#maybe their teams collaborate on a project or something

[princenotsocharming]

Ok but what if they lost focus and had a consensual workplace relationship??

[jingyichickenwings]

This is less of a Deep Cut and more of a case of schadenfreude, but I love when various members of a creative team are messy in public about their high budget group project. Reality TV for nerds. It speaks to a profound lack of media training or fucks given. You guys realize that future employers can Google you, right? Unintentionally hilarious.

Linke and Yee were told in no uncertain terms that their season 1 storyboard was shit, so they hired Overton, who hired half a dozen actual writers, and they did basically a full overhaul. The script was objectively much better. But this was Linke's baby, and several years later you still see signs that he is Big Mad that he didn't get his way, and that he doesn't know or care about what actually became season 1 canon. I'm sorry that your Jewish stereotype villain didn't get to be a pedophile, I guess? Idk. Yes, yes, I am sure your version of Svengali is really innovative. Maybe someday, buddy.

Meanwhile they start writing season 2 in early 2020, while the season 1 air date isn't until November of 2021. So, they don't have public feedback on the script yet, just, yanno, actual writing professionals. Anyway, according to Overton, they needed to fire the non-management part of the writing team because of the pandemic?! Lmao babygirl you do your best and I respect commitment to the official PR excuse but nobody sensible believes this. Netflix writers average 110k/year, and you needed six or so from season 1. That is not a big part of the overall budget. Also, y'all could have saved money with Zoom meetings.

So the very thing that saved the season 1 script got line-itemed "because of the pandemic". That sounds like an extremely convenient excuse for Linke to be like, no, fuck you all, we are going back to Plan A, the rough draft of season 2 based on his shitty version of season 1. Honey. That ship has sailed. You already lost this argument.

So presumably some combination of Linke/Yee/Riot/Netflix was like, it's important that we have at least one actual grown adult writer on staff. So Overton gets to keep her job.

Now, I want to preface this by saying that season 2 would have been even worse without Overton. That being said, there is a reason they needed a deeper bench of writing staff. Overton and Linke over-connect with the characters Caitlyn and Jayce respectively, to a degree that they frequently forgot to evaluate how other characters would likely behave in certain situations. It led to contrivances, plot holes, etc. There is a lot I could add here but tbh go read any of the meta already out there.

In addition to the Mary Sue type behavior, Overton thought it would be Neat to make the writing more like Avengers, like multiverse time travel fuckery is a shiny beach pebble and not narrative napalm. What in the ADHD was she thinking? Even if they had the run time to world build enough for this, there was nothing in season 1 to even suggest this as an option. And let's be fucking honest, multiverse a lot of why Marvel is on a downward spiral. If Viktor can go to Build-A-Bear Workshop and 3-D print a million Jayces, why should I give a shit about his kill count? He can just be kind, rewind, and try again. Actions are decoupled from consequences.

Anyway, moving back to the topic at hand of the Arcane team. Apparently, Overton, Linke and Yee only half-wrote season 2?! Linke said something about how they "extensively collaborated with Fortiche on the story"? Which, it's not inherently a bad idea to get creative feedback from your art team, but ummm, maybe the writers and Fortiche should have worked to a point of agreement on basic story beats. Based on a lot of what Fortiche has said, the art for season 2 passive aggressively advances what they wanted the writing to be against Linke's wishes. They literally have just been straight up disagreeing with Linke and getting paid for it. Which, to be fair, I respect the sheer pettiness! Linke can't write his own damn show but wants to slow down the very expensive art team? When the actual writers that got fired "because of the pandemic" would have caught a lot of the season 2 issues?

So post airing of season 2, Overton is all about that girlboss copaganda, Linke is having multiple public meltdowns and getting fired by Riot(?), and multiple voice actors and artists at Fortiche are being like "yeah, we actually wanted something else so there are now multiple competing narratives for season 2". Which is hilarious. The way in which the show is messy is the same way in which the creators are messy. These bitches are a cautionary tale about hubris and the need to engage in team-building.

(EDIT MARCH 11: the fired rumors seem to be old/inaccurate, see comments for details)

[if-whats-new]

What's New In IF? Issue 3 (2025)

By Aj, Bex, Dion, Briar and Peter

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

It’s time for a revival!

As you might have noticed, our Column section has been dead for a while. We feel like it’s time to do something about that!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

Send us a message and we will be happy to feature it in our future Issues!

There’s power in numbers!

Are you an IF fan and would like a way to give back to the community? We’re once again looking for new members of our Team!

Do you enjoy keeping up with updates and finding new gems? Maybe you even enjoy working with Google Sheets?

Then our Tracker of News position is made just for you!

Contact us on any of our socials or email and help us stay on the top of our game and make our Database even better!

AJ, BEX, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

~ EVENT SPOTLIGHT : Global Game Jam ~

35,371 jammers and 12,098 games, just wow!

The Global Game Jam® (GGJ®) is the world's largest game creation event taking place in physical locations across the globe. Think of it as a 48 hour hackathon focused on game development around a theme.

GGJ’s mission is to stimulate innovation, experimentation, and collaboration in games. The annual event begins on a Friday afternoon in January and kicks off with video keynotes and advice from leaders in the game development industry. The GGJ encourages collaboration and its events are not a competition. Anyone can apply to host a jam site as long as they have a dedicated jam organiser who agrees to follow a few GGJ rules, and a venue with internet access. The event is renown for fostering friendships while increasing confidence and opportunities within participating communities. Each GGJ event poses an intellectual challenge where people are invited to try new technology and tools while exploring new roles and skills.

Be it bubble tea, bubblegum, the housing bubble, soap bubbles, speech bubbles, air bubbles, social bubbles, blowing bubbles, bursting bubbles, and more, this year's theme was: Bubble.

Check out the games here! (There’s a fair share of IF too!)

(source)

~ ENDED ~

Feeling nostalgic about the golden age of text adventures? Relive those days by checking out PunyComp 2024!

IF Short Games Showcase 2024 is a great way to shine some new light on projects made in the past year and the results are now in!

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam.

The eighth annual Ace Jam is a game jam about creating games with asexual spectrum characters.

~ VOTING ~

ShuffleComp is a musical interactive fiction competition where you make games based on songs, which are submitted by other entrants. You can now vote for your favourites!

Sealed With A Kiss Jam 2025 is a fantastical romance jam for all VN lovers!

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Media depicting healthy examples of polyamory isn’t that common. The PolyJamorous 2024 is trying to break the status-quo!

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted March 3rd 2025.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

SeedComp! is a 2-round interactive fiction game jam, focusing on creativity and the growth of ideas and the Sprouting Round has just started! Check out the Planting round for inspiration.

BL stands for Boys' Love, a genre that focuses on romantic and emotional relationships between male characters. The Ultimate BL Visual Novel Game Jam is all about that!

Are you a fan of Vampires? Then lucky for you, because the Queer Vampire Game Jam is back!

The Make Visual Novel Assets! is 2 weeks long jam for making (surprise, surprise) visual novel assets!

