A lone figure navigates swiftly vanishing terrain in a moving new stop-motion video from NOMINT (previously). Produced for WWF and presented this week as part of COP28, “Up in Smoke” follows a young woman as she floats on a melting ice floe, watches her home disintegrate, and witnesses wild animals unable to escape the toxic fumes.

A year in the making, the film included a full month dedicated to shooting entirely in-camera. “We employed a unique production process, integrating stop-motion animation with real smoke and using a full-color, 3D-printing technique to create over 700 unique sculptures for different poses of the girl,” the studio says.

“Up in Smoke” is set to a moving rendition of “When the Party’s Over” by The Social Singing Choir from Margate, originally performed by Billie Eilish and written by Finneas O’Connell. The song exposes the dynamic of an unhealthy relationship, emphasizing how unclear or deceptive messages lead to an emotional tug-of-war about the future.

As the scenes unfold, the central character bounds away from a plume of smoke, which destroys everything in its path. We’re reminded that burning fossil fuels is the primary driver of the climate crisis, and world leaders are encouraged to end reliance on coal, oil, and gas in favor of renewable energy.

Explore more work by NOMINT on the studio’s website, and learn more about the COP28 World Climate Action Summit.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Meticulously Animated in Stop-Motion, ‘Up in Smoke’ Warns of Impending Climate Catastrophe from Burning Fossil Fuels appeared first on Colossal.

By Leila Ugincius

Meghna Vemuri was a high school sophomore when she realized she wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry. But would her parents approve?

“I took marketing and entrepreneurship classes and always centered the topics of my projects around the fashion industry,” said the Fairfax native. “So, I started to do a lot of research on careers in fashion and decided it was what I wanted to pursue.”

By senior year, she was taking a fashion careers course — learning basic skills in fashion illustration, sewing and marketing — when professors from Virginia Commonwealth University visited to talk about its Fashion Design + Merchandising program.

It was exactly what Vemuri was looking for and, as an added plus, VCU was in-state. It seemed perfect. For Vemuri. But her family was another matter.

“I really had to convince [them],” she said. “I come from a family with very traditional career paths, and they were concerned about me pursuing fashion because they were scared that I wouldn’t have many career opportunities.”

Luckily she was able to convince them to let her attend VCU, where she has thrived majoring in fashion merchandising with a minor in general business.

Among her many accomplishments was co-leading the model committee for the 2023 VCUarts Fashion Event: Access – Runway Show at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in May, which she called an “amazing opportunity.” She also helped plan and facilitate events leading up to the Model Call, Jury, and Fittings show, as well as run back-of-house on the day of the show.

“The best part of this experience was working with my amazing team and working with all the designers and design professors,” Vemuri said. “It’s not often that merchandising gets to work so directly with the designers and their work, and I had so much fun being a part of this experience to showcase their achievements. I met so many amazing people and learned how to lead effectively and execute a professional fashion runway.” 

This past summer, Vemuri studied abroad in Florence, Italy, at the Santa Reparata International School of Art. “It was an incredible experience where I expanded my global viewpoints and gained so much creative inspiration from Italian art, fashion and culture,” she said. 

Vemuri had just as many impressive experiences stateside, she said, while working with her professors at VCU.

“All the professors in the fashion department are such amazing and dedicated people, so I feel lucky to have been able to be taught by this amazing array of faculty,” she said, noting that Tammy Davis and Deidra Arrington were particularly influential for her.

Davis teaches advanced event planning and her positive attitude affected Vemuri greatly.

“I had some difficulty assuming a leadership position in this course, and [Davis] always encouraged me and set an example for how to lead through kindness and respect,” Vemuri said. “Her humor and wittiness shone through the stories she told us about her many experiences, through which I learned lessons on how to stand up for myself and navigate the professional world.”

Arrington is not only the department chair, but also an associate professor who organized the Fashion Scholarship Fund case study program.

“I think I speak for everyone in the department when I say Professor Arrington is the warmest, most compassionate person ever,” Vemuri said. “Having her as a professor and mentor in the FSF program, I learned how to expand my perspective and think critically about my ideas in order to create an impact through my work. I look up to her so much and her unwavering support and words of advice will always stick with me.”

After graduating this semester, Vemuri will continue working as a freelance trend forecasting researcher for Fashion Snoops and make her way to New York, a dream she’s had for as long as she can remember. She visited the city in September for New York Fashion Week and volunteered for Sami Miro and Dur Doux.

“I loved every minute of it,” she said. “I’m drawn to the vibrancy of the city and the amalgamation of art, people and culture, and want to be a part of it.”

The VCU School of the Arts helped Vemuri grow in ways she never could have imagined, she said. And her family has embraced her career path. “Although they were nervous about me pursuing fashion, they are my biggest supporters, and I am so grateful that I was able to attend VCU to pursue what I love. … I have learned so much during my time here and am excited to open a new chapter in my life!”

