Podcast Summary
This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Lance Weiler, an artist and professor at Columbia University, who is known for his innovative work in storytelling and technology. The discussion explores the intersection of art, technology, and culture, with a particular focus on the role of Web3 and blockchain in the evolution of storytelling. Wheeler shares his experiences with his recent piece, “Where There Is Smoke,” an immersive documentary installation that incorporates generative NFTs on Solana, and discusses the potential of decentralized technology in the art world.
Key Takeaways
The Influence of Technology on Art and Storytelling
- Technology as a Storytelling Tool: Wheeler discusses how technology has shaped storytelling throughout history, from the advent of film production to the rise of digital technology. He emphasizes the democratization of art creation and distribution, drawing parallels between his past experiences in Web 1.0 and the current moment of Web3.
- Disruption in the Entertainment Industry: The podcast highlights the disruptive potential of generative technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain in the entertainment industry. Wheeler suggests that blockchain could improve transparency and provide attribution to creators, although challenges like discovery of work and sustainability in a sea of noise remain.
- Web3 and the Evolution of Storytelling: Wheeler’s work with the Web3 Storytelling Lab at Columbia University explores the potential of decentralized technology in higher education and the entertainment industry. He discusses the shift towards owning data and co-creating with consumers, challenging traditional intellectual property and entertainment industry models.
Ownership and Intellectual Property in the Web3 Paradigm
- Defining Ownership in Web3: Wheeler raises questions about how artists can get paid in a Web3 ownership model where buyers have unlimited rights to the digital art they purchase. He argues that the idea that everything will be paid out as contractually obligated is a fallacy, citing difficulties in collecting royalties and residuals from licensed works.
- Experimenting with Public Domain Work: Wheeler shares an example of decoupling intellectual property by experimenting with public domain work at his lab. He emphasizes the need for intellectual property to evolve and for open systems to be explored.
Immersive Storytelling and the Integration of Blockchain and NFTs
- “Where There’s Smoke”: Wheeler discusses his personal project “Where There’s Smoke,” an immersive documentary installation that explores his upbringing in a firefighting household. The project incorporates elements of documentary, immersive theater, and escape rooms, and is dynamically created in real-time based on the participant’s movements.
- Integration of Blockchain and NFTs: The project also incorporates blockchain and NFTs, with plans to make it fully blockchain integrated. Wheeler has been working on a drop that uses a burn mechanic with 35mm slides, and the team is developing a path where ticketing embraces the idea of PoAP and evolving NFTs tied to the experience.
The Future of Web3 Storytelling and Creative Pursuits
- Resurgence of Social Dynamic in Storytelling: The podcast discusses the resurgence of a social dynamic in television viewing and the potential for personalization within storytelling. The rise of personalization in storytelling is seen as a driving force for new ways of interacting with stories and sharing them.
- Decentralization and Its Impact on Storytelling: The conversation shifts to the topic of decentralization and its impact on storytelling, drawing parallels to the democratization of film distribution. The acceleration of generative tools in the decentralization space is highlighted, with a shorter timeframe for development and adoption compared to previous technological advancements.
Sentiment Analysis
- Bullish: The podcast expresses a bullish sentiment towards the potential of technology, particularly Web3 and blockchain, in transforming the art and entertainment industry. Wheeler’s optimism about the future of the space, his belief in more experimentation leading to new possibilities and use cases, and his efforts to destigmatize technology in his classrooms and encourage artists to embrace new tools, all contribute to this bullish sentiment.
- Neutral: While the podcast is generally optimistic about the potential of technology in art and storytelling, it also acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties that come with it. These include the difficulties in collecting royalties and residuals from licensed works, the potential homogenization of culture due to integrated technologies and communities, and the unknown aspects of the new wave of storytelling, including the intellectual property, technologies, and studios involved.
