...Explained!

Digital people - AI, deepfakes, de-aging and raising the dead

Over the last decade or so, developing technology in the film and TV industry has allowed for the creation of increasingly photorealistic CG characters in live action - including the digital resurrection of deceased actors. But in the last couple of years, the impact of AI has accelerated that process substantially, seemingly making it easier than ever to bring yesterday’s stars back to life. But... how does it work? And what does the industry think about it? In this episode, we’re exploring digital actors – the technology, the ethics, and what comes next - with Solent's course leader for CGI and VFX, Dr Ken Pitts. Find out more about our CGI and VFX courses at www.solent.ac.uk/subjects/digital-arts-animation-games-and-vfx

The enduring appeal of Agatha Christie

The best-selling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie continues to draw readers in. No matter how much time passes since Christie's last novel, books keep selling while TV and film adaptations abound. So, in this episode of Southampton Solent University's ...explained! podcast, leading Agatha Christie historian, Dr Mark Aldridge is on hand to answer why. An Associate Professor of Screen Histories at Solent, Mark is also the award-winning author of non-fiction novels exploring the life and work of Christie. From the novelist's own mysterious life to the enduring appeal of her characters, this episode is a deep dive into everything Agatha Christie.

Beauty standards - are we putting too much pressure on ourselves?

Trigger warning: this episode contains references to body image, body weight and cosmetic surgery. The beauty industry is booming, but is our consumption of it always good for us? In this episode of Southampton Solent University's ...explained! podcast, Lecturer in Makeup and Hair Design, Charlotte Logue dives into the complex world of beauty standards. Learn more about Southampton Solent University's courses in fashion, makeup and prosthetics at https://www.solent.ac.uk/subjects/fas... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnlLdzE4SWdJUDVSTGpIMkc1bTVqdXJBLU43d3xBQ3Jtc0traEVudlJGdDZaZGszZVJReTRQeXBNVEpYRVpqM29uQ2xvUFJ5dkVxN0tJMVJiWHF3NUlPSmRvbHNyMVdSRFlGc3Vud2RhQzlhZEMwcHBOYzIyckpVZWRNanhjX04wRFBHWFctaTN2ZWhOMEgwLWhoNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.solent.ac.uk%2Fsubjects%2Ffashion-make-up-and-prosthetics&v=es2gP8pgBa0]

Our ocean, our opportunity, our obligation

The maritime industry is as big a business as you can get and, right here in Southampton, it contributes a whopping £2.5bn to the UK economy. But, like every industry, there are challenges to be navigated. From a skills shortage to the climate crisis, the maritime industry is facing a moment of opportunity and obligation – as explored during this year’s World Maritime Day. In the first episode of …Explained! season two, Robyn is joined by Martin Greenslade – a ship-handling lecturer at Warsash Maritime School who has spent three decades in the industry. He talks digital innovation, the reactive nature of maritime, and what opportunities might lay ahead. Find out more about Southampton Solent University’s Warsash Maritme School over at maritime.solent.ac.uk [https://maritime.solent.ac.uk/]

Behind the scenes - the technology of live events

By 2032, the live events industry – music festivals, sports, concerts and gigs – is estimated to reach a value of $1.2trillion. But while those of us in the audience just see a slick, well-polished show, there’s a vast amount of work going on just out of sight, and huge numbers of people working with the latest technology bring it to life.   While Covid-19 saw an exodus among highly skilled professionals, the industry is now on the up. So, what are the skills needed to deliver the best experience, both to the live audience and to watchers at home – and how can we make sure the industry has the people it needs?  For this final episode of ...explained! series one, Robyn's talking to Solent’s Deputy Head of Film and Media, Lee Davison, about the appeal of live events in the digital streaming age, the work that goes on behind the scenes, and the technology that's helping bring events to life in new and exciting ways. Interested to learn more about working in live events? Check out our live events tech degree [https://www.solent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/live-event-technology-bsc], or our wider range of media courses [https://www.solent.ac.uk/subjects/film-tv-and-media]