Evolving Human Story

Mitch Schultz Metaverse

Emergent Experiences, Transmedia Creative, Meta-Cog

OVERVIEW
My work [life] spans various roles (artist, creative director, transmedia producer, philosphical storyteller...) and industries (entertainment, education, technology…). These role-industry variants are not mutually exclusive, and often intertwine, making an in-the-box description futile. Currently, pattern recognition seems to sum up what I do and who I am. Connecting the dots of cognition, evolution and storytelling.

General interests:

#art, #AR/MR, #architecture, #biomimetics, #complex systems, #communications, #computational creativity, #consciousness, #data visualization, #deep learning, #design, #environment, #evolution, #futurism, #interfaces, #meta-mythology, #music, #open source, #semiotics, #storytelling technology

A special thanks to my collaborators whose influence, ideas, design, and art comprise this website and overall experience. Steve McDonald (Futurist) - Andrew Lee (Producer) - Chris Ohlson (Producer) - Nevie Owens (Editor) - Hugo Santos (Designer) - Jason Harter (Cinematographer) - Martin Stebbing (VFX / 3D) - Matt Humble (Communications)
BIO
From an early age, my curiosity of the unknown universe forged my path in storytelling. With over 20 years of creative experience as a transmedia producer, experience designer, and educator, my work explores the inherent connections among consciousness, nature, culture, and the evolving human mythology.

In the early ‘90s the confluence of art, information, and technology became the perfect storm for the germination of ideas that continue to inspire me today. My academic research (‘95-‘03) at UT Austin and New York University focused on communication theory, information technology, and media production.

During my education I mentored with visionary producer Tommy Pallotta on films (Waking Life), music videos (Destiny, In the Waiting Line), and the interactive sci-fi mystery (Amnesia Moon). In 2003, I launched Spectral Alchemy as a creative interface for my work and continued to develop my skills over the next decade: indie/studio development, broadcast, interactive design, and commercial production.

In 2009, I decided to focus exclusively on my personal creative vision. As a result, my first documentary, DMT: The Spirit Molecule, premiered two years later and became an instant cult classic. The DMTRMX project, an open source media library and emergent storyworld, became the inspiration for MYTHAPHI.

My ongoing curiosity of the future and academic musings on cultural evolution have led to speaking appearances at conferences (Bioneers, SXSW), universities, festivals (Burning Man), and nonprofits (IONS) across North & South America, Europe, and Australia (OoC Tour).

R & D
Transdisciplinary R&D in the arts, cognitive psychology, emerging tech, and philosophy. Each area of inquiry, or data point, is evaluated through the lens of consciousness (perceptual framework), evolution (change dynamics), and story (information pattern). Humans perceive only a fraction of the universe, yet our technology allows us to see further and deeper with every novel invention. Our awareness develops new ways of coping and interpreting life as we know it, while our technology seems to be revealing the source code of creation. It is this dynamic interplay that fuels my R&D.
CONSULT
I consult a variety of clients, including companies, organizations, and individuals. The typical themes cover artistic direction, communication strategy, understanding change and how the emerging paradigm creates the future. Through a global perspective and systemic methodology, I offer a unique perspective with technical know-how and creative vision - helping clients interface the future by identifying underlying patterns and trends for adaptation. To learn more about collaboration, please contact me for more information. Each relationship is unique and requires a tailored design.
EDUCATE
My ongoing curiosity of the future and cultural evolution led to speaking appearances at conferences, universities, festivals, and nonprofits around the globe. In addition to lectures, I lead interactive workshops, and currently developing an expanded online version to compliment a forthcoming book. People around the world sense a shift, but it can be challenging to put into words or even wrap our heads around. As humanity approaches a “momentous leap forward in consciousness”, which promises radical change to our social structures, technologies and life in general, my goal is to share what I have learned through experience and research.

1 Jan 2019

Evolving Human Story

MYTHOS I: SURVIVAL INSTINCT
Approximately 100,000 years ago - Our ancestors did what they must to stay alive. Using instincts and habits just to survive. Distinct self was barely awakened or sustained. Food, water, warmth, sex, and safety were priority. They formed into survival bands to perpetuate life, and lived "off the land” as much as other animals.

