Kiki Stockhammer

Kiki Stockhammer (left) at the 2013 NAB trade show

Kiki Stockhammer (born c. 1965) is an American spokesperson. She became known as the "geek goddess,"[1] in the technological world. She was singled out for being an attractive woman who could not only say the technical words (as many could from a script), but could actually put her products through the paces in live demonstrations.

She became well known in the late 1980s as a trade show "traffic stopper" first doing live demonstrations of the capabilities of the Video Toaster from NewTek.[2][3] Not only was she the premiere operator of this product that invented the field of desktop video, her image was embedded within the product as her silhouette formed the basis for several innovative animated transitions. She reportedly had an unnamed managerial position in the development line of the product. Without a script, she was known for her quick ability to deliver corporate doublespeak.[4][5]

In 1994, Stockhammer followed NewTek cofounder Paul Montgomery in jumping ship on NewTek to form Play Inc.. Her image was the iconic first picture of the company's first product, Snappy. Kiki went on to play Technological Evangelist for the new product, Trinity, that spent several years in vaporware form. Her ability to keep the trade show crowds buzzing, kept the prototype versions of the product viable. When the product was finally released, since it was marketed as a TV station in a box, Stockhammer hosted an internet TV show using the product.[6][7]

While working at Play Inc., Stockhammer joined a Star Trek themed band of other Play employees called Warp 11. She plays the role of Chief Science Officer.[8] The band received nationwide exposure when one of their songs was included in the roast of William Shatner seen on Comedy Central. Kiki and the band graced the October 2006 cover of Wirehed Magazine.[9]

Following the death of Montgomery, Play Inc. also met an early demise. Stockhammer has returned to NewTek, demonstrating their TV station in a box concept product, TriCaster.[10]

Stockhammer made a cameo appearance in an episode of Babylon 5, the first TV series to use the Lightwave 3D animation program sold by NewTek with the Video Toaster.[11]

References

  1. ↑ "Making the ultimate creative content OS from bits of Windows, Mac, and Linux - Ars Technica OpenForum". Arstechnica.com. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  2. ↑ "MonkeyFilter". MonkeyFilter. 2007-03-17. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  3. ↑ "New LightWave 10 looks light on new features - Ars Technica OpenForum". Arstechnica.com. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  4. ↑ http://amigairc.amigarevolution.com/kiki.html
  5. ↑ "Education/Technology/Power: Educational Computing as a Social Practice - Google Books". Books.google.com. 1998-04-01. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  6. ↑ Pat Swayne. "Remembering Kiki Stockhammer". Patswayne.com. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  7. ↑ Boyd & Bunger (1999-07-19). "PlayTV Lets Everyone Star on Their Own Television Show". SFGate. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  8. ↑ "Warp 11". Warp 11. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  9. ↑ RLabay (2006-09-03). "Labay's Place: KIKI STOCKHAMMER - The Spokemodel, The Legend". Labay.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  10. ↑ "Newtek — Your Biz LIVE TV". Ybltv.com. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
  11. ↑ "Babylon 5 Actors". Midwinter.com. Retrieved 2014-08-22.
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