HistoRealities.com — Authenticity Animated

Hello history enthusiasts,

Regular readers will recall recent editions of this newsletter discussing both the exciting possibilities and the frustrating absurdities of AI image and video generation — particularly when it comes to creating animated depictions of historical figures and settings.

I’ve just returned from a conference in Augsburg titled Prompted Pasts – Historical Depictions between Illustration and AI. It was encouraging to see that my fellow illustrator Oliver Wünsch and I are not the only ones exploring new technologies to reimagine the past — or, more precisely, our interpretations of it.

However, our approach stands apart in two major ways:
Firstly, we use generative AI exclusively to animate our own original artwork. Secondly, we correct faulty renderings not merely through text prompts, but with purpose-made images. This is only possible because we are illustrators with decades of combined artistic experience and historical expertise. So far, I dare say we’re the only ones capable of achieving this — at least when it comes to visualisations of the Middle Ages, Antiquity, and Prehistory.

All AI models are run locally; nothing is uploaded into the digital ether. This ensures that our content remains entirely original — and that all client data stays perfectly secure.

Sounds like a great service for cultural and educational institutions, doesn’t it? Absolutely — which is why we’ve been hard at work launching a new website and producing a series of demo videos. And today, I’m delighted to share them with you!

Visit our new website:

Here are the direct links to our demo videos:

• 1st-century Roman armour (with subtitles in various languages — all approved by native speakers)
• 3000 BC — Ötzi’s last words?
• 400 AD — Late Roman Archer
• Showreel (constantly updated)

Special thanks go to the Varusschlacht Museum Kalkriese and Jan Holthaus for their kind permission to use footage of their work; to Olivier Bonnerot, Federico Malagutti, and Stefan von Bischoffshausen for proofreading subtitles; and to Holger Riesch for his expertise in ancient archery.

We have many more clips in the pipeline — so stay tuned! As always, my esteemed supporters will be the first to see them before they become public.

Enjoy watching, and welcome to the future of the past.

P.S. Today is your last chance to get our dedicated I.33 Sword-and-Buckler online courses at 15% off. Each course offers lifetime access and in-depth instruction based on original sources and years of practical research. Don’t wait – secure your spot and start training today:
• 15% off Course 1​
• 15% off Course 2

So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed.

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Yours,

Roland

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