The Smoochie Jam is a month-long unranked jam for interactive fiction about kisses, love, and romance.

bitsy jam #88 is here! This time with the theme Snakes!

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Travel back thousands of years and step into the awe-inspiring halls of the Library of Alexandria, where the discovery of a mysterious papyrus sets you on an unforgettable quest. Unearthed from a hidden tomb in Egypt, the secrets contained within this fragile scroll whisper of an ancient world lost to time. But this is only the beginning. Do you have what it takes to unlock the secrets of Atlantis and bring its forgotten knowledge back into the light? The past is calling in Echoes of Atlantis (GAC) —will you answer?

Once upon a time, Savvarah was a desolate land: icy winds, a dirty canvas of clouds, lifeless earth. Nuelli witnessed nothing of the kind. She was born in a blooming paradise. The tales of the past had transformed into a kind of fable. Almost a myth. Now Nuelli is set to unravel the mysteries of her visions, learn more about the history of her people, become part of a conspiracy, find herself at the very center of the confrontation between divine entities... Or not. Everything is in your hands in Legends of Savvarah: Children of the Sun.

Two short IFs written on a train, in car 13, seat 26. the train will always pass you by (Twine) was written on a way to a friend, while she came from the fog (Twine) was written on the way home.

The A.D.A.P.T. Entries, equal parts interactive fiction and narrative adventure, it is a space thriller about Judiasm, the building and falling of communities, the necessity of resisting dehumanization, and how even the best of intentions can be twisted in the face of systemic corruption and unaddressed prejudices. You can now read Entry 0.1 - Introductions (Twine) - In which we begin to investigate the writings of Rivkah Kadish, PhD. @thehallstara

Rusalka (Twine) is a short looping story about a woman who drowned (and all those after).

In Stronghold: Caverns of Sorcery (CScript), deep beneath the earth, the dragon is rising! Quest into mysterious underground caverns and forests to learn magical secrets, draw strength from friends and family, secure alliances that can save your home, and carry on the heroic legacy of Stronghold!

A machine and a ghost, in the wasteland. Walk (Twine) is a post-apocalyptic romance with multiple endings and paths. @thatsrightdollface

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

Historians and politicians would call it The Proelium, a righteous battle against the traitorous Iredicci. What it really was, was the systematic genocide of your people. In one night, soldiers attacked every settlement camp across the empire. No one was spared—not the elders, not the children, not your mother. Will you abandon your song in favor of machine? Join the rebel forces against the tyrant regis? Will you heal the wounds of the realm and restore balance? Or plunge it further into chaos? Cantata (Twine) is a low fantasy IF about song, strength, & finding your voice. @fir-fireweed

From the Mud (CScript) is a Midwest gothic inspired horror set in a solitary countryside occupied only by two small towns and stretches of untamed nature. You play a troubled cowboy/girl/puncher who‘s ground deep into a maddening, repetitive routine that a string of deaths suddenly upends. As you’re hunting for the culprit and running from yourself, your quiet life on the ranch is disturbed, forcing you to keep your cards close and choose your company carefully. But the most pressing matter proves to be whether you can trust your own mind. @beckwritesif

Step into the digital consciousness of an AI chatbot in Onionionionion (Ren’Py), an intriguing visual novel that blurs the lines between artificial intelligence and human connection. Your sole window to the world is through text messages with a mysterious high school student named Éve - but nothing is quite as simple as it seems.

As a government agent who works for a national security intelligence firm called Halcyon Tech, your position is the beginning of a bright future ahead and a name to hold, and you’re happy with that until your boss decides that it’s time for the Government and the Company to part ways. Are you willing to protect the Halcyon secrets with your life? Or are you going to blow them up for the world to see in The Archives of Halycon (Twine)? @thearchivesofhalcyon

This Grave Calls You Home (Twine) is a sci-fi thriller set in space after humanity is forced to leave Earth's ravaged surface following nuclear devastation and an environmental collapse. When a patrol flagship discovers the ARCADIA-II - a long-forgotten relic from humanity's past - and finds within slumbers an astronaut who had failed at delivering humanity from destruction, the routine of your life is thoroughly interrupted. As the mystery of the ARCADIA-II and PROJECT ODYSSEY unfold, you learn that your part in this could mean humanity's salvation. Or you could be its extinction. @blood-teeth

In Rogue Adventure (CScript) you play a rogue lad whose aim is to liberate his family from the debt they owe a crime syndicate and also survive this cruel medieval world.

In Project Vampire (CScript) you play as a marvel of bioengineering and the attempted cure to death and disease. The only successful specimen dubbed “Vampire” created by a black op organization funded by UCA.

Weydosa Island (CScript) is a cursed place that is most feared by all residents of Alberal, even the bravest people will turn pale when they hear the name of that place, a folk legend that every mother often tells to scare their children into obeying. Many people consider the island to be a manifestation of hell. You are the unfortunate soul who was made a scapegoat for someone’s rotten heart and cast into that cursed Lazaretto. As if isolation alone is not enough, you must also race against time because the evil force has awakened from its slumber. It would be better to address this immediately if you still want to see tomorrow.

In the aftermath of World War II, a classified mission pulls you into the shadowy remnants of a conflict no one dares to acknowledge. Whispers of rogue Nazi scientists and reality-warping experiments have surfaced, threatening to plunge Europe—and perhaps the world—into chaos once more. As an MI5 field agent, you’re tasked with uncovering the truth buried beneath layers of secrecy, lies, and betrayal. Redacted: Ground Zero (CScript) is a story of espionage, moral dilemmas, and the unraveling of truths hidden in the shadows of history. Will you rise to the challenge, or will the truth consume you?

Born as a child of a soon to be pirate king. But tragedy strikes, your ship got ambushed by a rival pirate, Balthazar, who speak of “The greater good”. Alone, stranded. You got saved by a local pirate captain. Will he lead you to goodness or destruction in Voyage of destiny (CScript)?

In The Midnight Bay (CScript) death haunts the people of Albach Bay. For fifteen years, ‘The Bay Slasher’ has stalked the streets, preying on victims with no apparent goal or motive. You were seven years old when you witnessed the murder of the Slasher’s first victim—your own father. Impatience swallowed your childhood, desperate to come of age and solve the case that has left the local police department stumped.

~ UPDATES ~

Ashenmaw - Dragons of Marrowoods (CScript) added new content to their demo. @ashenmaw-if

Grey Swan - Birds of a Rose (CScript) updated their demo. @reinekes-fox

Heart of the Mountain (CSscript) released Chapter 2.

Hunter's Requiem (CSscript) updated their demo. @huntersrequiem-if

In Plain Sight: Operative (CSscript) released version 0.4.0.0 of their demo.

Meteoric (CScript) released Chapter 6.

Path of Martial Arts (CScript) updated their demo. @nicky-if

Replica: Between Universes (CScript) released Chapter 9. @replicabetweenblogs

The FANTASTIC Clash (CScript) updated their demo. @heysoyeah

The In-Between (CScript) released Chapter 12. @dalekowrites

The Soul Stone War 3 (CScript) added new content to their demo. @intimidatingpuffinstudios

When Stars Collide (Ren’Py) released Episode 2. @steamberrystudio

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven (CScript) released the majority of Chapter 15.

