push creative boundaries without burning capital. Importantly, this approach is not eliminating jobs—it's reallocating creative energy to higher-value tasks while AI handles the repetitive and time-consuming long-term implications for the entertainment sector are immense. Indie filmmakers now have access to tools that were once the domain of major studios. VFX can be democratized, not gatekept. Global storytelling becomes easier as AI bridges budget constraints and language barriers. For streamers trying to meet escalating content demands, this is not a luxury—it's a some in the industry express concern over copyright and synthetic content, companies like Netflix and Disney are clearly prioritizing compliance and thoughtful use. Disney's earlier lawsuits against AI image generators suggest a legal-first mindset, and both studios are moving cautiously. There's no blanket adoption—just targeted, project-specific integrations designed to test impact before ahead, expect hybrid production crews that include prompt engineers alongside cinematographers. Expect faster ideation cycles, more personalized content, and a shift toward AI literacy as a core skill in the creative economy. This is not a disruption—it's a natural evolution, one that respects tradition while optimizing for the and Disney's early embrace of Runway AI is a blueprint for how legacy companies can move fast without breaking things. It's pragmatic innovation: quiet, careful, and rooted in value creation. For those building the next generation of content, the message is clear—this isn't the end of creative storytelling . It's just the beginning of a more intelligent version.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Perth bass guitarists share musical experiences down the decades
Guitarists George and Frankie spoke about their love of the Fender Bass. Two Perth bass guitar players in city bands decades apart shared stories of gigs, late-night rehearsals and treasured instruments. George Clark - formerly of 1960s Perth band The Erle Blue Stars and resident of the city's Ochil Care Home - met Frankie Sweeney of award-winning Indie rock outfit The Crom who emerged five years ago. The meeting, arranged by Ochil's activities staff, gave them the opportunity to chat about their shared interests and passion for the bass guitar. They each revealed a deep admiration for the unmistakable tone of a Fender bass guitar. Ochil Care Home general manager Liz Stewart said: 'Despite the decades between their debut performances, both musicians discovered a mirror in the other — kindred spirits shaped by rhythm, resilience, and the soulful rumble of baselines. 'For George, who once played packed halls across Perthshire, this moment rekindled memories of his time on stage, while Frankie found insight and inspiration from a local legend whose legacy still echoes in community lore. 'Seeing the spark in George's eyes as he connected with someone who understood his experience — not just musically but personally — was heartwarming. 'It's moments like these that remind us how powerful shared experiences can be. 'The visit left everyone buzzing with joy and proved that music isn't just timeless — it's connective, healing, and deeply human. 'It was a celebration of identity, artistry, and the kind of community that allows stories to be passed on, chord by chord.' The Crom are influenced by guitar-based rock bands including The Beatles, The Stone Roses, and The Jam. They took the Best Band title after reaching the final 10 in the category in the eighth annual Radio WigWam Awards 2025. It followed winning the Best Indie Rock Act at the awards in January 2023. In 2022 The Crom won the Battle of the Bands competition at Perth venue The Twa Tams. And their debut album, 'Right On Cue', was nominated for the 2022 Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award. The Erle Blue Stars, led by the late Erle Jacobson, had a loyal following in the Perth area in the 1960s and regularly played City Hall.
