Narrative & Transmedia

By Graeme Stewart and Ryan Clement

Presentation Outline

• Description of Projects and their Pros/Cons• Conclusions• Theoretical Discussion

Project Murmur

• Established in 2003 in Kensington Market, Toronto• Allows recorded audio narratives about neighbourhood locales to be listened to via a phone call

Clandestine Anomaly

• Under development since 2012• Sci-fi RPG augmented reality game designed for mobile devices

What was effective?

• Local connection through narrative• Easy-to-use• Easy to set-up• Longevity

What was not effective?

• Mostly just a broadcast system• Novelty wears off• Easy to miss• Longevity• Antiquated (not an app, no video)

What was effective?

• Fun idea• Transplantable• Transition from video games to AR• Player decisions could change outcome

What was not effective?

• Quite complicated• Some elements cliché• Low budget• Limited connection to real world• Limited technology

Liquid Land

• Established in 2012•Collaboration between Danish filmmakers and New Orleans musicians• Repurposing storm debris for musical productons•Live concerts, record, documentary

What was effective?

• Compelling concept• Captures “spirit” of New Orleans through:-Innovation & Improvisation-Music, Water, Perseverance• Easy to access

What was not effective?

• Lack of accessibility• Closed project, no audience participation or collaboration• Limited longevity

Made in Kitchener

• Established in 2012 • Walking tour through Kitchener hotspots using mobile devices•Relics of the city’s industrial past mixed with digital media access points

What was effective?

• Local connection through narrative• Bridge gap between youth and elderly• Encourages citizen participation• Longevity

What was not effective?

• Low quality audio/video• Lack of publicity• Small scope• Digital interfaces could be alienating for some participants

Conclusions

• What is the value of language?• How are language and narrative inter-related?• How is narrative used?• How could we use narrative?

Conclusions

• Put your audience first• Find balance between interactivity and structure• Work within but to the limit of your budget• Have fun

Works Cited

See Attached Annotated Bibliography