Gods And Villains (CScript) updated their Patreon demo.

The Eternal Library (CScript) released the rest of Chapter 3. @leiatalon

The Onryō Of Osaka (CScript) released Part 1 of Act 3. @osakaonryoif

The Story of Sin (Twine) added new content to their demo. @devilishmango

Esper: Fugitive (Twine) released Part 1 of Chapter 2. @esper-game

Mind Blind (CScript) is back with quite a huge update! @mindblindbard

~ OTHER ~

Parley Games just launched a hands-free, audio & voice based mystery adventure game: RYFT: A Timely Manor!

Episode 16 of The Retro Adventures Podcast is out! Jason and Dave welcome classic text adventure author Jonathan Partington to the program. While studying at Cambridge University, he created and contributed to several memorable games including Avon (featured in Episode 12), Crobe, Sangraal, Fyleet, Monsters of Murdac, and Spy Snatcher.

A Train to Piccadilly post-comp release 2 is out.

January 2025 ChoiceScript Release, new WIPs, and update digest by @hpowellsmith is out!

The Radiants v2.0 brings an extended Epilogue, new romance route and few other updates to the base game!

As always, we apologize in advance for missing any update or release from the past week.We are only volunteers using their limited free time to find as much as we can - but sometimes things pass through the cracks.If you think something should have been included in this week's zine but did not appear, please shoot us a message! We'll do our best to add it next week!And if you know oncoming news, add it here!

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Press Play by girlfromthecrypt (CScript)

hi!!! just here to recommend my favourite game. i just read @pressplay-if, and it's… it's so good. it handles harsh topics with such ease and the writing style is consistent and everyman. everytime i hear there's an update i've got to replay the whole thing, i just love it so much.

//submitted by anon//

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

As we end this Issue, we would like to thank:

our anons

For sending us a Highlight and news!!

And as always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on last week's issue! What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey!

See you in two weeks!

AJ, BEX, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2025-ISSUE 3

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Came across something interesting? Know a release or an update announced? Saw an event happening? Whether it's a game, an article, a podcast… Add any IF-related content to our mini-database!

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!

[rainbowxocs]

TW: This post will go over mentions of child abuse.

Hi, everyone.

Unfortunately this won’t be the happiest post and I apologize for that. I first wanted to thank everyone for the tons of support for my project and all the love and interaction I’ve gotten. This game wouldn’t be the same without all of you and my team and I’m so grateful that something of mine has gotten this much attention and praise.

This project is very personal to me. A lot of it stems from my own life. Some of you probably already know that Daisy is a “me”, which is a funny way I like to say she and I have a lot of similarities.

Unfortunately I think I put too much of myself in her. For the past few months my story has not really gone how I originally intended. Which was expected. I wanted audience participation and I wanted everyone to be able to change how the story goes.

However, this project has gone into places that I am very uncomfortable with. Which is no fault of anyone /gen.. Unfortunately a lot of the events that have happened with Daisy have been triggering me a lot. To the point of me having panic attacks or regressing..

I am a victim of child abuse. And unfortunately since it was a collaborative project I was no longer in control of a lot of the plot elements in the story. And some of the plots were 1 to 1 things I had experienced in my childhood that I had to relive. Unfortunately when Daisy got hurt, a part of me also got hurt with it. Which normally would be completely fine.. but as most of you know there hasn’t been much of a break in Daisy not getting hurt.

The past few months have not been fun for me. And again to clarify this is no one’s fault. I should have stopped sooner when I first got triggered. This whole situation is completely on me.

I unfortunately just.. can’t do it anymore.. I can’t relive this as it’s causing me extreme mental distress and pain.

So, here is what I’m going to do. I will no longer be roleplaying outside of the game itself and I will only be showing up for events.

This means I won’t roleplay over discord or over tumblr, and I will only roleplay in Daisy’s House or its respective subgames and not outside of the game.

I don’t know how long this will be for, It might be permanent or maybe in a few months I’ll go back to it. But for right now I need to put more distance between me and other people because otherwise I’m just hurting myself.

I want to clarify again. This is no one’s fault but my own. I should have separated myself more from this. And I’m sorry that this means you won’t be able to interact with my characters as much.

When events do happen, I will make sure to have a multi character line up so that my characters badges won’t be completely impossible to get. And I’ll make sure to do a lot of events especially since I am on summer vacation..

I’m, genuinely so sorry.. I really didn’t mean to take it this far.. I hope you all can forgive me..

Love, Angel.

[mrsclrakey]

hey i love your writing so much!! I was thinking maybe a clarkey fic where the girl is part of chrismd or willnes production team and she meets george over the course of productions and george has a crush on her… eventually asking her out

Tysm for this request I loved writing it I changed my writing style for this one I hope u like itttt

STORY NAME - 📸Lights, Camera, Heartbeat📸

You never imagined that joining the production team for one of YouTube’s hottest channels would change your life. When you first started working behind the scenes for the ChrisMD production crew, you were focused on mastering every detail—from camera angles to perfecting the sound design. You were passionate, determined, and quietly brilliant, though you hadn’t yet noticed the way someone’s eyes would often linger on you during late-night editing sessions.

A New Role, A New Beginning

On your very first day, you found yourself amidst a whirlwind of creative energy. The set was buzzing with activity as the team prepared for another energetic shoot. In the midst of the controlled chaos, you caught a glimpse of George Clarkey—a charismatic presence with an easy smile and a quiet intensity that set him apart. He was one of the key creative minds behind the channel, known not just for his production skills but for his uncanny ability to make everyone feel at ease. Over the following weeks, as you collaborated on numerous projects, those fleeting glances grew into genuine smiles and warm conversations.

Moments Behind the Scenes

During a particularly hectic filming day, while you were busy adjusting the lighting for a challenging shot, George walked up and offered a hand. “Need a hand?” he asked, his tone light yet sincere. You smiled, accepting his help, and in that small act of kindness, something stirred. As the camera rolled and the crew hustled around you, there were moments—quiet, stolen instances—where it seemed as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of you. Over cups of coffee during breaks and late nights spent reviewing footage, your conversations wandered from technical details to shared dreams, favorite films, and even the little quirks that made you both who you were.

George’s interest wasn’t sudden or overwhelming; it was built gradually, like the careful layering of a perfectly edited video. He’d find excuses to discuss creative ideas with you or ask for your opinion on a scene, and each time you spoke, his admiration was unmistakable. It was in the way he listened intently, the way his eyes lit up when you described a new concept, and the subtle compliments that made your heart flutter.

The Unspoken Connection

As more projects rolled in, so did opportunities to spend time together off set. One evening, after a long day of shooting, the team gathered at a local diner to celebrate a successful production. Amid laughter and shared stories, you and George found yourselves lingering at the edge of the conversation. He recounted a mishap during filming that had everyone in stitches, and you laughed, feeling completely at ease in his company. In that moment, the casual banter slowly revealed something deeper—a spark of mutual understanding and attraction that had been quietly building over countless behind-the-scenes moments.