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Style News: Shoe brand On opens in S'pore, hair salon 35a's Sunday market, SK-II's pickleball pop-up
Find out what's new on ST website and app. On, the Swiss purveyor of funky-looking running shoes, opened its first local store on July 11 at Jewel Changi Airport. Cult sportswear brand On's Singapore flagship On, the Swiss purveyor of funky-looking running shoes, opened its first local store on July 11 at Jewel Changi Airport. Singapore is the second South-east Asian city where the performance-meets-aesthetic brand has set up a permanent base, after Jakarta. The first floor of the new 9,300 sq ft duplex is dedicated to its athletic range, like bestseller models the Cloudmonster (from $269) and Cloudrunner (from $239). On, founded in 2010, is known for its signature cushioning technology that gives its trainers the telltale 'hole-punched' look and bouncing-on-clouds feel that fans swear by. What began as a mostly Swiss following has, from 2021, gained rapid international ardour. In the centre is a wall of shoes, arranged in cubby hole-like drawers that can be pulled out to access the stock kept behind it. The new flagship is also the first in the world to showcase the brand's latest tie-up with Hollywood A-lister Zendaya. The 'Zendaya edit' includes a modish blue-grey jumpsuit, boleros and a backless tennis dress. In sum, the sort of sleek apparel that the fashion-forward star would lend her name to. The first floor of On's new 9,300 sq ft duplex is dedicated to performance products, while the second is for lifestyle. PHOTO: ON On the second floor is the lifestyle range. Athleisure windbreakers, tank tops and neutral-coloured casual shoes are flanked by a tennis corner – carrying products co-designed with Swiss former No. 1 player Roger Federer – and a wall of outdoor gear. A modest kids section has been carved out too. Info: On Store Singapore, 02-230/231 Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard 35a Sunday market Poster for the July 27 market, billed as a 'one-stop destination' event for community and creativity. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/35A_OFFICIAL Trendy local hair salon 35a, fronted by hairstylist Junz Loke, is hosting an arty Sunday market on July 27. Indie home-grown clothing brands such as streetwear outfit Tell Your Children, known for its fun graphic tees, and ice-dye specialist Fassbender and Melloncollie, are among the 20 or so participating vendors. Billed as a 'one-stop destination' event for community and creativity, the market also boasts books, art, small-batch wine, coffee and music by way of DJs spinning live and a selection of records for sale. Also at the market are 'zine store Shrub and Third Eye Toothgems, run by a trained dental assistant. Designer furniture store Grafunkt, based in Joo Chiat, will be in attendance at the Kampong Bahru venue too. Info: 35A Kampong Bahru Road, from 1 to 9pm on July 27. Keen launches music festival-friendly shoe This is the sixth edition of Keen's annual Fuji Rock Festival collaboration shoe. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/KEEN_SINGAPORE American footwear brand Keen, favoured by music festival regulars, has launched the sixth edition of its annual Fuji Rock Festival collaboration shoe ($179), right on time for 2025's jamboree from July 25 to 27. This latest design is built on the trusty Hyperport H2 model, with its roomy toebox for all-day comfort, bungee laces and a grippy rubber sole for better traction on wet surfaces. All the better to get down and dirty in at the Naeba Ski Resort festival camp grounds in Japan. Egg-yolk yellow accents on the shoe's body brightens the grey-green colourway of the kicks, made for the Fuji Rock Festival itinerary of stomping at sets, trekking between stages and ducking around in the stream. Info: Available on the Keen online store or at all Outside stores SK-II serves up pickleball-themed pop-up Pickleball meets luxury beauty at SK-II's July 18 to 20 pop-up at Chijmes' patch of green, known as the mini lawn. PHOTO: SK-II Pickleball meets luxury beauty at SK-II's July 18 to 20 pop-up at Chijmes' patch of green, known as the Mini Lawn. It is an event of firsts. The Japanese brand's latest innovations in suncare – the GenOptics Airy UV Cream, a kind of untinted sunscreen, and the CC Primer from the same line ($98 each) – will make their Singapore debut at SK-II's first sports-themed pop-up. The GenOptics Airy CC Primer ($98) comes in two shades, Rosy or Beige. PHOTO: SK-II Visitors can take pictures at SK-II's custom pickleball court