SALFORD MEDIA FESTIVAL - THE NEXT GENERATION

SALFORD MEDIA FESTIVAL

NEXT GENERATION

 Friday 22nd November 2013. 

Had yet another opportunity to visit Media City on Friday (my future workplace!)

It was a great networking opportunity where I was able to exchange ideas on Transmedia Storytelling with representatives from Salford and Bolton Universities.

I also attended an infomative talk on the future of Dolby Surround where they showcased their latest addition to the cinema experience, Dolby Atmos.

I was able to spend some time at the exhibition stands where I got chatting to Creative Skillset about the direction I'm heading career-wise.  I swapped details with one of their representatives and my details have been forwarded to a few media companies based around Media City who seem keen to get in touch :)

 The Geo-Storyworlds event on Friday was right up my street and I was surprised to discover just how many existing media companies have yet to get on board and appreciate the potential of this developing field.

I spoke to a few representatives from companies who are currently exploring and developing these areas

Anyway that's for another time.

My day wouldn't have been complete without a trip to the Blue Peter garden of course and although I was too early to light the advent crown (which shall be made using only fire retardant tinsel), I did manage to snap these for old time's sake:

  

HIKERPATH

HIKERPATH

HIKERPATH

Augment.  Educate.  Entertain.

This is your route from the past into the future.  Get. On. It.

A critical evaluation of the finished artefact 

The finished artefact for my creative media practice module is a fully-functioning website, an interactive Google map and a short demonstrational/promotional video which functions as an aid to the final presentation of my idea and also to introduce users to the Hikerpath experience.  These three separate elements exist both independently as ‘live’ media artefacts on the internet but also converge to form parts of a fragmented narrative.

Design and planning of HIKERPATH website

The project would use the existing National Cycle Network(NCN) routes as its basis for the narrative structure.  One element of the intended user experience and the target audience for the project was for me to focus on cyclists and walkers who would hopefully stumble upon the QR codes at the physical geographical locations and augmentation points themselves.  I felt that users of the Trans Pennine Trail would relate to the colour schemes used on the cycle route signs, (red, white and blue) so I adopted a similar theme to the website.

One original concept I created was for users to engage with the experience at locations marked with footprints which would be painted onto the ground at specific points, indicating an interactive artefact is located at a particular site.  I developed this idea further during the implementation stage as I decided that in practice there may be a danger of damaging public property.  My initial design for a logo would incorporate a footprint graphic, but acting on feedback from my tutors, I felt that using a ‘smart device’ graphic would be a more relevant use of semiotics in this case.

I created my own logo for the site using Photoshop which I incorporated into the design and layout of the finished website.  The logo was modelled on the existing route signs.  Where the existing signs would show the route number, in this case 62 for the Trans Pennine Trail, the Hikerpath logo would include a ‘smartphone icon’ graphic, which would act as an instruction for users to engage with the experience via mobile device, either by augmenting or QR scanning, as and when they arrive at the locations.

I created my own images for the website, some of which can be linked to here (URL for Photobucket Gallery).  These photographs were captured during the production phase and formed part of a shooting script I created during the location video shoot.  (copy of shooting script).   I felt satisfied with the production quality of the images and video obtained.  However, given the opportunity to revisit this project I would like to spend some more time obtaining some more professional looking shots.  One major setback for me during this part of the process was the weather, which I feel limited the diversity of the shots I was able to achieve.

One other aspect of the layout and design of the HIKERPATH site which I would draw further attention to would be to use opacity functions within the software to appropriately hue the text which overlays the images in the gallery on the home page.  Although satisfied with the layout, on some images, the 'Trans Pennine Trail' title is difficult to read as it becomes obscured by a lighter image in the background.  Given more time, I would like to have been able to test this website on a user group and take their feedback into account before re-addressing some of these issues.

