Transmedia Lab 2014-2015

The vision: to introduce digital/multi-platform/transmedia storytelling techniques and relevant technologies – web, mobile, social media, VR, augmented reality and telepresence – to traditional storytellers and creative media artists.

TimeWave aims to prepare artists for intense two-day hackathons instead of throwing them into an alien situation with technologists. Given training and exposure to tools (technology), artists can bloom.

From October 2014 to February 2015, LoNyLa will run an online digital storytelling lab – biweekly, ten sessions – providing an intensive lab and interactive forum on transmedia storytelling and the use of various technologies in performance. Because this is the first incarnation of the lab, it may involve additional sessions to further the development of lab projects.

The lab is designed to prepare writers and creative media artists for the spring 2015 story hackathon. By doing so, artists may gain a better understanding of digital story formats and the tools available to realise their vision.

Session Structure

• Duration: 90 minutes.
• Place: Online Virtual Room – Telepresence platform.
• Each session begins with a 30-minute lecture / presentation on a particular topic, such as Storyworld Design.
• Another 15 to 20 minutes will be spent on case studies, exploring what formats have worked and why.
• The remainder of the session will be dedicated to Q and A, brainstorming, designing your own transmedia story, debate and feedback.

Participants will be given a brief assignment to complete for the following session, encouraging experimentation and hands-on practice of digital storytelling techniques. You can’t learn the how-to’s of transmedia by reading books or going to conferences. You have to get your hands dirty and learn what works by trying it.

If you want to focus on a particular project throughout the lab, all the better. Follow your inspiration and instincts.

That said, we’re particularly interested in projects relating to the environment – water, energy, food – and climate change.

The lab will be conducted online via a telepresence platform. By downloading a small plug-in (think Flash plug-in) and clicking on an email link, you can log into a virtual room.

LoNyLa’s Telepresence Platform

Schedule Overview

• October 5, 2014 – Transmedia / Digital Storytelling Techniques
• October 12, 2014 – Fundamentals of Linear Story Structure
• October 19, 2014 – Storyworld Design
• November 9, 2014 – Video Games & Gamification
• November 23, 2014 – Alternate Reality Games
• December 7, 2014 – Virtual Reality Systems
• January 11, 2015 – Augmented Reality
• January 25, 2015 – Storytelling Techniques to Extend Narrative
• February 8, 2015 – Telepresence
• February 22, 2015 – Motion Capture

How to Apply for the Lab:

Although we’re offering the lab at no cost, the lab size is limited to 6 – 10 participants. To apply for the lab, please send your CV and a paragraph as to why you want to attend this lab by TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 (EXTENDED DEADLINE) to: thelab@timewavefestival.com.

What You’ll Need:

Computer, Webcam, Broadband

Focus on Process, not Product

We’re looking for creative people willing to take risks and experiment. If you’re looking to land your next TV gig, this isn’t the place for you. We will get back to you by September 30th at the latest re lab inclusion.