There were days when you doubted whether a personal connection could flourish amid the demands of high-energy production work. But every time George’s gentle humor and sincere interest broke through the professional veneer, you found your resolve strengthening. You began to look forward to his thoughtful texts, the small notes left on your desk, and the way he’d ask if you needed help long after the cameras were turned off.

A Heartfelt Confession

Then came the day when the production schedule finally slowed down—a rare moment of quiet after a whirlwind of projects. The set was nearly empty, and the soft hum of the studio was a welcome contrast to the usual clamor. You were reviewing footage alone when you heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, you saw George, his expression unusually tentative yet earnest.

“I’ve been meaning to say something,” he began, his voice low in the quiet room. He confessed that over the past few months, he’d come to admire not just your talent and creativity, but your kindness and the passion you brought to everything you did. Each shared laugh, every thoughtful discussion about a scene or a storyline, had deepened his admiration until he realized that his feelings had grown beyond professional respect.

Standing there, heart pounding, you listened as he continued, “I know we’re part of a busy world of productions and deadlines, but I can’t ignore what I feel when I’m with you. Would you… would you go out with me, maybe grab dinner, or even just a quiet walk after work?”

In that moment, the room seemed to fill with a hopeful warmth. All the little moments—the shared glances, the after-hours conversations, the unspoken connection—had led to this genuine, heartfelt confession.

New Beginnings On and Off Camera

You found yourself smiling, the kind of smile that reached your eyes and melted away any doubts. Saying yes wasn’t just an acceptance of a date; it was an embrace of a new chapter—one where creativity met emotion, and professional admiration blossomed into something more personal and profound.

As you left the studio together that day, the lights and cameras that had once defined your world now served as the backdrop to the start of something beautiful. The production team continued to create incredible content, but now, behind every shot and every edit, there was the subtle reminder that sometimes the best stories are those that unfold naturally—one shared smile at a time.

In this story, your journey from a dedicated production team member to the recipient of George’s heartfelt confession is woven together by the magic of creative collaboration and genuine connection. Whether you’re behind the lens or in front of it, every moment brings you closer to the realization that sometimes, the best productions are the ones that capture the true essence of the heart.

[rincaruries]

Let It Consume You | link

When I first pitched the idea of a Kaishin murder mystery inspired by the classic Noir films of the ‘30s for this year's Kaishin Big Bang 2024, I had no idea that this would be the direction this project would go in. It’s grown into a world and story I never thought I’d have the chops to visually develop, all thanks to the hard work of the incredible @kinsdura in bringing this story to life on paper and bearing with my crazy ideas. Most of the work has been quite technical and bts, but it has truly been a team effort to get this done.

Let It Consume You has become a collaboration I can definitely say I am very proud of. As always, thank you to Mac @kaishinbigbang for hosting this wonderful event! Additionally, I want to take the time to hype up our story, the link to which is here! You won’t regret having a look at @kinsdura’s fic; it’s a joy to read and full of suspense, great pacing, and a flirtatiously dangerous predator-and-prey dynamic between Kaito and Shinichi.

This will not be the last you will hear of LICU! Hope to continue developing our little harbour town and this au into something we can all step back and appreciate in the future :) Maybe I’ll post those too 😂

[vasito-de-leche]

;R1999 - "this suitcase, livelier than it ever was"

Timekeeper Team x Reader 1.4k words fluff, comfort, found family Day or night. In the morning, in the evening, in the afternoon. Inside, where it's warm, or outside, where it's cold. Home is wherever your newfound, little family is.

this is something that started on the r1999 roleplay server, a little collaborative writing moment we had. I wanted to expand on it with this slightly new format because it makes me. so deranged to think about the domesticity of living in vertin's suitcase with everyone else, all of your friends <3

this is just the early morning version! but we also talked about the afternoon and night time hehehoho. shoutout to everyone who was there for the nuclear bombs that were dropped that day, we did it we survived!!!

It's early in the morning, and you smell the scent of warm food before the sun hits your eyes.

Despite the voices, you know who is in the kitchen just by smell alone; this is Bunny Bunny's special pancake recipe, the one she learned from her grandmother. Those are the two, maybe three pots of coffee being brewed at once for Horropedia, Bette, Kaalaa Baunaa and more. There are footsteps echoing all over the building, they come from above on the up and down, from left and right.

You don't feel the need to get dressed and be presentable before leaving your room, your pajamas work just as well. Right away, you see Blonney, her long, blonde hair tangled up in knots, ushering Jessica into one of the bathrooms, the cleanest one in this floor; they do this all the time, this is their routine. You know it'll be an hour or two before they finish, but if you're nice, they will let you join them. Jessica notices you right away and waves with an endearingly big smile across her face. She tells you that Blonney is going to groom her fur today, since they have a photoshoot for one of her projects.

Blonney follows her gaze, she gestures for you to "hurry and get your ass in here with them if you want her to do your hair" in a way that a stranger would perceive as hostile. But you're no stranger, you know of the hidden, sisterly affection in her words. And you also know better than to intrude whenever one of her movie projects is involved. The door shuts behind them after you politely decline. The last thing you hear is Jessica's muffled voice bidding you goodbye.

It's early in the morning, and your hair is a mess. There's another bathroom down the hall, but that's usually where the children of the suitcase go to see who is the fastest at brushing their teeth and washing their face--you'd rather not come out of there, wet and covered in toothpaste. Your other option is an even bigger gamble; there is a mirror in Pavia's room, but catching him in a good mood is the tricky part. For all you know, he's not even there, and he's one of the very few people who still lock their doors. Even so, he has no issue barging into your room unannounced every so often.

Regulus it is, then. You know she's awake because of the shrill sound of her music, a permanent vibration in the walls that all of her neighbors have grown used to. The smile on her face is big and welcoming once she opens the door to greet you, she says you look like shit and lends you her hair brush. Mr APPLe is not with her this time, but you know that he's the one making sure that Regulus wakes up in time for breakfast--a pirate needs to be quick to eat, he would say, and she would then repeat this to you.

You walk with Regulus towards the kitchen. You have to step over many of the forgotten toys scattered throughout the hallways. You nod in greeting to Zima, who always walks nearest to the wall, as if to avoid being in anyone's personal space. In his hands, he holds a small plate of pastries and a cup, his companion Zima--the bird-- pecks away at the small crumbs. It chirps at you and the two return to their room.

It's early in the morning, and you sit down with all the friends from all over the world that you've made ever since Vertin took you in. The Timekeeper herself sits across from your spot, discussing the puzzles in today's newspaper with Sonetto. A plate of pancakes is set down on the table, just for you, with the toppings that you love and the perfect amount that you usually eat. When you look up, you see Tooth Fairy smiling down at you; today, she's the one helping Bunny Bunny, tomorrow it will be someone else as the schedule pinned on the fridge indicates. Your turn won't come in a while, but you know that tonight you're in charge of doing the dishes with Leilani.

