While we frequently applaud tools and technologies that promise to level the playing field, the fact of the matter is that a good toolset is never enough. Good storytelling is a craft that is not easily mastered.

Machinima provides an excellent example. Frequently praised by everyone from advocates of open source to educational theorists, I have a feeling that most machinima is watched the way we watch a first piano recital, or a middle school production of Annie Get Your Gun: With respectful indulgence, and an eye towards potential. Even the much vaunted machinima series Red vs. Blue from Roosterteeth is not funny inasmuch as it is amusing.

One recent addition to the world of machinima does little to change this state, but hints at a brighter future. It requires that we watch with that same indulgent attention, yes, but there is a sophisticated sense of movement and direction (in short, animation) that is otherwise lacking in most machinima. It is an effort that deserves attention (even if the product ends up being only a music video).

The Craft of War: BLIND from percula on Vimeo Yahoo!.