Subject: Scientists teach Monkeys to Edit Video
Contact: Yerkes Primate Research Center (Atlanta)
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Scientists at the Yerkes Primate Research Center in Atlanta reported today that they have successfully trained Rhesus monkeys to perform video editing tasks.
The development was hailed by the anthropological researchers as an enormous step forward in bridging the evolutionary gap between lower and upper primates. In a related move, members of the television production industry also applauded the development, citing significant cost reductions it could achieve in the field of video post production.
Dr. Emil Bermon of Emory University in Atlanta lead the team of geneticists, behavioral scientists and video engineers that successfully trained a group of six monkeys in advanced editing techniques in less than three weeks. The monkeys easily mastered Sony's Vegas NLE software and even graduated to operation of hardware digital special effects generators and complex, multi-buss production switchers. "About the only thing they couldn't do was make dubs and submit their time sheets." Dr Bermon stated. "They were especially adept at digital effects, though. I think they were amused by the funny lights."
Industry officials in the TV production centers of Los Angeles and New York were clearly excited about the news, although for decidedly different reasons than the scientific community. One operator of a video editing company was quoted as saying the prospect of monkeys editing could revive the declining trade. "They'd work for bananas. It's a sensational idea." Another pointed out the advantage of placing monkeys in editing sessions with ad agency clients."Finally, the agency people would be working with someone who could understand where they were coming from."
The scientists in Atlanta were quick to point out that monkeys would not be ready to start assuming senior editor positions at the nations video post-production studios until sometime in the future; perhaps as early as next spring.
Based on the success of this project, Dr. Bermon and his team are preparing to ask Congress for additional funding. "We've been studying the responsibilities of the commercial director, and we're convinced our chimps have what it takes to produce spots that sell." The research team expects to have a reel by the end of next summer, and are exploring possible representation.
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This is astounding! After years of trying, all I have been able to do is teach my cat to set audio levels.
John
Contact: Yerkes Primate Research Center (Atlanta)
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Scientists at the Yerkes Primate Research Center in Atlanta reported today that they have successfully trained Rhesus monkeys to perform video editing tasks.
The development was hailed by the anthropological researchers as an enormous step forward in bridging the evolutionary gap between lower and upper primates. In a related move, members of the television production industry also applauded the development, citing significant cost reductions it could achieve in the field of video post production.
Dr. Emil Bermon of Emory University in Atlanta lead the team of geneticists, behavioral scientists and video engineers that successfully trained a group of six monkeys in advanced editing techniques in less than three weeks. The monkeys easily mastered Sony's Vegas NLE software and even graduated to operation of hardware digital special effects generators and complex, multi-buss production switchers. "About the only thing they couldn't do was make dubs and submit their time sheets." Dr Bermon stated. "They were especially adept at digital effects, though. I think they were amused by the funny lights."
Industry officials in the TV production centers of Los Angeles and New York were clearly excited about the news, although for decidedly different reasons than the scientific community. One operator of a video editing company was quoted as saying the prospect of monkeys editing could revive the declining trade. "They'd work for bananas. It's a sensational idea." Another pointed out the advantage of placing monkeys in editing sessions with ad agency clients."Finally, the agency people would be working with someone who could understand where they were coming from."
The scientists in Atlanta were quick to point out that monkeys would not be ready to start assuming senior editor positions at the nations video post-production studios until sometime in the future; perhaps as early as next spring.
Based on the success of this project, Dr. Bermon and his team are preparing to ask Congress for additional funding. "We've been studying the responsibilities of the commercial director, and we're convinced our chimps have what it takes to produce spots that sell." The research team expects to have a reel by the end of next summer, and are exploring possible representation.
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This is astounding! After years of trying, all I have been able to do is teach my cat to set audio levels.
John