MYTHOS II: MAGICAL ANIMAL
starting 50,000 years ago. Basic theme: Keep the spirits happy and the tribe's nest warm and safe. Obey the desires of the being and mystical signs. Shows allegiance to chief, elders, ancestors, and the clan. Individual sub summed in group. Preserves sacred objects, places, events, and memories. Observes rites of passage, seasonal cycles, and tribal customs.

MYTHOS III: IMPLOSIVE EGO
starting 10,000 years ago. Basic theme: Be what you are and do what you want, regardless. The world is a jungle full of threats and predators. Breaks free from any domination or constraint to please self as self do, lrcs. Stands tall, expects attention, demands respect and calls the shots. Enjoys self to the fullest right now without guilt or recourse. Conquers, out foxes, and dominates other aggressive characters.

MYTHOS IV: AUTHORITARIAN PURPOSE
starting 5,000 years ago. Basic theme: life has meaning direction and purpose with predetermined outcomes. One sacrifices self to the transcendent Cause,Truth, or righteous Pathway. The order enforces a code of conduct based on based on absolute principles. Righteous living produces stability now and garuantees future reward. Impulsivity is controlled through guilt, everybody has their proper. Laws, regulations and discipline build character and moral fiber.

MYTHOS V: STRATEGIC ACHIEVER
starting 300 years ago. Basic theme: Act in your own self interest by playing the game to win. Change and advancement are inherent within the scheme of so things. Progresses by learning nature’s secrets and seeking out best solutions. Manipulates Earth’s resources to create and spread the abundant good life. Optimistic, risk taking, and self-reliant people deserve success. Societies prosper through strategy, technology, and competitiveness.

MYTHO VI: EGALITARIAN COMMUNICATION
starting 150 years ago. Basic theme: Seek peace within the inner self and explore, with others, the caring dimensions of community. The human spirit must be free from greed, dogma, and divisiveness. Feelings, sensitivity, and caring supersede cold rationality. Spreads the Earth's resources and opportunities equally among all. Reaches decisions through reconciliation and consensus process. Refreshes spirituality, brings harmony, and enriches human development.

MYTHOS VII: INTEGRATING FORM
starting 50 years ago. Basic theme: live fully and responsibly as what you are and learn to become. Life is a kaleidoscope of natural hierarchies, systems, and forms. The magnificence of existence is valued over material possessions. Flexibility, spontaneity, and functionality have the highest priority. Differences can be integrated into interdependent, natural flows. Understands that chaos and change are natural.

MYTHOS VIII: INTUITIVE HOLON
Holistic - starting 30 years ago. Basic theme: Experience the wholeness of existence through mind and spirit. The world is a single, dynamic organism with its own collective mind. Self is both distinct and a blended part of a larger, compassionate whole. Energy and information permeate the Earth's total environment. Holistic, intuitive thinking and cooperative actions are be expected.

INTERACTIVE
comp. creative, ux design, emergent stories
LINEAR
documentary, fiction, short, print
BROADCAST
brand content, commercial spots, creative dev.

1 January 2021
Ephemera: Transitory & Fragmentary
Transitory musings, digital artifacts, and...
3 April 2019
The Empathic Civilization
...
22 March 2019
SETI: Mixed Tapes for Aliens
Since the beginning of human history, our...
21 March 2019
Non-Obvious Trends Shaping the Future
Technology is an obvious driver of change,...

Mitch Schultz Metaverse

Emergent Experiences, Transmedia Creative, Meta-Cog

OVERVIEW

BIO

R & D

CONSULT

EDUCATE

1 Jan 2019

Evolving Human Story

INTERACTIVE

comp. creative, ux design, emergent stories

LINEAR

documentary, fiction, short, print

BROADCAST

brand content, commercial spots, creative dev.

1 January 2021

Ephemera: Transitory & Fragmentary

3 April 2019

The Empathic Civilization

22 March 2019

SETI: Mixed Tapes for Aliens

21 March 2019

Non-Obvious Trends Shaping the Future