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Building Stories That Live Beyond the Screen

5 Questions With StoryCode

What will we be doing at DIY Days?

We will highlight three case studies that have been presented at StoryCode as examples of the types of projects being created that intersect storytelling and technology. With the help of the audience, we will then workshop a mini-story hackathon giving the audience the chance to create and develop their own projects using a story arc and technology. We will break the audience up into 3 or 4 teams, provide them with a theme and give the teams the choice of on four pre-determined technology applications, a location, and an option of one other platform (book, TV, film, social media) they will then have 15 minutes to create an outline of a mini project. Upon completion of the outline, each team will be given 3 – 5 minutes to present their project to the group.

What is StoryCode’s background?

In February 2010, Transmedia NYC was founded as a meetup group in response to a meteoric rise of industry and public interest in transmedia. The group quickly grew from a handful of creators and enthusiasts to over 500 active members within the first year. Recognizing that the group’s needs had outgrown the meetup platform and the needs of the community were expanding, the organizers formed a non-profit organization. Serving the core community of creators while still maintaining a publicly accessible presence, StoryCode aims to provide resources including but not limited to: collaboration resources, project funding, education, mentoring and showcasing of projects and case studies.

What do we see as the most exciting development in storytelling today?

Collaboration and the development of new technologies that allow and encourage storytellers and technologists to create meaningful projects together.

What’s our wish for the future?

That storytelling will become more integrated with code.

If you could share a book, film, album, and experience with the future what would each be? Meaning what work would you like to send into the future in hopes that it would enrich it.

Book: Travels with Charlie or Dorian Gray
Film: Blue Velvet or American Beauty
Album: Pearl Jam – Ten or The Feelies – The Good Earth
Experience: Visiting a National Park

WHAT STORYCODE WILL BE DOING AT DIY DAYS

PRIMER ON BUILDING STORIES THAT LIVE BEYOND ONE SCREEN
This collaborative workshop will showcase existing projects which intersect the worlds between technology and storytelling while explaining the growing interest in these types of collaborative works. The second half of the workshop will engage the audience in a participatory event where they will be asked to create their own collaborative works combining story and technology. Through thoughtful discussion and participation, we hope to provide not only a deeper understanding of collaborative storytelling but also build excitement around this unique creative process.

Aina Abiodun – Born and raised in Nigeria, Aina Abiodun received her BA from Amherst College and an MFA in film directing at UCLA. Aina is an award-winning filmmaker who has expanded her creative work across media platforms.

Aina has written, directed and produced campaigns and platform extensions for Project Runway, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Seamless Web and The Huffington Post. Most recently she launched a cross-platform media venture, AINA MEDIA, inc. Aina lives in New York where she founded Transmedia NYC, the first organization to support and transmedia artists and their work.

@ainaabiodun

Jen Begeal – Jen is a digital content producer, whose clients have included Current TV, Ride5 Group, and Surla Films. Her recent transmedia projects include producing the transmedia campaign for the film, Zenith. Jen has been a member of the Transmedia community since November 2010 and has acted as a co-organizer of the Transmedia NYC meetup group since May 2011. Jen has spoken at leading conferences including the Film & History Conference for the University of Wisconsin and the Mobility Shifts Conference at The New School on the subjects of film theory and media literacy.

Copies of her writing and case studies can be found on her personal blog, Digital Discontent. Jen received her BFA from The State University of New York at Purchase in film directing and her MA from The New School in media studies.

@jlbhart

Mike Knowlton – A digital veteran of 20 years, Mike Knowlton has always pushed the boundaries of storytelling and technology. As a Creative Technologist he founded and led numerous technology companies including user-interface design firm Nascent State, digital agency BASIK , and open-source Flash technology Frontal. Mike has led large multi-disciplinary teams in developing complex software applications for brands including Gateway, Gucci, Netscape, MoMA, Philosophy, Theory, and Tiffany & Co.

At his most recent venture, Murmurco he produces social films and consults with leading brands, studios, and networks on using social films to extend existing properties. Mike’s background spans design, programming, advertising, and filmmaking. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University.

@MikeKnowlton

Rachel Fairbanks – Rachel Fairbanks is a social media strategist at Atomic PR, where she works with community and marketing managers to develop, implement and measure social media strategies across channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and corporate blogs. In addition, she does in-house graphic and web design work for Atomic Digital.

Rachel holds a BA in Psychology from Ball State University. She is a co-organizer of the Transmedia NYC meetup group, where she has been a regular member since September 2010. Her most recent projects include developing social media and community strategies for Ken Brady Now and Jurassic Park Slope.

@rachelfairbanks