Sci-fi Steam Punks?

This week's lecture was all about genre, with particular attention to the science fiction genre. Whilst introducing the lecture Bill raised a really valid point regarding industry expectations of potential employees.

An industry contact of his revealed that even applicants for a job position in digital effects, should have extensive skills and knowledge of physical methods.

I think this raised a few eyebrows amongst the gamers and digital arts students who have deliberately avoided the use of pencils, since leaving school. He's undoubtedly right in what he's saying, but does that mean that as a modeller I should have an awareness of digital techniques also? Because that definitely evokes fear within me, I've not the faintest idea of how to create digital effects!

That's not to say I've no interest whatsoever in learning. I think it's somewhat ignorant for modellers to shun the digital age, because after all, it is as much a factor of modern cinema as the skills we're learning as physical modellers.

Anyway, I'm straying from the topic of sci-fi and so to continue, in the seminar we discussed the idea of repetition and predictability within the science fiction genre. We also devised a list of stereotypical concepts within the genre such as robots, aliens and evolution.

The idea of evolution through the ages is something that I found particularly intriguing. We discussed the idea that the original depiction of the future is one lacking organic content. Manufactured materials such as metal, plastic and glass dominate and the colour pallet is generally limited to greys, whites and blacks. Suggesting sterility.

However, Ivan then presented the idea of 'steam punk' which is a term that I was familiar with, but never fully understood prior to the seminar.
The idea is that a future world will be compiled of existing or past artifacts rather than new and unusual inventions. Evidence of 'steam punk' can be seen through the interpretation of the Tardis in the most recent Dr Who television series (see image below).

Throughout previous series, the interior of the Tardis was presented in a stereotypically futuristic manner - lots of chrome fixtures and geometric clean lines to the design (see image below). In the latest series we are presented with a distinctly different looking machine. There is extensive use of traditional materials such as wood and the fixtures of the machine replicate furniture of the post war period. Overall it has a 'vintage' or 'retro' feel.

The underlying idea is that the future is actually more reminiscent of the past, being a compilation of previous fashions, styles and traditions. Therefore juxtaposing the fantastical idea that society will establish an entirely new and unique culture through technological advancement.

Lastly, Ivan introduced to us the website B.O.B - Box of Broadcast. Which is a database where you can access any recorded content from previous television series/ programmes. This includes films also, so I'll most definitely be signing up to the site and making the most of free viewing!