The emergence of the modern deepfake is closely tied to the rise of generative artificial intelligence, but when it comes to videos and images of questionable origin and authenticity, the real pioneer is Bigfoot. Fifty-seven years after the infamous Patterson–Gimlin film purported to capture a furry beast traipsing through the Northern California wilderness, the Bumbershoot Arts + Music Festival in Seattle is challenging artists, animators, and technologists to take the tradition to the next level in its “Big Fake Deep Foot” contest. Participants are invited to create short deepfake videos featuring the legendary figure of Bigfoot for a chance to win a $5,000 prize. Greg Lundgren, the Bumbershoot producer and creative director, has had a long-standing interest in deepfake technology and hopes to see innovative creations in this unique contest.
Lundgren had originally wanted to do a Bigfoot deepfake show three or four years ago, but the technology had not yet progressed to the point where it was feasible. Now, with the advancements in deepfake tools, he believes that the time is right to challenge artists to explore the creative possibilities of deepfakes with the iconic figure of Bigfoot. The contest is meant to be a lighthearted approach to an emerging area of technology that is often associated with concerns about disinformation and malicious behavior. By choosing Bigfoot as the subject of the contest, Lundgren aims to create a humorous and creative space for artists to showcase their skills and imagination.
The selection of Bigfoot as the focus of the deepfake contest was intentional, as Lundgren wanted a subject that was politically ambiguous and gender-neutral, avoiding potential divisive issues. The contest is open to participants worldwide, with up to 20 entries set to be screened at the Animation District at Bumbershoot over Labor Day Weekend. The winner, chosen by an expert panel, will receive a $5,000 prize and the recognition of being the best Bigfoot deep-faker. The contest has drawn interest from a diverse range of creators, each bringing their own unique perspective and style to the challenge of creating a compelling deepfake video featuring Bigfoot.
As a supporting sponsor of the contest, GeekWire will be part of the jury evaluating the submissions, which must be posted to YouTube by July 31st and should not exceed 5 minutes in length. The contest offers participants an opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical skills in a fun and imaginative way, using deepfake technology to bring Bigfoot to life in new and unexpected ways. With the growing concern over deepfake content and its potential impact on society, the Big Fake Deep Foot contest presents a light-hearted and creative approach to exploring the possibilities of this emerging technology. As artists continue to push the boundaries of deepfake technology, contests like this offer a platform for innovation and experimentation in a safe and controlled environment.