set-up for a 'serve and snap' moment, or try their hand at classic game Connect4, with a twist. Shoppers can try the products which sold out at launch in Japan in April. Those who share their pop-up experience via an Instagram post or reel, or a TikTok video also stand a chance to score the complete new suncare range worth $294. Three winners will be selected at random each day on July 19 and 20. Info: From July 18 to 20, 10.30am to 8.30pm, at Chijmes Mini Lawn, 30 Victoria Street. The event will be closed from 1 to 6.30pm on July 18. Diesel x Melissa capsule collection Jelly shoe brand Melissa and uber-trendy fashion label Diesel team up for a capsule collection of three shoes. PHOTO: MELISSA/DIESEL Jelly shoe brand Melissa and uber-trendy fashion label Diesel make an odd, but not unlikable, couple. The two names have teamed up for a capsule collection of three shoes. The Quantum Thong, Quantum Platform and Quantum Sneaker X – released on July 15 – fuse Melissa's bubbly look and pop art charm with Diesel's futuristic sensibility. The 'sneaker' ($499) resembles a nautilus in profile and a reimagined duck's foot from the top-down. Coming in red, black or clear green, the model is the loudest statement piece of the latest collection and is meant to be genderless. The Quantum Thong flip flop ($199) is the most muted of the bunch with its classic low-heeled, Y-strapped shape. Available in four colours, the 100 per cent PVC make of the shoes gives the familiar style a punky, clear look. The Quantum Platform ($299), in three colours, is a chunky, open-toe number, with soles more rounded than typical and sporting the same wave-forms as the sneaker model. A notch in the centre of the sole creates a D-shaped 'hole' underfoot, obliquely recalling Diesel's monogram. It is a clever blend of two striking aesthetics – one cutesy, the other sulkily cool. Info: Available online at and and at Diesel's Ion Orchard store at B1-26/27/27A Orchard Turn
Axios
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Sofar Sounds concert in Charlotte to feature Carolina artists from NBC's "The Voice"
A concert spotlighting Carolina artists who've appeared on NBC's "The Voice" takes place Friday, August 8, at Suffolk Punch in South End. Why it matters: The show, hosted by Sofar Sounds, underscores Charlotte's love for live music and support for local talent. What to expect: The " The Voice in the Carolinas" concert will feature three former contestants on "The Voice" who have connections to the Carolinas. All three turned the chairs of celebrity judges during their blind auditions — meaning they got to the next round of competition. Here's what to know about each artist. Emma Brooke Alley As the lead singer for Greenville, SC, Indie band Private Violet, Alley had a blind audition for Season 22 that turned the chairs of John Legend and Gwen Stefani. Eric Who A gospel-turned-pop artist from South Carolina, Who joined Camila Cabello's team on Season 22 and made it to the top 13. Tae Lewis The Goldsboro, NC, country artist joined Team Dan + Shay in Season 25 and advanced to the semifinals. How it works: Though it's making an exception for "The Voice" show by releasing the venue and talent in advance, Sofar is known for its secret live music experiences. Typically, both the venue and artist lineup are revealed 36 hours beforehand. It's a concept similar to other pop-up experiences, like Don't Tell Comedy or Time Left dinner parties, where the location is announced after participants purchase tickets. The vibe: Sofar shows are typically held in small, unexpected venues that aren't traditional live music spaces. The performers are often local musicians, but regional and international acts have also taken the stage. Past Charlotte shows have taken place at Blume Studios, the rooftop of the Le Meridien hotel, breweries like Divine Barrel and Burial and even inside retail stores. What they're saying: "We like hosting in weird spots. It's what makes us interesting," says Tucker Soltesz, Sofar Charlotte's local promoter, who developed the concept for "The Voice in the Carolinas" show. Soltesz adds that a portion of the concert will include on-stage interviews with the artists that he'll host. Flashback: Sofar Sounds began in London in 2009 and is now in more than 400 cities worldwide. It expanded to Charlotte in 2017. If you go: The show will take place inside Suffolk's event space, Norfolk Hall. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From revenue struggles to now rivaling AA and AAA titles on Steam, what made Indie Games climb to the top of gaming revenue charts?