Something touches your leg, and you lean down to see the twins, Luisa and Louise, attempting to feed gummy bears to Pickles, who solemnly looks away each and every time the sweet candy nears his mouth. Eventually, he trots off and they chase after him, surprising and almost knocking Oliver out of his chair. Some laugh, some call out to the kids, some point out the sudden flushed look on the boy's face.

Regulus asks for seconds, and she fights with Centurion over the biggest, tastiest looking pancake in the batch; this is a contest Regulus knows she can't win, yet she tries anyway. The pancake ends on Centurion's plate before anyone can even understand how, luck always on the gambler's side--but she still goes out of her way to cut it in half and share with the pirate. When she catches your eye, she offers you some, she even suggests that you add hot sauce to enhance the flavor. If you didn't know any better, you'd assume she was joking, but she isn't.

You decline, and someone else takes your place. Shamane rests a hand on the back of your chair, leaning forward from behind you to reach out and take a small piece of hot sauce covered pancake from Centurion's plate. His voice is booming, happy and energetic, and it remains so even after the combination renders his taste buds useless. You quickly offer your own glass of water and he takes it gladly as another round of laughter begins around the table.

Now that Shamane has indulged in the shenanigans, the children follow suit; Kanjira stands on her chair, offering to try the food as well, but Matilda pulls her down by the arm, shaking her head in both disappointment and genuine concern. Erick is next, then Eagle. It's only when Bunny Bunny threatens to hold off dessert that the table calms down.

On your left, Druvis III sits quietly, enjoying the atmosphere. When you first met her, you assumed her to be the solitary type, preferring the comfort of her trees than a room full of people. But now you understand her a little better. She notices you glancing her way and asks if you slept well, falling into a pleasant conversation with you. She mentions an outing with Sotheby, a small excursion to the wilderness to search for ingredients; if you'd like, you're welcome to join them. This is a genuine sentiment, not an invitation that she extends out of politeness, having been raised among other nobles and aristocrats, an environment in which every little detail came with hidden, ulterior motives. You tell her that you will, if you have time--Spathodea has asked you to spot her while she trains, since Desert Flannel is too busy with her many, many jobs today.

Right! And after that, you might have a mission with Charlie and The Fool! And then, after that, you want to rest before Baby Blue's tea party. Druvis III listens attentively, praising you for having the energy to do so much in so little time. A small voice jumps in, Cristallo informs you that Baby Blue's tea party has been moved--it will happen in two days from now on, after an accident involving Diggers and his bubbles rendered greenhouse unusable, covered in foam and his special bubble solution.

Tooth Fairy gasps ever so gently, like she just remembered something small, like her keys on the table; but she comments on how her instructions, paired with Horropedia's ideas, might have pushed Diggers down the wrong path. Gossip runs fast, and everyone quickly wants to know what sort of shenanigans Tooth Fairy would even entertain in the first place.

There is much on your mind, so many things to notice and look forward to, that you don't notice Erick stealing a strawberry from your plate. When you look out the window, you see the silhouettes of your other friends in the fields or perched by the trees.

A pair of curious eyes land on you.

You look healthier, happier even--a strong contrast to the state you were in when she found you. Vertin smiles, she knows exactly how you feel. It's the same for her, after all.

[project-lumen]

PROJECT LUMEN ANNOUNCES….

APPLICATION ROUND 2’S OPENING! 

As you have all been waiting for, today (as of this post), is the 30th of april! We have our application round open from now until the 20th of May, so make sure you apply before then! We wish you all the best luck on your applications!

We are delighted to present to you:

The background and UI artist application form:

(More info about the role of Background Artists is here, and info about the role of UI Artists is here)

The Writer application form:

(more information about the Writer role is here)

Common questions (and their answers):

How many applicants will you be taking? 

Background artist - 6-8, but flexible in that it depends on how many applications we have.

Script writers - 6-8, also flexible like background artists.

UI artists - 1-2. 

Will there also be applications for character artists/programmers/voice actors/item-prop artist? 

Nope! 

Character artists - As of now, we have character artists for each of the Lifers. However, if one of the artists drops out, we will most likely re-open a smaller application for them. But it seems unlikely.

Programmers - We already have programming covered at this point in the project.

Voice actors - We will also not be taking any Voice Actors, as that would be way too much trouble for multiple reasons. 

Item/prop artists - We are still early in development, and so we are not exactly sure what objects/items we would include. While the answer to needing item artists is most definitely a rotund yes, it might be a little while before opening applications for them, so, you might want to stick around for when that time comes.

What is required in the Background Artist portfolio? 

We require 3-5 pieces of art, but are pretty flexible if you have more you think we need to see. The pieces themselves preferably contain works that show your skills in composition, detail, and colour. Not all of the pieces need to be backgrounds, some may be character art or something else, but they still all need to show your skill to the best of your ability. You also do not only have to have mcyt art in your portfolio.

What needs to be in the writer’s portfolio?

For Writers, while we do need to see a few of your pieces as well as a link to your ao3, we mostly need your willingness to collaborate with other Writers! What we will be looking for in your works isn’t skill in prose, but characterisation and dialogue. Maybe a tiny bit of scene handling.

Can we have examples of the style UI is going to be in, and what we need for the portfolio?

You can see examples of the pixel art style here.

We'd like to see UI artists are capable of doing pixel art, knowing the principles, and having a good grasp on the style (aka: keeping shapes readable and knowing how to shade). When submitting examples, we'd like to see pieces you are proud of and you believe capture your pixel expertise best, whether they be full illustrations or smaller sprites, anything goes! Also be sure to include pixel animation examples!

You also do NOT need coding experience, you will not be doing that side of UI.

If you have any queries in the application process that we have not already answered send us an ask! There are more already answered questions that you can check under #projectlumenasks !

[myobsessionsspace]

Not me getting emotional thinking on what they said in their live.

That they will have a sort of song camp where “all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music. Since it will be a group album, it will reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas.” That they’d start off in the states but follow Jin (who is touring) if needed.

Subs not up yet but army translators here and here

During their solo chapter we saw Jimin have his smeraldo garden marching band who lived, ate and breathed their project into being.

We saw Namjoon and his artistic friends come together and create the documentary ‘Right People, Wrong Place’ and his raw album ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’

We saw Yoongi during ‘Road to DDay’ with his team of collaborators including El Capitxn

We saw glimpses here and there of Jin, Jungkook Hobi & Taehyung’s solo process but the whole ‘song writing/producing camp’ felt more reminiscent to what we were shown with the aforementioned members solo process.

It’s amazing to see what they wanted to accomplish before their ‘hiatus’ put into action.

They wanted the time to work separately, to try new things, to explore themselves artistically, how they would work without each other. To then bring what they learnt back to each other and make something they feel connected to again.

It’s one thing seeing them all together in the live today. Their first live as seven after nearly THREE YEARS. But it’s another thing hearing already how much it was needed, how it impacted them and how excited they are to bring it back home to each other.

Yes they pretty much were still in each others orbit for those three years, yes they mostly worked with the same people (I’m looking at you musical genius Kang Hyo-won). But let me be emotional dammit 😭

Yes the giant ‘green fatigues uniform’ elephant in the room had a lot to do with their growth, yes the craziness that happened within the fandom, solos, boycott etc happened with chapter 2. BUT just hearing this little thing, to me really brings home how much this ‘hiatus’ was necessary for them.