Apps, Maps and Linking Artefacts

I feel that one of the project's successes was the ability to include the element of ‘Augmented Reality’ by introducing an external app which users could download from scanning a QR code on a signpost or from linking to the HIKERPATH site.  I researched a number of different apps which are currently available in order to provide a ‘hidden’ element to the project.  It was my intention to use this newly available technology in order to progress the story further. I felt it was a method of providing an alternative to QR codes 'on location' whilst still incorporating the use of QR codes into the main website.

Due to the scale of the project and the tight deadline in which to achieve both creating and implementing a finished artefact, I felt that overall the project was a success.  All links were tried and tested and I was able to present and demonstrate the QR codes' successful navigation to the Google map artefact during my presentation.

  However, if provided with the opportunity to produce a similar project in future, I would try to allocate more time to rehearsing the final presentation.  One shortcoming of the overall project and presentation was that I was unable to complete the annotated youtube element to the completed video I produced.

  Although I concentrated on high production values for the finished video, using previously learned methods of digital manipulation and editing tools via Adobe After Effects and Premiere software, I was unable to fully complete the links to the options provided to the user at the end of the film, (Get the App, Get the Map, Get involved).  If able to complete a similar project in future, I would allocate more time to researching other available options such as WireWax and Klynt.  This would enable me to provide users with links to additional external sites, rather than limiting myself to Youtube.

I created two different types of 'augmentation locations' for the HIKERPATH project, in keeping with the idea that the project was to ‘Educate and Entertain’.  'Eduplaces' would be points that linked to interactive artefacts of historical and cultural significance, where 'Ent-terrains' would be points of interest which would link to blog entries, social media group threads and artefacts uploaded by the Hikerpath community.  I felt that during the final presentation, this area was perhaps not fully explained so given the opportunity, I would like to practice the delivery of the presentation further in order to prepare me for pitching the idea to peers and professionals in the future. 

Future Development, Geocrashing and Running on Reserves 

This production experience will be used as a prototype for my final end of year project, which is an interactive socio-economic documentary – The location of which is situated directly adjacent to the ‘HIKERPATH’ project on the opposite bank of the river Mersey.  I intend to use the HIKERPATH experience as a way of linking the two projects.  Users will be able to visit the ‘Future Flower’ on the Trans-Pennine Trail and access the completed interactive documentary from an ‘augmentation’ point at that specific location, in order to generate further interest and help build a larger community to become involved in HIKERPATH, Geocrashing UK and Running on Reserves (working title for interactive documentary project)

From this location, there will be an opportunity for users to take their own photographs of the existing landscape and upload them to the documentary project (via an facebook group or twitter account specific to the HIKERPATH project).  This collection of images will form an important part of the interactive film which is intended to document the changing landscape of the Transpennine trail and adjacent community park and nature reserve, as a new six lane road bridge is built overhead linking the two areas together.

I intend to build upon the HIKERPATH project, whilst exploring other available digital media technologies thorugh emerging HTML5 software such as WireWax and Klynt.

 

CREATIVE MEDIA PRACTICE INDIVIDUAL PROJECT PART II

AR Cycle Route Tours

Production planning schedule and notes

1.       Research a useable AR tool for android/iphone

2.       Research the area on the St Helens Canal along the route 2 miles from Ferry Tavern to Spike Island

·         The Ferry Inn, Station Rd

·         Station Road, Penketh

·         Station Cottages, Penketh

·         Marsh Lane, Penketh

·         Johnson’s Lane, Penketh

·         Fiddlers Ferry Power station

·         Widnes Waterfront

·         The Future Flower

·         Tanhouse Lane

·         Earle Rd/proposed new bridge crossing area

·         Spike Island

·         Catalyst Area

3.       Research further historic events along the route (see previous blog entry tidal bore, stories from the canalbacnk etc)

4.      Research the Trans Pennine Trail WEST/CENTRAL.  How far apart are the signs?  What is the design for the stickers they use for signage?  co-ordinate the colours on the QR codes to match the red white and blue colours on the SusTrans Route.  Apply a similar theme to my website.