The role of digital signage has evolved exponentially over the last decade. While previously only seen in boardrooms and airport directories, use cases now expand far beyond, from quick serve restaurant drive-throughs to digital out-of-home (DOOH) locations like stadiums and malls. Due in part to its flexibility and versatility, traditional technology like whiteboards in the classroom and projectors in meeting rooms are being swapped out for digital signage that’s driving immersive experiences and creating opportunity for users and consumers everywhere.

As customers enter businesses and venues, they are immediately greeted by striking images of digital signage. These signage solutions are becoming a common sight across diverse industries, from the buzzing atmosphere of hotels and sports stadiums to the inspiring spaces of educational institutions and art galleries. They enrich customer experiences in every setting.

Digital signage is no longer perceived as a mere advertising display – it’s so much more. It has become one of the most sought-after media platforms for personalized information, content, education, sports, art, and more. These digital signage applications not only change the look and feel of the environment, but captivate and leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

As the role of signage in everyday life continues to evolve, so evolves the depth of the market itself, too. According to Fortune Business Insight, the digital signage market is expected to grow to more than $35 billion by 2026.¹ Along with the industry’s substantial growth, Samsung Electronics has maintained its number one position in the market for 14 consecutive years,² and continues to expand the boundaries of digital signage with its unrivalled technology.

Let’s take a look at how Samsung has continued to lead the global industry for 14 consecutive years during the heyday of digital signage.

More than a Background: Becoming Part of the Experience in Historic Monuments, Sports Arenas, and Ultra-Luxury Resorts

In today’s world, organizations across sectors aren’t just adopting new technologies – they are embracing a total experience that provides an integrated approach that combines internal and external facets of their operations. According to Gartner, it’s expected that by 2024, organizations providing a total experience will outperform competitors by 25% in satisfaction metrics, impacting both customer and employee experiences.³ Similarly, Samsung supports projects from inception to completion in a number of ways including mechanical design and training, site surveys, product delivery, and installation, ensuring customers are equipped with the tools to be successful.

In times of such transformation, digital signage plays a pivotal role. A perfect example can be found in the heart of Vatican City. At the historic St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, visitors gather from all corners of the world for a once in a lifetime ceremony from the Pope.

Enhancing this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Samsung has integrated advanced signage solutions seamlessly by installing four high-precision LED displays. The result is a dramatically improved experience for all in attendance, regardless of their physical positioning. Paired with audio solutions that deliver crystal clear sound, the technology ensures the Pope’s message resonates profoundly with everyone at the event.

In addition to bringing events closer to attendees, Samsung’s innovative technology turns any space into an immersive experience, filled with vivid colors, crystal clear picture quality and dynamic content. Capturing guest attention and ensuring a great experience is vital for any high-end destination. Digital signage solutions are a great tool for enabling this attraction and retention. A prime example of this in action is at one of the world’s top resorts, Atlantis the Royal in Dubai, with Samsung’s premium technology installed across the property.

Every moment of a guest’s stay is filled with awe-inspiring imagery and impressive displays for a one-of-a-kind experience – whether on their journey to the spa or in the hotel’s lobby where guests are met with the largest indoor LED displays installed on three large water tanks, projecting breath-taking scenes including a rainbow of fish swimming in the sea.

These displays also create an overwhelming atmosphere when bold content is paired with advanced technology. In Minute Maid Park – home of the Houston Astros, part of the US baseball league – Samsung upgraded impressive 6,875-square-foot primary scoreboard, left-field scoreboard and ribbon boards. Similarly, in Switzerland’s Swiss Life Arena, Samsung deployed display solutions including the largest indoor LED cube in Europe. As the most modern ice hockey arena in Switzerland, Swiss Life provides a drastically improved fan experience and enhanced operational efficiency thanks to Samsung.

More than Hands-on: A Transformative Education Experience with Samsung Smart Signage

Digital signage is powerful and has the ability to draw in a viewer, captivate them, and bring them to another world – it provides a truly transformative experience. This impact is felt across industries and when we look at the education space in particular, signage has made immeasurable improvements.

Samsung partnered with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to launch an unparalleled learning environment. The Immersive Room, equipped with 18 meters of Samsung LED screens across three walls provides incredible picture quality, detail, contrast, and color reproduction. Most importantly, its 12K image resolution empowers the University to push the boundaries of learning as the LED screens create virtual and augmented reality experiences and present a futuristic learning environment utilizing digital signage.

The University of Wales’ immersive space was an “Education Project of the Year” Finalist at the AV Awards 2023, recognized for the innovation it brings to education.

University of Wales Trinity Saint David transforms education with a state-of-the-art immersive room and impressive learning spaces. The three LED walls that make up the immersive space are equipped with 18 meters of Samsung LED signages.

Similarly, Syracuse University in the US deployed The Wall in its S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications, drawing in prospective students by highlighting students’ accomplishments and the school’s world-class learning environment. The Wall creates a ‘wow factor,’ leaving a lasting impression during campus tours.