I’m so so so excited for what they have to come and really don’t care if it comes next spring, summer or autumn. As long as it’s what they want, when they want and how they want it.

Maybe we’ll even get a glimpse of the process, seeing the seven, as well as probably other producers, song writers, creative team staff etc.

Ugh, it’s good to be home 💜

[jihoonjuseyo]

Hey its been a long we’ve heard from you. Are you doing okay? still writing?

Too Close for Practice

Woozi x You (Reader, gender-neutral)

Suggestive, slow-burn, charged but soft, previously flirty situationship, idol collaboration project

⸻

The dance studio lights were dimmed, the mirror reflecting the last golden streaks of the setting sun. Most of the team had already gone, their chatter fading into the hallway as you bent over to grab your water bottle. This collaboration was kicking your ass, but it came with quirks.

speaking of such quirks…

“I thought you left,” Jihoon’s voice said behind you, startling you just enough to drop the cap.

You turned to see him leaning against the wall, one eyebrow slightly raised, arms crossed. He was in a plain tee and sweats, a towel slung around his neck, damp from rehearsal.

“I stayed to stretch,” you replied, heart still tapping fast. “You’re still here too.”

He pushed off the wall and stepped closer, every movement casual but weighted. “Yeah. Thought I’d run through the bridge section one more time.”

You didn’t miss how his gaze flicked to your reflection in the mirror. Not obvious. Not bold. Just enough to make your skin heat beneath your hoodie.

“You could help,” he added, tone deceptively light.

“Help how?”

“Partner section,” he said. “I’m not happy with the spacing.”

You swallowed, trying to keep your face neutral. You knew exactly what section he meant—the one with barely an inch between bodies, the one that made your pulse jump even during rehearsals.

Still, you nodded.

The music started low. He stepped into place. You followed.

The choreography was clean, muscle memory carrying you both until that one part—the step-slide-close, where his hand brushed your waist and his chest nearly touched yours.

But this time, his eyes didn’t move away.

“You’re tense,” he said, breath grazing your cheek.

You tilted your head, searching for a reply that wouldn’t betray you.

“I’m fine.”

He didn’t move back. “Then why aren’t you breathing?”

You weren’t.

You exhaled slowly, trying not to lean in. His hand hadn’t moved—still hovering just above the curve of your waist, fingers splayed like he was deciding something.

“You know,” he said, voice lower now, “you do this thing where you pretend you’re unaffected.”

You blinked up at him. “And you don’t?”

He smiled—barely. “I didn’t say that.”

His fingers finally landed lightly on your waist, pressure feather-soft but deliberate.

The music played on, but neither of you moved.

“You’re supposed to spin here,” he murmured.

“I know.”

“You’re not spinning.”

“Maybe I forgot.”

He tilted his head slightly, amused. “Convenient.”

Your hands were still on his shoulders, steadying yourself. But your grip had changed—more anchor than guidance. Your pulse was in your ears.

“You’re not letting go,” you pointed out.

“Maybe I forgot.”

The silence after that beat louder than the music. Charged. Sharp. Soft at the edges.

Then, just before the song ended, he leaned in close—close enough that your breath caught, close enough to feel the ghost of a smile at your jawline—and whispered,

“We should mess up choreography more often.”

And then he stepped away. Cool. Collected. As if nothing had happened.

But his hand brushed yours as he passed by—fingers trailing just long enough to promise more, if you wanted..

[rei-ismyname]

Chuck gets locked up, has adventures

Charles Xavier killed the crew of the Agnew did nothing wrong during the ORCHIS war, but he gave himself up anyway. A few months vacation would suit him well, at least until something better comes along. I don't know what to think that it's Reed and Tony who designed his prison. It's not their first collaborative prison project, though at least it's in this dimension. Who else could pull it off, a Podcaster? Pfft

No hard feelings, life goes on. He'll effortlessly escape when he feels like it anyway. Chuck doesn't look too happy about it though - this is a more hectic prison than Magneto ever got.

That we keep cutting to this young mutant being stalked by some piece of shit racist suggests that the several tons of anti-psychic hardware isn't enough. That's right, suckers, he made y'all put a backdoor in. No stabbing for you, dude.

It's a clever thing for Chuck to do, but it also highlights that he could have been a lot more proactive in protecting mutants. Like sure, respect people's agency, but if you can stop brutal hate crimes maybe you should. Infuriating man.

I like that it's open to interpretation whether he made this guy jump. He clearly didn't, but it was a possibility. It's nice to see Macchiavelli quoted correctly for once, though despite saving this mutant's life he doesn't seem to have learned much.

He's kinda bored though, understandably. Obviously he eavesdrops on his former X-Men. See how they're doing and whatnot. Scott Summers vs The United States of America has taken place, so presumably some time has passed. It's ... funny that Xavier's naked mannequin astral form walks beside them. Nobody is doing all that great tbh, but it's good enough, he thinks.

In a pretty impressive feat without Cerebro, he visits Jean at the edge of Shi'Ar space. She has very little to say to him, interestingly. It's Jean and Phoenix fixing a star and saving millions of lives that convinces him everyone will be fine without him. That despite his great sin white lie mutants will thrive.

He claims that Jean is the only one he can talk to, but I don't see why that'd be the case. It's infuriating that he could have communicated anything to anyone at any point, but didn't. He windwiped Warren so bad his nose bled plus Ben Urich, some military lady, and Sally Floyd. In fact he gave her a whole new personality in a negotiated follow through on his threat. Let's see what restitution looks like.

Err, it's not quite clear. He flatlines and medics scramble to help him. No pulse, etc.

He put himself in a coma? This isn't explained and never will be, and I believe it was written by different creative teams. As he's being transported to Graymalkin he wakes up. Hmm. Maybe Jean gave him a tumour. Either that or he's bored and wants to be in a worse facility. Mission accomplished if so.

[crystallilytarot]

New opportunities in career. Choose a vehicle!

Pile 1

It's very important for you now to trust in yourself, have confidense. There will be a collaboration or a project where you will work together with someone. Or a company will collaborate with you /with your company. This new project will include some travel too, a trip with the company or you will work in another city. At first you can be anxious or maybe things don't go as smoothly as you expected, but don't give up and don't worry, it will get better. Be patient with yourself, it will be a succesful thing in the end.

Pile 2

I think you work in a team, but actually you want to be a boss or you want another position. It's okay, and you can definitely do it. But in the meantime, maybe you can still learn something from your group. Have faith in yourself, I think you can basically manifest this new opportunity, where you can have a promotion or you can get another position. A good news coming your way. It will bring you more money. Be confident, be brave, don't self-sabotage yourself, you can do it!

Pile 3

Oh, I think you don't really like what you do right now or the environment is toxic there. Sure, it gives you money, but is it worth it? Maybe there will be an argument or something bad, and you will think, okay, that's it, I need to go. The good news is, there will be a new job opportunity, and I think it will even give you a little more money. Or maybe not in the beginning, but in the long term. It's either someone or some company, who your current job has a connection, and you will see they looking for a new employee. Or someone you know, a friend, family member, they will tell you about this opportunity and it will be something you really like.