5.       Research Sustrans website

6.       Consider using a timeline along the bottom of the main website – how will this work?  Side profile of a cyclist – video footage.  Then point of view of cyclist looking over handlebars  - video footage.  Can loop to form a backdrop to the site.

7.       Consider which software to use to deliver the website.  Wix, squarespace, klynt.  Have a go at using klynt as a practice for the final project.

8.        Research the location virtually using google maps and streetview.

9.       Check out Warrington and Widnes Library for archives

10.   Research Fiddlers power station area and the history of the site

11.   Check out St Helens canal heritage

12.   Research the Mersey tidal bore

13.   Check out the chemical industry on this section

The project will include the following assets:

Audio Clips recorded by me

Audio sourced from freesound.org

Still Images

Filmed video content by me

Archival video

Still photography by me

Archival photography

Newpaper articles (online)

Try and add audio description to every asset for accessibility

INDIVIDUAL ARTEFACT PROPOSAL - CMP 6004MEDIA

My Individual aretefact will utilise annotations within Youtube and QR code augmentation for handheld devices.  There will also be a Google Maps element which will help 'desktop' users to navigate around the location using streetview. 

This would be particularly helpful for individuals with special access requirements who may or may not be able to visit the locations for themselves.

The transmedia expereince will take place online, but will be 'discovered' via QR codes which appear at physical geographic locations along a historic canal towpath/cycle path.

I intend to use signs at strategic locations of interest along a section of the Trans-Pennine Trail.

The section I will concentrate on will be 1-2 miles of the St Helens Canal, part of which is now disused and has been left to decay.

The video clips will also be able to promote community projects and help local businesses (advertising and incentives, voucher codes for discounted meals etc)

The user will be able to stop at these locations, during their walk or bike ride and use the camera function of their smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code they stumble upon, which will then direct them to a short factual video about a historic event which has taken place in the area such as 

• The Mersey Bore & Floods
• The Ferry Inn Public House
• Fiddlers Ferry Power Station
• Marina
• Broken Road Bridge (local newspaper article)

The videos will also augment after a small app has been downloaded (links from a second QR code at the location)  Footprints will be painted on the floor, where the user will stand and lift their smart device. Once the image in the viewfinder is captured over a specific trigger point (landmark on the horizon etc) the alternate video will display.

I will need to visit the locations and obtain content using either my camera phone or digital SLR.

I will also need to research the location further and source some existing footage from youTube which can be linked to and used as overlays for the augmentation function.

I will present the finished piece as a prezi presentation which will include a short video presentation of the functionality of the 'app' and Augmentation tool.

The project once completed will form part of a larger series of 'tours' spanning the entire National Cycle Network

YOUTUBE ANNOTATION - GOLDILOCKS DOES FACEBOOK

GOLDI LOCKS & THE 3 BEARS COTTAGE

 

This week's mini-brief was to create a short branching narrative using YouTube annotations.

 

 

I found this excercise a lot more user-friendly than Isadora which was used during the previous excercise.

 

Within a group, we were tasked with producing a short tale, which would provide the user with a series of options linking to different YouTube videos.  There were a number of different ways in which we could utilise the 'annotations' function within YouTube. 

One option was to create a single video which used viewer interaction to 'jump' between different sections of a single timeline.  At specific intervals, the user would be provided with a sereies of options where they could click buttons within the video in order to select a different segment of the video sequence.

 

The second option would be to create a number of short videos, each with their own unique URL which would be link to via buttons within each separate video.

 

 

We decided to use the tale of Goldilocks and the 3 bears, inspired by a recent short film (Noah).  We would attempt to add a modern twist to the Goldilocks story by setting the location around a windows desktop.  The modern day Goldi Locks would leave home after an earlier argument with her mother, and then book herself into a room at the notorious 3 bears cottages.

