The catch is you have to have a camera on your personal computer, but Digimarc is working to cover that problem. Web-camera use will likely spread as PC makers include the relatively inexpensive devices with their PCs, much the way they bundle speakers and other peripherals as part of a package now. Certain scanners also can recognize the Digimarc image and transport readers online. So the legendary director has teamed up with the Lego company to develop the Steven Spielberg MovieMaker Set. Using the system s film-editing software, they can turn the still pictures into an animated movie.
Special effects abound.
The creature can crush cars, bite off roofs, and generally tear the city apart. If a curious younger sibling sticks his hand into the scene, that can easily be cut, too. The special effects might not quite remind you of Godzilla, but the action looks life-size when it plays out on a full computer screen. Junior directors also can make their movies seem more real by adding credits, titles, and background music. Kids also will be able to exchange their filmmaking experiences with each other on the Web site.