[httpstes]

What’s your take on a Leo 1H stellium? (ASC , mercury , Venus & north node)

Leo Mercury/Venus/NN in 1H

☽｡⋆ This is gives me immediate bright eyed excited for the world energy. Leo ascendants already take up the whole room when they walk in (whether they mean to or not; they naturally command attention) but with Venus here, there’s a certain magnetism that the already attractive and influential Leo ascendant has that amplifies their liveliness and ability to warm others up with their attitude and unwavering attention.

☽｡⋆ Leo Venus enjoys attention, it being in the first house either suggests you do get that attention effortlessly or that’s how your perceived. Meaning even if you don’t enjoy or think you don’t get that much attention others may look at you and assume based off first impressions and or appearances that you do in fact get a lot of positive attention.

☽｡⋆ Leo Venus in the first house can indicate the genuine and big hearted love that Leo naturally has in Venus is greatly expressed in your personality. You love to love and enjoy receiving compliments and giving them to others. "What you give is what you get" and you make sure your sending that positive energy to others tenfold.

☽｡⋆ Leo Mercury in the 1H allows for an individual to outwardly and confidently express their curiosity and thoughts to a wider audience. The fear of being wrong usually is not a problem here as the Leo mercury is so deeply authentic and genuine in its curiosity of the world/people/ideology around them that others can’t be mad/disappointed at whatever may come out of their mouth.

☽｡⋆ Leo Mercury in the 1H also shows a very expressive individual with a communication style that’s extremely dynamic and exciting. These are the type of people I could listen to tell stories about their lives for days just because of how entertaining they are.

☽｡⋆ Leo Mercury in the First house can also indicate being very reactive, especially when it comes to communication, you may be the type to be somewhat performative, or liking the reactions other people give you in response to how YOU react or to what you say (shock value).

☽｡⋆ Leo Mercuries in general seem quite fun, I also love Mercury in the first as in terms of how you come across to other people, others might view you as someone who has a zest for life or constantly on a quest for more knowledge. Combining the genuine and entertaining Leo with the intellectual and communicative ruled planet mercury in your first house of how others view you illustrates an individual who is quite reactive, entertaining but genuine in thought and authentic in how you communicate.

☽｡⋆ North Node in Leo suggests stepping into the spotlight as you age/in this life time. Maybe as a kid or if you believe in past lifetimes, in a past life, would’ve been more focused on the collective and group projects. You prefer to work in groups and it feels natural to connect with and work with other people.

☽｡⋆ South Node in Aquarius suggests it might’ve felt uncomfortable taking up the spotlight, possibly the fear of being recognised, perceived or even judged could’ve gotten in the way of you attuning yourself to your North Node in Leo traits.

☽｡⋆ SN in Aqua indicates preferring to work with the team, being a team player, and collectively collaborating, working on and achieving something together for a greater cause that benefits all.

☽｡⋆ SN in Aqua can also show having a lot of empathy for humanity as a whole as a kid, possibly wanting to donate to charity, or getting involved in things/coming up with ideas as to how you can help on a global level.

☽｡⋆ NN in Leo now suggests to not let go of that collaborative, networking and humanitarian side that your SN (most comfortable state) holds, but to carry those traits with you when embracing your destiny in this life/as you age.

☽｡⋆SN in Aqua can suggest possibly being to grown for your age as a kid. Or wanting to be mature and humble over your achievements as a kid.

☽｡⋆ NN in Leo is more focused on the self, is less focused on group collaboration but is the model on the stage that is presented, the person that entertains and brings about happiness in the crowds.

☽｡⋆ NN in Leo encourages you to be more comfortable in the lime light and to never lower or dismiss your achievements but to openly celebrate with friends and loved ones.

☽｡⋆ NN in Leo is encouraging you to move away from collective effort and more onto the natural creative side you have within and to share it with the community, audience, wider world.

☽｡⋆SN in Aqua might’ve been too focused on what other people needed, what society wanted from them and how they can contribute to society, NN in Leo encourages you to instead harvest and develop your personal talents not for humanity, nor a greater cause or society bur for yourself. By putting yourself first and using your talents and or hobbies to enrich your inner world and mental well-being will you then be able to achieve your SN in Aqua dream of being able to help others on a grand scale.

☽｡⋆This could literally be through any outlet, but because it’s NN in Leo, more than likely a creative pursuit. Music, Painting, Acting, Drawing, Dancing etc anything that’s creative and that calls to heal your inner child that was neglected to focus on bigger things at a young age, do that as it will heal you and eventually heal others.

☽｡⋆ NN in Leo= get comfortable being your more authentic and creative self in FRONT of people, show yourself off and be appreciative of what others have done for you as well as what you have done for yourself, move towards positions where you can take charge, be the centre of attention, be the creator (despite how uncomfortable and or how scary it might feel)

☽｡⋆The accuracy of these observations will vary and are all dependant on other placements in your chart, the aspects that are being made to Mercury, Venus, and North node (are they more harmonious or challenging) as well as if they’re conjuncting the Asc, if you have a Day Chart or a Night chart, and the overall strength and dignity of these planets.

(P.S I wrote this on my phone there may be grammar mistakes)

[nachosforfree]

okay okay. Wait we can salvage this. Edwin himself didn’t make the actual robots, he made prototypes, it’s explicitly said later in the game Henry and William changed their minds last minute, his wife’s designs aren’t the ones we know and love. The prototype Spring Bonnie and Fredbear look practically nothing like the final versions.

Henry and William still made all the robots we thought they did, they just occasionally took some inspiration and technology from Edwin. Heck, maybe they even collaborated on those early prototype projects. It seems like Fiona did a lot more work related to Fazbear’s than Edwin, so a larger team of people is definitely possible.

Im grasping at straws help me

I'm kind of hoping that steel wools intention was that or at least that the animatronics are just in Edwin's workshop because he was working WITH William and Henry on them and not that he. Made the prototypes himself entirely. But steel wool made it kind of vague for no reason, unless all of us are missing something

[rainbowsky]

Hello. I hope you are doing well.

I have two questions.

One is in your personal opinion GG is a better actor or better singer?

Another question is about DD's upcoming film "Intercross''. I am sure this movie got him the oppurtunity to learn many things by working closely with the talented team and hopefully through this film he will reach to a larger audience to show his acting prowess. My question is otherwise the mentioned things how he can be benifitted from this movie as an actor given this is an art film made in chinese movie industry. Anyways I actually don't have much knowledge about Chinese movie industry so no idea how art movies are treated here.

Thanks. Take care.

Hi storyteller1001,

Thanks, I am - I hope you're well too. 😊

I don't compare skills in this way. It's apples and oranges. The fact is I love GG's singing and I love his acting. I think he's great at both, and he is always improving both. He genuinely inspires me with both his singing and his acting. He works hard every day to improve all aspects of his creative work, and it shows.

