The Cosmic Companion - Astronomy, Space, Technology Advancing Humanity

The Wizard and The Scholar (or, a Rapscallion Runs Amok in Rye) is a tale set in the year 1156, telling of two amazing women - Elara, the town wizard of Rye in a world without magic, and Adelaide, a nomadic Moorish scholar on the search for truth in all things.The two join together with the most famous thief of all time, Robin Hood, as they set out to solve a mysterious crime and save the seaport town from a far more dangerous threat. This film from director and producer James G. Maynard is one of the first complex feature-length films ever created using the full power of artificial intelligence. From story notes to credits, The Wizard and The Scholar was created over nine months of effort, through a synthesis of artificial and human intelligence, camera, and editing techniques. This technology is still in its infancy, and is far from perfect, but all new technologies and styles of art have a beginning. Were Medieval wizards simply "stage magicians" having loaded dice, smoke and mirrors, and a few sleights-of-hand? And what would happen if these sorcerers were ordered to stand against a terrifying threat? Robin Hood is HERE!!!Enjoy and share with a friend! James

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This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings everyone!

I’m thrilled to announce the completion of our long-awaited film, The Wizard and the Scholar, exploring themes of science over superstition, justice over tyranny, and the search for belonging against the backdrop of 12th-century England.This is also one of the first truly AI-powered feature films ever created, as these technologies are just being developed.

Premiere Date: October 29th - International Robin Hood Day:

Mark your calendars for a captivating journey through history as we unveil The Wizard and the Scholar on the occasion of International Robin Hood Day.

Join us on Tuesday 29 October at 7:30 at The Screening Room in Tucson for the first showing of the film. Can’t make it to Tucson? The film will also be available online to ALL of you wonderful subscribers around the globe!

For perspective on its multi-faceted narrative, the film's characters - Robin Hood, Elara of Rye, and Adelaide of Grenada - each weigh in on the genre of our latest tale in the video above.

Experience the First 3 Minutes - Exclusive Preview for VIP Subscribers:

As a token of our appreciation, VIP subscribers are invited to enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the film's opening moments. Click the link near the bottom of the newsletter, and immerse yourself in a world where science, history, and intrigue intertwine. (This preview will become available to free subscribers on Wednesday 16 October.

What's Next:

We thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm throughout this creative endeavor.

Following the premiere, "The Wizard and the Scholar" will be featured at the AI Film 3 festival in Glendale, Arizona, where artists will showcase the incredible potential of AI in shaping the future of art and film.

I hope to see you at the premiere of The Wizard and The Scholar as we celebrate International Robin Hood Day at The Screening Room in Tucson on 29 October at 7:30. Clear skies! James

Thanks for reading The Cosmic Companion w/ James Maynard! This post is public so feel free to share it.

VIP SUBSCRIBERS: WATCH THE FIRST THREE MINUTES (PLUS!) OF THE FILM BELOW:

VIP EXTRA:Thanks so much for being a VIP subscriber! You make this all happen. Check out the first three minutes (and more!) of our upcoming feature film on YouTube below:The Wizard and The Scholar: The First Three Minutes

I hope you enjoy the start of the tale.

Cheers! James

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe

Hello all! Welcome back to The Cosmic Companion! I’m James G. Maynard.

Today, we’re talking about humanity’s drive to reach new heights — literally! From the earliest dreams of flight to the thrilling reality of space exploration, we’ll be taking a look at why we soar.

Our special guest today is none other than former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, who will share her experiences and insights on what it takes to reach for the stars, as well as the best within us all. 

But first, let’s take a journey through time to see how our fascination with flight has taken us from Kitty Hawk to the International Space Station and beyond!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe

What do we know about Venus? What do we not know? Stephen Kane, planetary astrophysicist at UC Riverside, joins us to uncover the science and unanswered questions about Venus.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe

Looking at the science and history behind The Wizard and The Scholar (or, a Rapscallion Runs Amok in Rye), a New Tale of Robin Hood!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe

Set in the year 1156, our upcoming feature film, The Wizard and The Scholar (or, a Rapscallion Runs Amok in Rye) now has a planned release date! AND it will be in theaters!

This story is led by two amazing women - Elara, a wizard without power, and Adelaide, a nomadic scholar on the search for truth in all things. Faced with a brutal murder in the city, the disparate pair must unite with the most famous thief of all time — Robin Hood — to solve the crime and save the city from an even more egregious threat.Watch this video to learn the release date!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe

Today on The Cosmic Companion, we're diving deep into the wild world of intelligence - from curious creatures beneath the waves to the endless expanse of space. Later in the show, we will be talking with octopus whisperer Sy Montgomery. 

[OCTOPUS: What? What? Speak up! Stop whispering!]

Now, you probably think I'm about to start talking about animals. Well, yes. But. No. Not yet. First, let's explore the vast network of fungi and their surprising sentience!

MUSHROOMS!

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Welcome back to The Cosmic Companion. I’m James G. Maynard — science show host, terrible actor, worse puppeteer, and proud resident of this planet Earth. 

For our Earth Day 2024 episode, we’ll be exploring how fiction and storytelling have inspired environmental movements throughout history. Later in the show, we will be joined by Ann E. Burg, talking about her new book, Force of Nature, a free-verse novel inspired by Rachel Carson.

 Let’s begin by traveling back in time! [beep beep beep] [ROAR] What? Dinosaurs? No, no, far too far back in time… [beep beep beep] [Good Day, good Sir. By what manner do you appear before me?] Ben Franklin? Nope. Too recent. [beep beep beep]. Ah. Gilgamesh. Here we go...

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This week, we are providing you with a viewing guide to the solar eclipse happening over much of North America on Monday 8th April. Sit back and enjoy. Take notes. There will be a test later. Maybe. naw, it’s only a quiz.

Get ready for an incredible celestial event on 8th April — a solar eclipse! As the moon lines up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, parts of North America will experience a spectacular show, and we’re here to help you make the most of it...

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to The Cosmic Companion. I’m James G. Maynard. This week, we take the first of two looks at the upcoming solar eclipse coming on 8 April. Later in the show, we will be talking with noted physicist, mathematician, and developer Stephen Wolfram about his new book, Predicting the Eclipse. 

From ancient fears and superstitions to modern-day scientific predictions, the history of eclipse forecasting is a captivating tale of human curiosity and ingenuity.

Have you ever looked up at the sky during an eclipse and wondered how people in the past reacted to this awe-inspiring sight? Admit it. I know you have!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aicreatorhouse.substack.com/subscribe