iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Check out our new Urban Folk Horror short: BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS! 《Link in comments. 》 #horrorcommunity #IndieHorror #ChicagoHorror #indiefilm #chicagofilm

A young woman looks through a small hatch-like door toward the camera. She is holding her phone with the flashlight on, her expression full of apprehension. Text next to it: Sword & Cloak Productions presents Bottom Of The Stairs. Some secrets will kill you...

141

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

M Meerkat @kackbro.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

THIS IS WHY WE NEED TO VOTE, IN OVERWHELMING NUMBERS, WHEN WE DO VOTE.......🌊🌀

26245981904

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Fun! I've seen a few filmmakers now experimenting with using the Osmo for doing narrative work. At the very least, it suggests that composition, lighting, & storytelling are more important than what camera you use. So, go grab what you've got and go tell a story! #indiefilmmaking #DYIfilmmaking

youtu.be

shot on DJI Osmo Pocket 4

YouTube video by Suyeol Jang, JSC

030

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Ed Zitron @edzitron.com · 17/04/2026

Joined the Times Tech Report to talk about the dangerous rhetoric spread by Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, and how the AI industry needs to stop threatening people with job loss as a means of hyping their products. youtu.be/Dhx5RoOXrhk?...

youtu.be

‘The AI industry is ignoring how much people hate it’ | Ed Zitron

YouTube video by The Tech Report

624546

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

From last Sunday's filming on BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS! Fun working with super talented Tess Lanni & Coye Vega. #ChicagoHOrror #IndieHorror #IndieHorrorMovie

At the bottom of a narrow set of stairs winding up, a young woman with short hair crouches down to tie her shoe. But her head is turned to a small aluminum door set under the stairs, with a cryptic note taped to it. The door is slightly open. What does she hear? If she looks, what will she find inside?

020

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Ed Zitron @edzitron.com · 25/03/2026

Most of this week I’ve spent trying to find data center campuses of over 100mw that are actually anywhere near being built and the answer is that most are not, and several large projects effectively don’t exist. I’m not sure people understand how few of them are actually indeed construction.

18838174

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Ann Leckie @annleckie.com · 25/03/2026

This is the secret to the output of so many prolific artists. There's someone to do all the other stuff. Fine and dandy if you can afford it, or swing it some other way, but it's so often completely invisible.

221140237

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Max Kennerly @maxkennerly.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Funny thing about American mass media is how woke content is broadly popular, routinely pays for itself, and sometimes goes blockbuster, whereas right-wing content is a narrow niche that rarely reaches breakeven, never goes blockbuster, and usually requires immense subsidies for it to exist at all.

273106292373

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

David Slack @slack2thefuture.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

And after all that, the Pitt/Cruise AI fight scene appears to have been just digital BG and face replacement on multi-angle green screen reference videos of two real live human stuntees fighting. In other words, like most AI hype — it was a con. www.shokunin.studio/blog/2026/2/...

shokunin.studio

Is it all over for filmmakers? — SHOKUNIN STUDIO

Another month and another model update accompanied by a massive amount of marketing, Linkedin spam, spin, and dubious claims. Two years ago I debunked claims that Sora would destroy filmmaking. I...

5945261599

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

This weekend we'll take down the Yuletide and autumn decorations, including these adorable pumpkins Sonnett crocheted during her convalescence. I'll miss them. 🙂 #halloweencrafts #crochetchicago

Two very cute crochet pumpkins, with ribbing and a stem. One is orange, and the other a yellow-gold. They're about the size of the average hamburger.

040

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

This wonderful, funny, and wise poem from Brenda Holiday is just the laugh to end this year with. I true gift, I hope you'll enjoy as well. #NewYears2025 #Comedy

medium.com

’Twas the Night Before New Year

’Twas the night before New Year, and man, what a trip.

020

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 30/12/2025

Thousands of newly obtained documents show that Clearview AI’s founders always intended to target immigrants and the political left. Now their digital dragnet is in the hands of the Trump administration.

motherjones.com

The shocking far-right agenda behind the surveillance tech used by ICE and the FBI

Clearview AI’s founders always intended to target immigrants and the political left. Now their digital dragnet is in the hands of the Trump administration.

21489346

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

This is how erasure happens in genre: Includes 35 authors. 4 women. 5 non-white. How many freakin' awards does someone like Lois McMaster Bojold have to win to be even mentioned? People of color, queer, etc.? And don't the sub-genres picked bias toward old-white-guy interests? #SciFiwriters

A square access chart depicting where SciFi authors fall on a scale of order vs chaos and the flesh vs the machine. Genres include The Philosophers, The Technocrats, The Subversives and The Cyberpunks.

010

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

I'm frequently frustrated by what I perceive as writers/director having lost the skill of creating engaging characters in their works. However, this little gem absolutely excels at it. Mysterious, suspenseful, thoughtful, and heartfelt. Recommended. #HorrorCommunity #IndieHorror

youtube.com

Good Boy - Official Trailer | HD | IFC Films

YouTube video by IFC Films

000

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Damion @damionmatthews.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

I’ll Be Glad When You Dead… Buck Woods tells German-speaking Nazis what he thinks of them while performing in France. Somehow feels relevant these days. From REUNION IN FRANCE, starring Joan Crawford and John Wayne, released on Christmas, 1942.