The gaming landscape has transformed, and its revolution continues to be in full swing in 2025. Once that remained overshadowed by the massive AAA budgets, now, the Indie games are rivaling and, at times, surpassing big-budget Steam counterparts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With humble beginnings, Indie developers climbed up the incredible revenue mountain. This mountain has been driven by shifting preferences of players, some unique strengths of Indie games and more. The journey of Indie games from niche to mainstream dominance is a testament to resilience and creativity. Let us discuss more about it and its journey up to top. Indie Games are now rivaling AA and AAA titles on Steam 2025 has been a watershed moment for Indie games. Indie and small-scale AA titles now account for a huge portion of the top-performing games on Steam. With still five and a half months left before 2025 ends, there are 4600 Indie games that have already been published on Steam. For independent developers, 2025 has been one of the biggest years yet. The data shows a huge leap from 2024. Indie Games Are BEATING Triple A Studios in 2025, Here's How A decade ago, Indie games were struggling to compete with the AAA giants. But today, some titles like, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Schedule 1, Bongo Cat, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, etc., are rivaling AAA blockbusters in terms of Steam revenue and player engagement. The surge is built on the foundation of 2024, where the Indie games performed well. As per VG Insights, Indie games in 2024 generated $4 billion in revenue till September 2024. It made up to 48% of the full-game sales of Steam. The growth is not accidental but is the result of creative innovation, evolving trends and even strategic advantages which Indie developers now have mastered. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Foundation for Indie games growth before 2025 The indie ascent was not overnight. Steam for long has been a haven for Indie games. It in 2024 hosted 12,000 games from the Indie studios alone. Quite crucially, Indie games made up 98.9% of Steam releases by September 2024, showing a sheer volume of creativity hitting the platform. Indie Games are SAVING Gaming from Terrible AAA Trash. While the AAA release did dominate headlines, Indie games revenue shares climbed up steadily, doubling up since 2018. Palworld (sold 25 million units), like the title's success and breakout potential that was seen during a pandemic, laid the groundwork and introduced a wider audience to Indie's charm and innovation. Top reasons why Indie Games are Progressing to the top Affordability and accessibility AA and Indie games' inherent advantage is that they run smoothly on modest hardware at a lower price. They are budget-friendly games for developers and players, resonating quite powerfully when the players watch their expenses, offering high-value entertainment without demanding premium price tags or cutting-edge rigs. As per VG Insights, 585 of the total copies sold by Steam by September 2024 were Indie titles. This proves that affordability does drive mass adoption. Fresh ideas are filling the void Indie Games vs AAA Games: The REAL Battle of Creativity and Innovation While the big studios do often play safer with sequels, Indies thrive on creative freedom and innovation. These games, like Lethal Company, Palword, etc., explore experimental gameplay, unique concepts and also niche genres that get avoided by AAA. This thereby leads to delivering fresh and unexpected experiences that the players crave increasingly. Note: Indie games are now matching AAA titles. Steam ratings are 72 to 74% as compared to up to 74% of the AAA titles. Streamers and influencers are amplifying Indie games reach Influencer marketing in gaming has been vital for Indies that lack big marketing budgets. Streamers like caseoh_, generating 8.7 million hours that watched with the Indie titles, champion quirky and unique games. Even Vtubers like Sakura Miko have helped to amplify the Indie game hits. It offers massive visibility and drives discoverability via authentic engagement. It's due to it all that titles like Chained Together and Buckshot Roulette gained needed traction and generated millions of watch hours. Note: As per live streaming viewership analysis by Stream Hatchet, in the 2025 first quarter, 10.3% of hours watched amidst the top 500 titles were for Indie games. Stronger niche appeal Indie games are known to dominate some genres like survival, horror and co-op, wherein creativity outweighs the graphical polish. Rust, Lethal Company and other games succeeded with their focus on engaging loops and not bloated budgets. They provide unpredictable and stream-friendly content. The genres even foster shared experiences and community and quite often lower production barriers for the smaller teams. Digital distribution and support from Steam The indie-friendly ecosystem of Steam allows small indies to thrive fully. In 2024, by September, 98.9% of the releases made on Steam were Indie games. Platforms like even democratized access. In 2025, up till mid of July, 4,600 Indie games already launched, making Steam a go-to marketplace for the breakout hits. What is the future of Indie games? The indie game's future on Steam seems to be exceptionally bright. Convergence of player ratings between 72% of Indie and 74% of AAA show a shift wherein innovation and quality are in triumph over sheer budget size. In simpler terms, Indie games are not competing, they are leading. With Triple-I indies like Black Myth: Wukong, that's blurring the lines between AAA and Indie; the market is now evolving. With 2025 unfolding, as per trends, Indie games will continue to have success. As the players continue to prioritize affordability, innovation and experiences that are community-driven, Indie games will continue to shape the future of gaming with one creative risk at a time.
