• Belgravia Season 2 VFX Breakdown by BlueBolt
    vfxexpress.com
    Recreating Victorian London requires more than period costumes and set designBlueBolts invisible VFX brings historical accuracy and depth to Belgravia Season 2.Belgrave Square & City Extensions Through digital set extensions, BlueBolt expanded Belgrave Square, adding architectural details that enhance scale while preserving authenticity.Rotherhithes Foundry Industrial Realism The team enhanced foundry exteriors with a combination of practical and digital elements, capturing the eras gritty industrial atmosphere.Snow-Covered London A Breathtaking Finale For the seasons final shot, BlueBolt created a realistic snowfall, enriching the scenes depth and emotional impact.Through seamless digital augmentation and period-accurate details, BlueBolts VFX work immerses viewers in 19th-century London, enhancing the storytelling of Belgravia Season 2.The post Belgravia Season 2 VFX Breakdown by BlueBolt appeared first on Vfxexpress.
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  • You can now watch a full Metallica concert on Apple Vision Pro
    www.fastcompany.com
    You dont need tickets to see Metallica in concert anymorejust a $3,499 Apple Vision Pro headset.Starting today, Apple Vision Pro users can experience Metallicas 2024 Mexico City concert as an immersive, ultrahigh resolution experience complete with 180-degree video and Spatial Audio. The concert, filmed on September 29 as part of the sold-out finale of Metallicas M72 World Tour, includes fan favorites, such as One and Enter Sandman.With Metallica on Apple Vision Pro, you feel like youre right there: front row, backstage, and even on stage with one of the biggest bands of all time, said Tor Myhren, Apples vice president of marketing communications, in a statement.The Vision Pro launched at the beginning of 2024 to lukewarm sales and has, generally speaking, failed to find success on the level of its phone and laptop counterparts.Some of that was to be expected. When the Vision Pro was first released, Apple mainly courted developers, hoping theyd be impressed enough to build apps for the product. Apple engaged these developers in a series of test labs leading up to the products release.But recently, Apple has begun to roll out features that make the hardware more appealing to everyday consumersand has been using its best technology to do so.When it comes to the Metallica concert, Apple utilized high-end video technology in order to capture multiple perspectives and a view of more than 65,000 enthusiastic concertgoers. This custom-made filming setup included 14 Apple Immersive Video cameras using a mix of stabilized cameras, cable-suspended cameras, and remote-controlled camera dolly systems that moved around the stage.At SXSW in Austin, Metallica drummer and founder Lars Ulrich discussed the experience of having his own show turned into an augmented reality experience, calling it pretty overwhelming, sort of surreal.If metalheadsor any interested customerwant to see the immersive experience for themselves, Apple Stores are offering Vision Pro demos complete with an excerpt from the concert that includes a full performance of the song Whiplash.But if you prefer pop to rock, Alicia Keys and Raye have performances exclusively shown on the Vision Pro. The Weeknd also has a similar immersive concert experience called The Weeknd: Open Hearts.
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  • How Influencer Brandon Edelman made $768,000 in a yearand what he actually took home
    www.fastcompany.com
    We all know influencing can pay wellbut just how well?Philadelphia-based influencer Brandon Edelman, known online as @bran_flakezz, recently went viral on TikTok after revealing he made $768,000 last year, primarily from brand partnerships and creator funds. After taxes and expenses, he pocketed net earnings of just over $300,000.Known for his self-described feral party content, Edelman discussed his TikTok career on Your Rich BFF, a finance podcast hosted by Vivian Tu. So $768,000 is the top number, 20 percent of that goes to management, so were down to, like, what $550k? From $550k, $200,000 of that goes to taxes, Edelman said. Just the way it goes. Now were down to $330k. After the $330k, you have your expenses. I have a team now, so its like, lawyer, accountant, therapist . . . its insane.After doing the math, the 28-year-old revealed he wound up pocketing, probably about $300,000still a far cry from his previous $40,000 salary working in the fashion industry. I grew up, literally, dirt poor, so this is insane, he told Tu. My parents made enough money to put food on the table, but they didnt have savings. We lived paycheck to paycheck. I knew when I grew up, I wanted to be more financially secure. (Fast Company has reached out to Edelman for comment.)Edelmans transparency has encouraged a wave of salary disclosures across social media. Still, Edelman is the exceptionnot the rule. In 2023, 48% of creator-earners made $15,000 or less, according to a 2024 report by the Wall Street Journal, pointing to figures from NeoReach, an influencer marketing agency. Just 13% made upwards of $100,000.Theres also the racial pay gap to account for. Influencers like @aliyahsinterlude and @claaaarke joined the conversation on TikTok, addressing pay disparities and the different expectations put upon creators of color in the industry.A 2024 report from SevenSix Agency, a British influencer marketing and talent management agency, revealed stark pay disparities based on ethnicity, with white influencers earning up to 50% more than their BAME counterparts. For example, when it comes to Instagram Reels, white influencers earn an average of 1,637.62 ($2,100.92) per post, while Black influencers make 1,080.41 ($1,386.07). South Asian influencers average 1,135.00 ($1,456.10), Southeast Asian influencers 700.63 ($898.85), and East Asian influencers 1,009.55 ($1,295.16).Edelman acknowledged this pay disparity in a follow-up video on his TikTok page. This is why salary transparency is important, he explained. In every industry, in every walk of life. We dont know what we dont know. For us to be able to have open conversations about what we are making gives us the edge to then negotiate what we are actually worth.
