ACMI

One of the coolest things I learned at the Australian Center for the Moving Image was the evolution of televised cricket. In 1977, Kerry Packer, who was a media tycoon, wanted exclusive rights to broadcast professional cricket. However, the Australian Cricket Board rejected his request and granted the rights to ABC. Packer then decided to organize his own cricket league, which he called World Series Cricket, which offered higher salaries and was able to attract star players. Packer enhanced the viewing experience of World Series Cricket by providing colorful uniforms, new camera work and hosting night games in stadiums with floodlights. When World Series Cricket started to catch on and gain advertising and viewers, the Australian Cricket Board decided to work with Packer. I think this is an incredibly cool story and it shows how powerful media can be, especially broadcasting in the world of sports. So many sporting events are built around television now and it is clear to see how much power and influence the media has over sporting events today.

Another really cool learning experience for me was getting to try virtual reality for the first time. Though I had never tried it, I had certainly heard a lot about it and had wanted to try it for a while. Unfortunately I had to wait on line for quite some time because not surprisingly, it was a very popular attraction. It was funny to see little kids try it and watch them run all over the room with these huge goggles on and controllers in their hands. The game we played was quite simple – we just had to destroy some buildings and fly around but it was a great way to experience what virtual reality was like. I thought it was quiet realistic even though I was playing a completely animated game, but made me realize how real everything would seem if I was playing a game like Madden or NHL where the game is much more realistic. The only downside I found to it was there was an insane amount of visual stimulation coming into my eyes at once. Because the goggles block out all outside light, the only thing you see is the screen, which is really bright and only inches from your eyes. It feels like holding your phone against your eyes in a pitch black room and I have to imagine it’s harmful to your eyes. I had a horrid headache after playing it for ten minutes so I can’t imagine how little kids feel when they play it for hours, but I’m sure many play VR games for hours on end. I thought it was great getting to play a VR game but honestly would not invest in one or try it much more because of how over stimulating it is.

sjenkins7

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