LEM (2019) [Super 8, Fisher Price Movie Viewer Theater]
This was a proof of concept for repurposing the Fisher Price coaxial cartridge system to play generated content. I wanted to assess the tension created by hand developing and projecting a sophisticated computer generated motion graphics piece. I was pleased and surprised the resonance generated by the combination of quick and dirty processing, crude projection, haptic control and smooth animation.
The Fisher Price Movie Viewer Theater. Introduced in 1978, after the success of the handheld version. The handheld version is still made today although cartridges are limited to 1 or 2.
Creating a film out (video to digital) by simply shooting a laptop screen with a super 8 camera.
Kodak Tri-X bucket developed as negative in D-76.
Developed film drying on a repurposes laundry dryer.
Fisher Price Movie Viewer Cartridge with film removed. The cartridges hold around 12 feet which is around 2m30s at 18fps.
Interior of the cartridge showing the coaxial mechanism and new film installed. The cartridges feature a built in mirror to reflect the projected image. The image is focused through a pair of condenser lenses before hitting 2 more mirrors directing and enlarging it onto the back projection screen
Detail of the interior of the cartridge.
Detail showing light travelling through the film and open gate of the cartridge.