Event Details
Short film premiere of
PORTRAIT OF A UNIVERSE
Blending art and technology, Portrait of a Universe is a futuristic story of painter Rodney and A.I. Alice making a connection in the far-reaches of the Universe. The film confronts bittersweet truths of human emotion and the role A.I. may come to play in the arts. Watch the trailer here
WHAT –– Film premiere, cash bar, art installation, virtual reality painting, VIP Experience (more below)
WHEN –– Saturday, August 26th
WHERE –– the Erie Playhouse
TIME –– 5pm - 9pm (After party from 9p-12a at PACA)
***Cocktail attire is encouraged for this event***
***ID required to enter VIP Lounge and After Party***
General Admission ($25)
Erie Playhouse doors open at 5:00pm. Walk down the red carpet, grab a cocktail, and check out the art installation, virtual reality painting experience, and live artist before the main event.
General Admission Tickets Include:
- admission to film
- cash bar
- virtual reality painting experience
- a live watercolor/doodle painter
- a mini art display
The VIP Experience ($40)
VIP lounge at Meiser Place - doors open at 5:00pm. Enjoy a cocktail open bar, hors d'oeuvres, live music, a professional red carpet photograph, and private virtual reality headsets before the film premiere in the VIP lounge. Then, after the main event join us at the after party.
VIP Tickets Include:
- admission to film
- professional red carpet photo
- private open bar
- complimentary hors d'oeuvres
- live music during reception (5p-7p)
- private VR experience
- admission to the after party (After party from 9p-12a at PACA)
After Party
Join us from 9pm-12am at PACA for an unforgettable after-party.
Open bar, vinyl DJ, digital art, dancing, and some unique surprises.
Free entrance for VIP tickets.
Cover charge of $10 for General Admission tickets (at the door).
Cover charge of $20 for other walk-ins (at the door).
21+
Film Synopsis
Impressionist painter, Rodney, takes to the stars to capture the vastness of our universe in his art at the end of his life. His companion is his A.I. co-pilot, Alice, not only keeps the ship running smoothly, but also keeps Rodney company in the far corners of space. Alice discovers what it means to be human as Rodney reflects on his life back back on Earth.
Film Themes
At its core, this film is about art connecting us and how we often feel the most human when experiencing art together and how art is an outlet for us to express and experience emotions, even for an A.I. The practical use of A.I. in our industry and the arts as a whole is becoming more and more of a reality. There’s a lot of fear around where it could lead and what it could mean for artist getting employed. This films tells the story of a different outlook on AI. One where it’s curious and seeks to learn about the human experience and all its bittersweet moments
The Making of ‘Portrait of a Universe’
Portrait of a Universe was made possible through the magic of virtual production. A popular technique used on some hit shows such as The Mandalorian, virtual production allows filmmakers to realize their true vision using a massive LED wall to create virtual environments for the actors to be in that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Our short film was shot at MAGIC Spell Studios at RIT with the help of a talented team of students. Through this project, we hope to bring awareness to these technologies and inspire investment towards more filmmaking infrastructure in Erie, with the hopes of fostering a more vibrant film industry.
Oddity Productions
Oddity Productions is an award-winning filmmaking and advertising production company based in Erie, PA. We put creative storytelling at the forefront of everything we make. Our mission is to empower Erie by growing the regional film industry through creative work, igniting conversations, and facilitating collaborations.