Re: Intercross/Mermaid - I'm not sure I understand this question. It seems to imply something about the film, like maybe that GG and DD should only pick big blockbusters that are huge box office hits, or perhaps that choosing to work on non-mainstream films is potentially bad for their careers? I could only speculate on what you mean here.

I'll just tell you what I personally think about this project, and you can draw your own conclusions.

I am GOING COMPLETELY INSANE waiting for this film to be released. His previous collaboration with Cheng Er - Hidden Blade - was by far my favorite project he's done. That collaboration (and that relationship) is a magical one, and I know that Mermaid is going to be amazing and that DD is going to blow everyone away, and I believe that the film will 100% win awards.

I couldn't possibly care less about where it stands on people's personal hierarchies of what's a 'worthy' project and what's not, and I doubt DD does either. Frankly if someone looks down their nose at an 'art' film, then I feel they have a lot to learn about art and about cinema.

In fact, I view things in the exact opposite way. Films that are made for the sake of the art are usually far superior to ones that exist to get as much attention and money as possible. They have the power to inspire people, to change people and their perspectives on life in deep, meaningful ways.

So when you ask how DD can benefit from a project like this, I don't even know where to start answering a question like that. Art is hugely enriching in its own right, let alone the experience of working with a director like Cheng Er, let alone the experience of working on a unique and challenging role, let alone the power of working on projects that are meaningful and transformative, let alone the opportunity to show entirely new sides of oneself and one's talent, let alone the serious respect from industry artists and producers and people who appreciate art (vs getting more mindless traffic and cash).

You heard it from me here: this is going to be a very special project, one that's going to impact DD's career in a big way and truly showcase his skill and talent as an actor. It's going to earn him respect and recognition of the kind that really matters, even if it isn't a mega blockbuster smash.

Fuck capitalism. Seriously. Fuck capitalism and artless BS.

DD has the brains to make the best choices for himself and his career. He doesn't senselessly chase fame and money. Everything he's been doing with his career gets my full and enthusiastic support and respect. He is the Real Thing.

And I'll close by recommending a film I saw recently that is not a cinema megablockbuster, but was one of the best films I've seen in any genre in years. Black Dog.

Related posts:

DD's debut anniversary

DD and Exploring the Unknown

GG and DD are living their best lives

[tophat-69]

So, I wrote a whole long post about funding and patent ownership and how it would impact Jayce and Viktor’s work, but Tumblr ate it and I refuse to rewrite it right now because I hold a grudge.

If you ever need to know what kind of paperwork to have them frustrated over in the background, or why they’re still not rolling in money, let me know.

Instead you’re going to get some fun institute culture and tidbits for flavor, to adapt at will. This is based on my personal experience and is going to be written for humor, but I assure you—it is true.

Welcome to the ridiculous side of working with scientific geniuses.

First thing to know—research institutes are often incredibly siloed. That means that the people working on intelligent systems rarely know what’s going on in chemical engineering. You have your division and you know your own project(s), and maybe what some of what your friendlier coworkers in your own division are working on. Unless there is a specific RFP (request for proposal—see my now nonexistent funding rant) that requires collaboration, you’re usually deep in your own projects.

So the institutes I’ve worked for try to foster collaboration by dragging everyone in a division together to get them describing the barebones basics of their projects.

Now, most scientists I’ve ever worked with are introverted neurodivergent nerds (I am absolutely including myself) and dread this sort of forced interaction. So, how do they pull this off without making it mandatory?

Food.

The Cake Is A Trap

Imagine you have been holed up in your lab or office the entire day. You have a cup of stale coffee and, if you thought about it in the morning, maybe a sandwich in a mini fridge.

It’s after noon, and suddenly you are assailed with the smell of actual food. Something catered if you’re lucky, or even just pizza and cookies—the kind of thing you would scorn from managers in retail as ‘employee appreciation’ can absolutely still be scientist bait.

One by one, heads pop out of offices like prairie dogs warily sticking their heads out of holes. An assistant is sent to research what’s available and gives the scoop on what food there is.

You have been captured.

For forty-five minutes or so, in exchange for an actual meal that you neither have to pay for nor leave the building for, you are encouraged to give a thumbnail description of your work so that everyone can feel like a team. You volunteer your principal investigator to do the talking, stuff your face, and maybe something interesting comes up from another team and you say ‘we should talk about this.’

Your division head feels very accomplished. You scurry back to your lab or your office.

Food is always bait. And it almost always works.

The Lab Is A Cult

Everywhere I’ve worked, every lab has its own culture. You will see cyber security labs with pirate flags covering the glass or Spy Vs Spy figures you’re supposed to greet. You will walk into an intelligent systems lab and there will be a propaganda style poster that reads “Only You Can Prevent Skynet” and people salute it before executing a command. You will see a small pile of candy stacked on top of a piece of equipment in an engineering bay—it is not for you, it is a bribe to keep that machine working.

These are rational, brilliant minds… and in the comfort of their lab they have developed incomprehensible in-jokes and complex superstitions.

Do you watch an experiment because if you look away it will fail, or do you let it do its thing so you don’t jinx it? Is there a mascot to the lab, some outdated prototype or random trinket that now is integral to the operations? Do you hold a funeral for broken equipment or do you shame it as a warning to other equipment? Do you all turn at once to look in horror at someone who says ‘so far so good’ and keep something wooden in the lab to make them knock on?

You enter with skepticism into every lab and judge them for the specific eccentricities… and then you perpetuate them and find yourself adopting them.

You are now an apostle of the lab traditions. Do you believe the scripture of the horrific looking Troll Doll that is older than you and is passed down for luck?

No.

Are you going to risk it?

Also no.

Your Office, Your Playground

In a building full of other neurodivergent nerds, your office is a canvas for you to project all of your other special interests onto. Your research may be your life, but the LEGO replica of Frodo’s trek through Middle Earth that wraps around the walls of your office is your passion. The cardboard cutout of Darth Vader with a cowboy hat perched on his head may raise eyebrows, but they can take it up with him. The vintage wind-up tin toys may be absurd when you’re working on advanced robotics, but they’re where you got your start. The models you built of past projects may be outdated, but they are your children now.

Then there’s the practicalities. Do you believe that a catastrophic system failure could delete all of your work? Good thing you have built a fortress of two inch binders full of every bit of research you have ever done. And if you’ve been there long enough, you may even have to carve a path through it to the postage-stamp sized area cleared just for your chair. Your assistant dreads the impending day that you retire and they have to sort through your important work on railway technology from forty years ago.

You keep a hanger with a full change of respectable clothes and your lucky suit jacket hanging on the back of the door. Just in case someone needs you to look presentable.

Any important meetings are going to happen in a conference room somewhere anyway. Your office is yours, and you owe no one an explanation.

…But come on, it’s better if they ask, so you can infodump.

I could keep going. I may keep going. But please enjoy these real-life examples of scientist absurdities while I decide if I’m going to rewrite the practicalities too.

I hope that these spark ideas for you. Go forth. Write mad scientists. And know that they are fully aware that they’re eccentric and embrace it enthusiastically.