The Cosmic Companion With James Maynard

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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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

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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

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!

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.

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!