Universal Everything has created a never-ending film composed entirely by generative technology

Yesterday saw the premiere of a two week-long live stream named Infinity, a never-ending film created by the digital art and design collective Universal Everything. A “world’s first”, as described by the studio in the release, the video is composed entirely by generative technology, wherein an infinite number of characters parade across the screen, showing their unique personalities that have all been devised in code. Their characteristics have been based on people and elements from fashion and nature, producing an endless roster of unique personalities. The video is available on a 24-hour basis on the Universal Everything website and Youtube channel while, on the bottom left-hand-side corner, a tracker counts the number of characters that have been generated since the launch, declaring their individual names such as Lady Klemencic, Miss Crego or Madam Lafond.

Universal Everything is a collective founded by Matt Pyke in 2004 that comprises digital artists, experience designers and future makers. It’s best known for its work with emerging technologies and using this as a canvas to create moving image, that of which is often immersive and interactive for the viewer experience. A recent piece from the collective, for example, is an app launched last year named Called Super You, that lets you transform a friend using AR with a selection of 11 costumes and the latest in body tracking technology. We also visited Matt at his studio to discuss all-things Universal Everything and what his job really entails, which can be further dived into in this in-depth feature.

For this most recent development, viewers can enjoy a real-time stream of a cast of fuzzy and shaggy characters as they stroll, run or skip across the screen. “Alive joyful and celebratory,” writes the studio in the announcement, Infinity is the latest offering from the collective that aims to harness tech and design in order to reach new heights in digital art. As well as the live stream, the studio is also currently experimenting with different versions of the film for public spaces and venues.

Universal Everything founder Matt Pyke says in the release: "I love how this generative process of creating diverse lifeforms causes reactions of surprise, joy and endless captivation. Even as the creator I never tire of discovering something new in the artwork on every viewing". Creative Director for the film was Matt Pyke, with Unity developer Adam Samson and sound by Simon Pyke.