 

I devised a flow chart and production schedule to show how the branching narrative would work.  It would incldue 5 short videos, which were to be animated as keyframes using Adobe After Effects:

 

 

Next, I compiled a list of assets required and we allocated tasks to each individual team member.  I was allocated the taks of creating the videos and the unique 3 bears cottage website the other group memebers were responsible for adding 'Tripadvisor' and 'facebook chat' elements.

 

The completed project can be linked to from here.

 

I have found using annotations within YouTube as a helpful tool.  The process of uploading the video footage is relatively simple.  I have decided to include this knowledge in my final aretefact for this module.  Details of which can be found in my next blog entry...

 

ISADORA MINI-BRIEF

CREATIVE MEDIA PRACTICE MINI BRIEF 3

 

 

I spent most of last week familiarising myself with a new piece of software:

 

Isadora from Troikatronix

 

My initial findings:

 

Powerful and useful software but the free version can be buggy and temperamental 

 

Isadora was created for adding depth to live events.  It has many uses ranging from museum installations to epic projections onto huge buildings.

 

It can be used on either a small or large scale.

 

One of it's unique functions is the ability to add trigger points from varying input devices.  Cameras can act as input devices, working as a 'motion sensor' within a live environment as can microphones.  Microphones receive an audio trigger such as a voice or hand-clap which would then play a sequence of footage or audio as part of the installation.

 

Within a group, I was tasked with creating a 'halloween' themed narrative using Isadora.

 

As part of a creative brainstorming session, I suggested a 'Bates Motel' theme.  The idea was to use Isadora to trigger some classic scenes from the original Hitchcock 1960 version of Psycho.  (Not to be confused with the new TV adaptation of Bates Motel).

 

The idea was for selected scenes from Psycho to form a branching narrative.  The audience would watch short 2 minute clips and then be offered an option.  The choices would be  displayed as on-screen text, such as "Knock 3 times" or "Type 'S' to go take a shower".  It was my intention to be able to experience an alternative version of the story from the perspective of the investigating police officer, who eventually discovers Norma Bates in the upstairs bedroom.  The final piece would also include 'light motif' audio sourced from the soundtrack, which would add a seamless quality to the 'option menus' which would display at the end of selected sequences.

 

I encountered quite a few technical setbacks during the production of this piece as the non-registered version was unable to save.  I did however try a registered version but the file format conflicted when I tried to import the footage to the more recent edition.  As a result, I found myself having to re-build the entire project on the day of the final submission deadline.

As a group we were able to present the finished piece.

I am unable to upload the completed artefact.  I do, however have a short presentation which hopefully explains the project in more detail.

Although I can appreciate the potential of using Isadora as a tool to produce interactive media presentations.  I do not think I will use this as a tool to produce my final individual artefact.

    

 

 

 

 



VIDEO THAT MAKES ME SMILE THIS WEEK

BANKSY DOES MILITANT REBELS Vs DUMBO

I think this is just great on so many levels.

Here, the artists ability to shock, provide a poignant message, subvert and also trivialise in my opinion is wonderful.

The slapstick kick in the ankles by the kid at the end gets me every time.

 

Hang on, I need to also mention how impressed I am by the post production element* too.

*I so wanted to write the word 'elephant' :) 

RESEARCH & INTERACT

INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING

 

13/10/13

I was first introduced to web-based interactive storytelling when I encountered Leanne Allison and Jeremy Mendes' award-winning web documentary 'Bear 71' in 2011, during some of my level 4 modules.

After 'viewing' this piece, I immediately became interested in alternative forms of non-linear narrative.  As a potential media producer, it became apparent to me that such examples allow the notion of the 'passive audience' to become the 'interactive user'.

Bear 71 delivers narrative in such a way that enables the audience to interact with a desktop based map, which in turn allows them to select individual scenes or video clips.  The experience is delivered in a way that provides several different 'paths' for the audience to choose, whilst still enabling the narrative to unfold in its entirity.