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  • Cyberlink Promeo review: quick post generation with added AI
    www.creativebloq.com
    Cyberlink Promeo is a useful desktop app for quickly and easily putting together social media posts and adverts.
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  • Replace your iCloud subscription with this 10TB alternative that lasts for life
    www.macworld.com
    MacworldAll your files have to go somewhere. Cloud storage is the natural answer, but most platforms have expensive monthly subscriptions. However, if you want an option thats cheaper in the long term, you can actually get a lifetime cloud storage subscription through Internxt. This secure cloud storage platform has a 10TB lifetime subscription that just went on sale for $279.99 (reg. $2.999).Internxt is all about privacy. Its an open-source, encrypted cloud storage that lets you keep control of your stuff. Think of it as a secure digital vault you can access from any devicephone, computer, you name it.Whats cool is how they handle your data. They encrypt it end-to-end so only you can see it. Plus, the code is public, so anyone can check it out.Internxt works on everything from Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and even just in your browser.Use code STORAGE20 by March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB Lifetime Subscription for $279.99.Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $279.99See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.
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  • These night vision binoculars could help you finally spot that UFO in the sky
    www.macworld.com
    MacworldWhether youre camping or birdwatching, when nightfall comes, it becomes a bit of a bummer. You dont have any daylight to help you spot your favorite animals or plantsor UFOsbut that doesnt mean you need to be in the dark. Thats where thesenight vision digital binoculars can help. Grab a pair now while theyre price-dropped to only$89.97 (reg. $169).Unlike the binoculars you had as a kid, these ones come with 4K resolution and 8X digital zoom, letting you see natures best in complete clarity, even in pitch-black darkness. Youll be able to track and spy on all your favorite animals (or look for constellations) without having to squint.See something you like? Use thesebinoculars tocapture high-quality photos and videos. This could come in handy if, one night, you think you spotted a potential UFO.Being in nature comes with inclement weather, so youll love how thesedigital binoculars are designed to withstand wear and tear, all without adding too much weight to your bag. They also come with a neck strap and IP54 waterproofing and dustproofing.View nature clearly by day and night bygrabbing these4K night vision digital binoculars for just $89.97 while supplies last. The price goes back up on March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.4K Night Vision Digital Binoculars with 8x Digital ZoomOnly $89.97 at MacworldStackSocial prices subject to change.
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  • Assassins Creed Shadows What it Can Learn From Ghost of Tsushima, and What it Shouldnt From Rise of the Ronin
    gamingbolt.com
    Assassins Creedhas taken its sweet time to do the Japanese setting that fans have been requesting for years, and thoughShadowsis now right around the corner, in the years prior, others have attempted to fill that void. BothGhost of TsushimaandRise of the Roninwere major AAA titles that attempted to do theAssassins Creed-style period setting action-adventure experience that it looked like Ubisoft just wasnt willing to do (at the time at least)- though the two games saw very different results.WhereGhost of Tsushimawas a resounding success, Rise of the Roninproved to be more divisive from a critical perspective- which means there are some very different lessons thatAssassins Creed Shadowscan (and, in our opinion, should) take from the two games. Here, thats exactly what well be talking about, as we discuss the lessons that we hope it take in terms of how to go about things fromGhost of Tsushima,and hownotto fromRise of the Ronin.WHAT TO LEARN FROM GHOST OF TSUSHIMAOPEN WORLDGhost of Tsushimasbiggest strength was the the compelling design of its incredible open world setting, and thats by far the most significant lesson that any game hoping to achieve similar things should take from it. Sucker Punch absolutely knocked the ball out of the park with how well-designed the Tsushima map was and how it encouraged exploration, constantly finding ways to let players organically stumble on addictive optional content, of which it had an abundance scattered throughout the vast map. In terms of both design and how it has players engaging with and exploring their surroundings,Assassins Creed Shadowsneeds to take a step up from its recent predecessors if its going to do justice to its long-awaited setting. Our hope is itll have looked to Sucker Punchs 2020 hit for inspiration.VISUAL DESIGNTo a great degree, this goes hand in hand with what we just talked about, becauseGhost of Tsushimas open world wouldnt have been anywhere nearly as well-received as it was if it hadnt