Filmmaker Harmony Korine is envisioning a future where films and video games converge, and he is actively working towards making this a reality. In a recent interview with GQ, Korine discussed his co-founded creative collective and design studio, Edglrd, which is currently focused on creating films and video games that are experienced like video games. He believes that this combination of mediums is the “future of entertainment.”
Korine’s goal with Edglrd is to “gamify movies.” He wants to develop a mechanism that allows viewers to interact with the footage and remix or create their own films. He sees the potential for this in the advancements of gaming technology, stating that games like “Call of Duty” have reached a level of visual quality that surpasses even the work of acclaimed director Steven Spielberg.
The filmmaker’s interest in this new direction stems from a loss of interest in traditional films. He began exploring what comes next in entertainment, realizing that there are now countless channels and platforms through which content is distributed, making it difficult for audiences to keep up. This motivated him to dive into the world of gaming technology and explore the possibilities it holds for storytelling.
Korine used the studio’s first project, “Aggro Dr1ft,” featuring rapper Travis Scott and Jordi Mollà, as an example of what can be achieved. This project incorporates thermal imaging, animation, and AI technology to create a unique visual aesthetic that he calls “gamecore.” He believes that this is just the beginning and that there are new forms of entertainment waiting to be born.
Related Post
When asked if he would ever return to making “real movies,” Korine expressed openness to the idea, but only under special circumstances. He revealed that Terrence Malick, a highly respected director, personally wrote a script for him, which could potentially draw him back into traditional filmmaking. However, he admitted to finding the process of filming people speaking at a table with lots of dialogue uninteresting and burdensome. The prospect of working with Malick, whom he has admired since his childhood, is one of the rare exceptions that might tempt him back into the world of traditional cinema.
“Aggro Dr1ft” is set to make its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 2nd. This project serves as a glimpse into the future of entertainment that Korine and his team at Edglrd are envisioning.
In expanding on his vision for the future, Korine emphasized the importance of embracing new technology and pushing boundaries. He believes that there is a transformative power in storytelling through interactive mediums, where viewers can actively participate and shape their own narratives. He sees the convergence of films and video games as an opportunity to challenge traditional notions of storytelling, opening up possibilities for immersive and personalized experiences.
Korine’s exploration of this merging of mediums is fueled by his passion for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. He sees filmmaking as a constantly evolving art form that must adapt to changing technologies and audience expectations. By blending the worlds of film and gaming, he hopes to create a new frontier of entertainment that engages and captivates audiences in unprecedented ways.
As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for this convergence of film and gaming are limitless. Advancements in virtual reality and augmented reality offer even more potential for immersive storytelling experiences. Korine’s vision for the future of entertainment invites viewers to step into the role of creators, combining the voyeuristic elements of film with the interactive elements of gaming.
In conclusion, Harmony Korine is at the forefront of exploring the convergence of films and video games. Through his creative collective and design studio, Edglrd, he is pushing the boundaries of storytelling by gamifying movies. He believes that this fusion of mediums holds the key to the future of entertainment and is actively working to create interactive and immersive experiences for audiences. With his upcoming project, “Aggro Dr1ft,” set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Korine offers a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead. As technology continues to evolve, the convergence of films and gaming will undoubtedly shape the future of entertainment in exciting and unprecedented ways.