11932121173

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

disturbedByVoices @godhatesgoth.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

0478

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Alex Ip 葉清霖 @alexip718.com · 17/12/2025

Behold: the first-ever list of news outlets that have banned generative AI in their reporting. As of today, this is literally information that you cannot find on Google. My goal is to fill the starter pack, so please send over suggestions with supporting evidence! go.bsky.app/8cn1XfT

14446982151

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Kalagni @blueflamemagick.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

1105

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Big Dracula Energy @mayawest.online · 07/12/2025

"I'll burn down your house" - legally actionable, boring, common "I told the trees about you" - legally acceptable, foreboding, unsettling, the plants know your name and hate you

101559455

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

D Spring ✨️ Tarot & Witchery @d--spring.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

That last one tho 😎 #witchlife #witch #bruja

083

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Brutalismbot @brutalismbot.com · 08/12/2025

Brion tomb in Venice by Carlo Scarpa (1968-1978) photos from Fernanda Barbara r/brutalism

28919

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

“Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster." "So what do we do?" "Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well." "How?" "I don't know. It's a mystery.” #tomstoppard #theatre

Geoffrey Rush as Henslow being choked by Stephen O'Donnell as Mr. Fennyman's thug Lambert. Comic expressions, beautiful period costumes, and Tom Stoppard's brilliant dialogue.

020

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

"I mean, you'd never *know* you were in a box, would you? It would be just like you were asleep in a box. Not that I'd like to sleep in a box, mind you. Not without any air. You'd wake up dead for a start, and then where would you be?" We will not see his like again. R.I.P.

Tim Roth & Gary Oldman dressed in Elizabethan doublets, looking bemused and confused in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead.

000

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Kyle Tran Myhre @guante.info · 26/11/2025

Lots of people sharing this clip because it's funny and cathartic but I also genuinely believe it's important. We have to win the narrative battle between "I live in a corrupt society and that's just how it is" and "I live in a corrupt society and we are going to defeat and humiliate these ghouls."

52117343815

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Gene Ha creator of 2026 IL Reads pick MAE The Definitive Edition @geneha.com · 26/11/2025

Angry Staff Officer: “…Thanksgiving as a national holiday has to do with the Civil War and not the Puritans or previously proclaimed days of Thanksgiving (of which there were hundreds) - so be sure… to give thanks for the victories brought by Union arms at Vicksburg & Gettysburg.”

03311

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Frank Conniff @frankconniff.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

I don't know about anyone else, but in terms of my life, this is some impactful shit right here. Thank you, Joel, Trace, Josh, Kevin, and Jim.

661333190

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Rii Abrego @riibrego.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

"there are no third spaces anymore" wrong. blast furnace

9090662333

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Working on a mask for the next episode of Beyond These Haunted Streets: BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS. Coming along nicely, I think. 🙂 #HorrorCommunity #FolkHorror #UrbanWyrd #IndieHorror #HorrorMovies #ChicagoHorror

050

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

For BEYOND THESE HAUNTED STREETS, I wanted the Title to feel old-school, so used a fish tank as a simple form of "cloud tank", like was used in CE3K, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Ghostbusters. #practicalFX #BeyondTheseHauntedStreets #indiefilmmaking #cloudtank

020

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Cheryl Lynn Eaton @cheryllynneaton.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

I'm not surprised to see men being dragged for "virtue reading." Reading is the only form of entertainment that is still free. Of course businesses would shame you for it. Put down that library card and pay for a streaming service, sir!

212124

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Pat Wahler @patwahlerauthor.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

She's not wrong.

Text: can priests bless stuff other than water? i just think holy guacamole should *mean* something -BootsMcGoot

2449353

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

The Best Horror Films of the 21st Century - I was hoping to talk about these films too: The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015) A History of the Occult (2020) Frailty The Cabin in the Woods Absentia <1 of 2> #BestHorrorFilmsofthe21stCentury #IndieHorror #HorrorMovies #HorrorCommunity

130

Reposted by David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak

Rick Desolate 🪦 | The D-Pad @ricdesi.dpad.fm · 29/10/2025

Hey everyone, here's a real simple way to disable "Super Resolution" on your channels: • YouTube Studio • Settings • Channel • Advanced settings • Uncheck "Let YouTube enhance visual quality" • Uncheck "Let YouTube enhance audio quality"

7568935267

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Arthur Mosby (DC Cathro) is pursued by an evil curse, and the darkest magic, in Sword & Cloak Productions' new short film: PRELUDE TO THE WITCH! On YouTube tomorrow, 10/20, Halloween Eve! Please Like & Share! #IndieHorror #IndieHorrorMovies #ChicagoHorror #HorrorCommunity #HorrorMovies #FolkHorror

Underneath an elevated train track at night, a corn-husk doll lies on the pavement. There is a scrap of colored fabric around its neck, and many dark and painful looking thorns stick out of it's body. In the background we can see the Arthur Mosby fleeing the scene. But is it too late to escape?

020

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Walter Mosby (DC Cathro) sees a cryptic message as he rides the train, in Sword & Clock Productions' new short film PRELUDE TO THE WITCH! Premiering on YT Thursday, 10/20, Halloween! Please Like and Share! #IndieHorror #IndieHorrorMovies #ChicagoHorror #HorrorCommunity #HorrorMovies #FolkHorror

020

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

The Truth about Chicago: Every morning, as I cycle to work, I wave to multiple pairs of ordinary citizens standing on street corners with orange whistles trying to protect children walking to school from being abducted by masked government thugs. Cuz that's life now. #ICEChicago #RogersPark

010

David Schmidt - Sword & Cloak @kindtraveler.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

In our new Short Film: PRELUDE TO THE WITCH, DC Cathro stars Walter Mosby, an academic who is forced to believe in a terrible evil. Premiering this Thursday, 10/20, Halloween Eve! #IndieHorror #IndieHorrorMovies #ChicagoHorror #HorrorCommunity #HorrorMovies #FolkHorror

DC Cathro as Walter Mosby, a greying academic with a grey beard stands on a shadowy subway platform talking to his phone with a worried brow.

030