The result is that there is potential for the same user to interact with the film on a number of different occasions, but each experience may be unique in its delivery.  Whilst the audience are given a choice of which scene they wish to view next, there are some established trigger points throughout the film which lead to specific scenes being played out.  For example if the user chose not to select a clip for themselves, a pre-determined sequence would be selected after a specified duration.  This enables the film's creators to ensure that the scenes they consider to be most important to the story are still viewed as they intended.    

My personal interest in Bear 71 led me to the National Film Board of Canada which provides further examples of interactivity in delivering media artefacts.  Further examples include Jason Gilmore and Alex Jansen's 'The next day' (2011).

The Next Day tells the story of four survivors of attempted suicide.  They recount their experiences in interview format but again, the audience or user has the option to choose which sequence to engage with.  Similarly, after a specific duration, if no sequence is selected one plays automatically and is pre-determined by the producer.

Further examples and inspiration to follow soon.  Watch this space...

QR MINI-BRIEF

10/10/2013

Today I re-visited the use of QR codes in non-linear narrative storytelling.  This is a method I practiced during last year's convergent media module.

Last year I created a fictional transmedia experience encouraging users to visit several different geographical locations in order to take part in an alternate reality game (ARG).

The concept was based around the activity of Geocaching.  Follow this link to explore the Geocrashing website.

Today, whilst working as part of a small group, I was provided with a brief which required me to tell a story across a minimum of five separate web-based artefacts, which would each be linked to by unique QR codes in order to reveal episodes of the main story.

These links could navigate to blogs, videos, map locations, social media sites etc.

As a team we decided to develop a desktop narrative in order to best present the idea to the rest of the group.  We chose to do this rather than physically exploring the actual geographical locations in order to save time - but also because Google street view has got just about every location you care to imagine available to view remotely :)

I began planning the story by facilitating a brainstorming session where I encouraged all team members to share their story ideas.

I felt that for the purposes of this exercise it was important to keep the story simple due to the tight deadline which had been provided to us.  I was mindful that if the story became more involved, then it would mean the group would need to create a higher volume of artifacts in order for the audience to be able to successfully engage with the narrative.  Where possible I like to create my own assets from scratch rather than sourcing other people's material so I was aware from experience that this can be a time-consuming process!

The idea we agreed on was an alternative take on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet - but based in pre- WWII Liverpool.

The mini-story can be found here

Initially the story was divided into 7 separate elements, which would each be linked to by scanning a QR code from a specific geographic location. There would however be no obvious order to the narrative if each QR code would be explored in isolation. (The potential user would need to engage with a map created specifically for the story - accessible via the web on varying compatible devices with an available QR code scanner). 

For the purposes of this exercise we decided to use Google maps in order to help portray our story.  However, given more time the map would ideally have been embedded into an app or website built specifically for the project. (see Geocrashing above).

The main 'episodes' within the story would be:

1. Ronan and Julie-Ann get married
2. Ronan joins the Navy and goes to sea
3. Ronan receives a message at sea that Julie-Ann has died
4. Ronan takes his own life
5. Julie-Ann is not really dead
6. Ronan's estate is bequeathed by Julie-Ann
7. Julie-Ann marries Benjamin (Ronan's cousin and confidante)

We designed and created a fictional web artifact using varying to us digital media tools available (Adobe Creative Suite) for each of the episodes.

1. An authentic 1930's wedding certificate
2. An historical looking BFPO letter
3. correspondence from the register of british deaths that Julie-Ann is deceased
4. A newspaper article confirming Ronan's death
5. The last will and testament of Ronan Monty
6. A blushing* bride from 1940s (Julie-Ann again) 

*we think - It's in monochrome so hard to tell really.

Likely locations such as Princes dock, a Liverpool pillar-box and a Liverpool based solicitors were selected as suitable places for the QR codes.

The team experienced a set-back which delayed the process considerably.  Google maps had been updated and the method I had previously used to embed html code to placemarks was no longer available.

