When dealing with new content things can get a bit repetitive. If something truly unique is created it’s usually endlessly copied, aped and parodied to the point where it’s hard to even enjoy the original. To be confronted with not only a fresh new style of content but a whole new way of creating it yourself is rare experience indeed. So it was with great delight that I discovered xtranormal – a free to download software that helps easily create bespoke animation sequences without the need of any technical equipment or expertise apart from a computer and an entry level sense of humour. Instead of recording dialogue you simply type in your script into the programme and choose from a selection of voices to artificially generate the dialogue. The results are admittedly far from perfect. In fact the dialogue sounds decidedly steven hawking at times. But crucially it’s charming rather than annoying, especially when paired with the well-drawn animation.
The genre of xtranormal movie making is well on the way to achieving cult status with several fan websites featuring some of the early classics. As far as it’s future is concerned Xtranormal is mostly going to be used as a tool for entertainment. But people are finding other ways of using the application beyond mere jollification. For example prospective employees in fiercely competitive job markets are creating messages extolling their many virtues and attaching them to their CVs to help them stand out from the crowd. I dare say it works a treat.
Creating that wow factor for messaging is one area where I can see this being of use for business owners. Creating a special message for staff or clients with xtranormal (especially in this season of goodwill) will definitely put a smile on their faces and make them remember you.
The obvious major downside is that the application is governed by windows apartheid - no macs allowed. Hopefully one day that will change and I can join the fun on a more regular basis.