Now, teachers can begin their lessons sooner, and spend more time creating immersive, connected learning experience for students. This impact isn’t going unnoticed, and in fact, Samsung announced the new Interactive Display (Model name: WAC) designed for simplicity and students at British Educational Training and Technology, the world’s largest education technology exhibition and International Society for Technology in Education this year.

When we think back on the impact Samsung has had on education, it’s apparent that it comes in all forms. Samsung’s interactive display, Flip Pro, provides an extended learning experience for teachers and students at the Hogg New Tech Center in Dallas, Texas.

With its comprehensive range of display solutions from The Wall and LED signage, to Interactive displays, Samsung was also recognized as the Best Overall IT Solution Provider for the Education Market by the 2023 EdTech Breakthrough Awards.

More than a Vision: Bringing Ideas to Life As a Digital Art Platform

Whether with a global audience or at a local school, Samsung’s immersive environments power learning, celebrations, content consumption and much more. But digital signage is an art too, and as Samsung continues to embrace its role as a media art platform, it’s enabling creatives to truly bring their vision to life.

The Wall for Virtual Production (Model name: IVC), which launched earlier this year, is an example of how companies, producers and creatives alike are creating and displaying their art with unparalleled quality. This addition to The Wall product line up enables creatives to use ultra-large LED walls to create virtual content, integrating them with real-time visual effects technology to reduce the time and cost of content production. The latest addition to The Wall series makes production faster and easier in TV, film and other industries, and was highlighted during industry events including InfoComm 2023 and IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) 2023.

Samsung is bringing other art forms to life too. Recently, it displayed a masterpiece by contemporary Korean art leader, the late Park Seo-Bo, on The Wall All-in-One (IAB model) at New York’s Rockefeller Center. The first digital rendition of Park Seo-Bo’s iconic “Écriture” series (Video art title: [1 OF 0], directed by Jifan Park) is on The Wall’s immersive 146-inch 4K screen. The Wall All-in-One provides an awe-inspiring visual experience that replicates the intense colors and intricate textures of Park’s painting, allowing visitors to be fully immersed in the artwork. Dutch-American audiovisual artist, 0010×0010, also held an exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand that redefined the boundaries of modern art and explores the convergence of the digital and physical worlds – all by utilizing The Wall All-in-One.

The first digital rendition of the late Park Seo-Bo’s iconic “Écriture” series (Video art title: [1 OF 0], directed by Jifan Park) is on The Wall’s immersive 146-inch 4K screen.

Samsung’s Smart Signage is revolutionizing various sectors by creating immersive, interactive environments in every corner of the world. Whether it’s an ultra-luxury resort in Dubai, an immersive and futuristic classroom at the University of Wales, or a video art exhibition by a renowned artist, Samsung’s Smart Signage is making profound impacts globally, and our lives more colorful and enriching. This journey, spanning over the last 14 years, has continuously redefined the very experience of digital communication, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Samsung’s Smart Signage, which has been ranked No. 1 in the industry for 14 consecutive years.

[1] Fortune Business Insights; The global digital signage market size stood at USD 19.78 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 35.94 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period (2019-2026)

[2] Samsung has maintained its No. 1 position as the leading LCD signage brand in market share for 14 consecutive years, as reported in the Omdia Q2 2023 Public Display Report. Samsung has also been the number one in combined sales for LCD and LED signage (The LED Video Display History Report provides sales data for LED signage from 2017 onwards; comprehensive data for LED signage sales is not available prior to 2017). Note. Consumer TVs, along with Commercial Lite and Hospitality TVs used for signage are excluded.

[3] Gartner; The Total Experience Strategy for Better Retail Digital Interactions

Available in the App Store and Google Play, Thumzup Enables Virtually Everyone to Earn Cash Rewards for Posting on Social Media about the Brands They Love

Los Angeles, CA, Dec. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thumzup Media Corporation (“Thumzup” or the “Company”) (OTCQB: TZUP) is excited to welcome Joey Accardo Art located in Venice, CA, to its AdTech platform, where users are financially rewarded for promoting our advertising partners on social media.

The Thumzup mobile app, which is available for download in the App Store and Google Play, incentivizes virtually everyone to become social media advocates for the brands they enjoy by paying them cash for approved posts.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Joey Accardo Art, led by Joseph Accardo, to the Thumzup platform,” stated Robert Steele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thumzup. “Thumzup’s users are now able to earn cash while commissioning sports posters and prints from Joseph Accardo. Joey Accardo Art boasts of an impressive portfolio of replicas of Kobe Bryant, Tom Hardy, and Jerry Rice to name a few. Thumzup is excited to help keep spreading the word of Joseph Accardo’s artistry so that it can be enjoyed by many more people.”

For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com and https://artbyaccardo.com.

About Thumzup^®

Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through Venmo and PayPal.

Thumzup is a publicly traded company (OTCQB stock ticker: TZUP). For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Info:
800-403-6150
investors@ThumzupMedia.com

• Thumzup Media Corporation

Thumzup Media Corporation

Thumzup mobile app

Source: Thumzup Media Corporation

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