Andrew Sacher

I’m attempting to put a conceptual wrapper around my Technophiles Anonymous thesis and believe I have a strong narrative solution. The following is a 90 second (+/-) draft introduction that would be triggered the moment a “guest” steps into a large crate. Studio lights illuminate what appears to be a recently unpacked ornate wood and glass device...

MC (National Geographic style) VO:

Please be seated and thank you for turning off all communication and photographic and recording devices.

(Lights dim and visuals begin, once the viewer is seated.)

Humanity is facing an unprecedented crossroad with technology. Never before have we experienced such accelerated use of digital devices.

(Time-lapse photography shows urban locations with people rushing, text messaging, and fixated on their mobile devices.)

Mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, Tivo, and iPods are pervasive! Emailing, video gaming, text messaging, blogging, instant messaging, and chatting are changing life patterns in both subtle and profound ways.

Evidence of this emerging epidemic is abundant and raising awareness of media consumption and technology use is essential; if we are to lead successful, healthy, and meaningful lives.

(Close-up images of suburban and private locations with people consuming media, text messaging, and playing video games.)

Dr. Ira Lochinkop anticipated the potential for addictive behavior to technological devices over 40 years ago. His radical theories and inventions were scheduled to be demonstrated in the 1964 World’s Fair.

However, his unexpected and tragic death ended his life work and plans for public intervention.

(Archival footage of inventions, world’s fairs, an expansive laboratory, a warehouse on fire, and mourning widow at a funeral.)

Thanks to a generous grant from the Mentsh Foundation for Technological Lifestyles, Dr. Lochinkop’s visionary mid-century invention has been fully restored the University of Southern California’s Interactive Media Division.

(Images of Mentsch foundation, archival USC footage, and exterior of Zemeckis Lab.)

Fade to mechanical face / database entity named “Machinicon”...