been so visually arresting. The game managed to find the exact right way to portray the abundant natural beauty of its setting, and thats what were hoping to see inAssassins Creed Shadowsas well. Thankfully, thisisan area where theAssassins Creedfranchise has usually had a pretty solid track record, even with what are deemed the weaker of its entries. Based on all of the footage that has been showcased for Shadowsleading so far, it looks set to follow in its predecessors footsteps in this area with a visually striking open world setting.COMBATAssassins Creedstrack record with combat tends to be pretty hit or miss.2020sValhalla,for instance, wasnt without its merits in the combat department, but after the slick and addictive combat loop ofAssassins Creed Odyssey,it felt like a bit of a step down to many.Shadowshas the unenviable task of making significant improvements- but so far, it seems well positioned to. Of its two protagonists, Yasuke is going to be the more combat-focused one, and his fighting style certainly seems to have taken some pages fromGhost of Tsushimasbook. Of course, as an action RPG, there will be several factors thatll setShadowsapart fromGhosthere, from significantly greater weapon variety to progression mechanics, abilities, loot, and more, but with a greater focus on more precise and slick strikes as opposed to the bruising style ofValhalla,it certainly seems to have the right idea so far.STORYTELLINGAssassins Creedhasntalwayssucceeded at telling compelling stories, but when it does manage to do so (like the highs of the Ezio trilogy), it does so with flying colours. WhetherShadowswill be able to hit those highs is anyones guess, but it does still need to deliver a strong, well-told story.Ghost of Tsushimaknew exactly how to do that in a manner that felt authentic to its period Japanese open world setting, so yes,Assassins Creed Shadowsabsolutely should be looking to it for inspiration. Thankfully, Shadowsdevelopment team at Ubisoft Quebec has proven with the likes ofAssassins Creed SyndicateandOdysseythat it knows how to tell goodAssassins Creedstories with likeable protagonists. Hopefully,Shadowswont buck that trend.WHAT NOT TO LEARN FROM RISE OF THE RONINSIDE CONTENTThoughRise of the Roninwasnt without its strengths in areas such as the combat and the traversal, where its open world was concerned, it left many disappointed. Chief among the reasons for that was the quality and nature of the side content the game had on offer. By-the-numbers design and cookie-cutter optional content made the entire experience feel a bit too rote, to the extent that exploration was often nowhere near as fun or captivating as it should have been on paper.Assassins Creedas a franchise hasnt always had the best track record with its optional offerings, so our hope is thatShadowswill try and avoid the pitfalls thatRise of the Roninfell in.DEAD CITIESIt wasnt just the open countryside inRise of the Roninsopen world that often felt static and empty. Major cities like Kyoto, Yokohama, and Edo were highlights of the map on paper, but actually exploring their streets and alleys was a letdown. From the lackluster crowds to the atmosphere of the cities in general, there were far too many knocks againstRise of the Roninsurban environments for them to be anything more than superficially interesting. Yes, they did boast strong visual design, and yes, the traversal was undeniably enjoyable, but thats far from enough for open worlds looking to convincingly deliver a strong virtual historical tourism experience (as Assassins Creedalways does).CLUMSY WRITINGWe touched on this aspect when speaking aboutGhost of Tsushimasstrengths in the storytelling department- but we want to zoom in on the writing in particular, because this was another area whereRise of the Roninfelt like a letdown. On paper, it had all the pieces in place to tell a strong story, especially given the period of Japanese history that it chose to focus on, but clumsy writing, unnatural sounding dialogue, and paper-thin characters dragged the whole experience down.Assassins Creed Shadowsneeds tonotmake that mistake. Writing hasnt always been this series strong suit, especially in recent years. ButRise of the Roninhas shown us exactly how painfully poor writing can waste a conceptually strong setting and story. Hopefully,Shadowswill have learned that lesson during development.TECHNICAL ISSUESRise of the Roninwas Team Ninjas first ever open world, so the studio definitely deserved some leeway in this area, while theres also no denying that the game didnt necessarily have too many major technical issues upon release. It had enough smaller ones though, from wonky animation glitches and texture pop in to lighting bugs and what have you, which all came together to make for what was a rather rough gameplay experience. That lack of technical polish also arguably weakened what was an already weak open world experience. If Assassins Creed Shadowsis to make the strong impression right out the gate that series fans are hoping it will, and if it wants to get the most out of its undeniably promising setting, it needs to be as technically polished as possible.
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