Video: A Few Frantic Fonts and a Different LotR Tale ...

There can be no doubt that one of the greatest movements in the past few years is the democratization of information. Thanks to the Internet anyone and everyone who wants to have an input on any topic can do so. Just look at us. One day we thought it might be nice to be respected CAD and geek commentators. A domain name and some Photoshop work later and now we are respected journalists. Ok, we’re not journalists but we are respected. Ok we’re really not respected either, but we do use CAD and like geeky things, so there!

Back to the point of the post, one of the fastest growing forms of information sharing is in the realm of video. First there was the explosive growth of sites like YouTube. Now it seems that ever social media site has the capacity to host user generated video content. Some even seem to specialize in it. Yet, even in this subcategory of video there is a sub-subcategory that is growing fast and that is the realm of semi-professional video productions.

These are films that are a giant leap from someone just turning on the webcam in their bedroom at 3:00 in the morning to complain that StarCraft II doesn’t support LAN-play. No, these are large, high quality productions. They involve scripts and actors and scenes and lighting. Most of all, these productions involve editing. They are, in almost every way, of the same level of quality as you may see in any movie theater. In some cases they far exceed what Hollywood produces. And we love them.

So we will not share two of recent favorites.

First there is Font Conference. Of course we might be the last ones on the internet to have found this video but it is still hilarious. From the stereotypical embodiment of the different fonts to the demands of the kidnapper to be included in MS Works it was all comedy gold. What really almost made us wet our pants was when Wingdings came busting into the room dressed like an escaped mental patient. If you are looking to end your week with a smile, check this film out!

Next there is an amazing fan production involving JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings mythology. The Hunt for Gollum is a fantastically produced film chronicling the period of the LotR storyline after Gandalf discovers the One Ring has been in the Shire but before Frodo flees. The production value and cinematography of this “fan film” is amazing. Except for one scene, but that is nothing to harp on. The film is 40 minutes and is worth every minute of it. Every LotR fan owes it to themselves to go to check out this film. Director Chris Bouchard and his team have truly created a masterpiece of independent filmmaking in this digital age.

If these two film projects don’t end your Friday well and get your weekend to a good start then you must have had one BAD week. If so, always remember what Wingdings says “Scissors bottle mailbox! Mailbox! MAILBOX!!” ...

- KFD -