I intended to add streetview screen 'grabs' to these placemarks and use photo manipulation skills learned in other earlier modules to add QR codes to the images.  The images including the QR codes would be available to users on both the map and at the physical geographic locations.

With the help of tutors, we found a workaround and switched to 'classic view'.  Each separate artefact from the list was given its own unique URL after uploading them to a Flikr account.  The team then used QRstuff.com in order to generate a code for link.

I hope to re-visit QR codes again as part of my final project but will ensure that I spend a few hours teaching myself how to embed code to the updated version of google maps before I begin!

YOUTUBE AS THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION?

BBC CULTURE SHOW

Check out this link to BBC's culture show

 Definately worth a watch for anyone interested in future media.

THE SOUND OF THE CINEMA

BBC SOUND OF THE CINEMA SEASON

On a completely unrelated topic now...

I have been enjoying this immensely and urge others to partake too

Neil Brand's mini series can be checked out here

THE TRYPTICH MINI-BRIEF and

THE FRAGMENTED FRAME

Friday  4th October

During today's session, I was introduced to spatial montage and multi-screen narrative within digital media.  An area which I am extremely interested in and enjoy exploring.

I used the sessions on 3/10/13 and 4/10/13 to re-visit some Adobe software, Premiere and After Effects which I had used in previous modules.

Within a team I was given the task of creating a very short 30 second tryptich film.  The planning stage was  important because we needed to decide how to portray a narrative using a single camera but utilising three screens.  The tryptich could include looped footage.

The initial idea was to shoot and edit three separate sequences.  The two 'outer' screens would display a montage of extreme close-ups of two different (unidentifiable) individuals performing tasks as they were preparing for a date (applying make-up, putting shoes on, brushing teeth etc).  The central 'screen' would involve a slow zoom out from a restaurant/cafe table, which would eventually reveal two people out on a date.

The idea was that just as the two main characters were about to be revealed in the central screen, they would leave the table and exit from the filmic space. It would be left to the audience to try and establish whether or not the couple dating were in fact the two characters we had been observing getting ready in the outer screens.

We were to add a twist whereby the two characters originally dating would then go their separate ways but by a strange twist of fate would encounter the two characters who were getting ready to go out.  We would link these characters by showing the same tastes in fashion and music as they were getting ready.

We created a list of shots we needed which included footage of iPods* being used, a train station clock to portray the passing of time and one characters' method of traveling to meet their partner.  Shots of money being inserted into a parking meter to depict the 2nd character arriving by car etc.

However, due to a few technical issues (low battery) and unforeseen encounters with Eammon Holmes returning from filming This Morning at Albert Dock, we decided on a change of story.

Due to a quick turnaround (the short video needed to be shot, edited and the post production completed in less than 24 hours) we felt we would be unable to source the actors we would need in time and so the idea changed.  

The final idea was to tell the 'everyday' tale of a person walking along using their iPhone as and iPod and how that person uses listening to music to reflect on the everyday things going on in their life.  (Paying for parking, walking the dog, doing sports, cooking the dinner, going on a night out).

After spending some time researching the genre on the web, paying particular attention to these amazing examples from:

 Tarrantino's Kill Bill (Daryl Hannah as a samurai assassin/fake nurse)

JW Griffiths' Split Screen (Nokia Shorts 2011 winner)

We decided to source individual shots from three cameras of 'the everyday'

We edited the shots into three sequences, using the two 'outer screens' (for the purposes of this blog I will refer to them as screens 1 and 3) to depict the 'daydreaming' sequences and screen 2 was used to show the character selecting his iPod* track and walking along putting on his headphones.

As a group, we encountered a few setbacks, which gave me as a potential digital media producer an insight into just how time consuming post production can be.  The rendering process took longer than anticipated and I believe that this was due to some of the shots being created on a Canon 550D Digital SLR, which due to the large format created codec issues when trying to convert via YouTube.

The final digital artifact was uploaded to an external hard drive and the file size compressed and converted to an MPEG format for easier transfer.  

This link is the original youtube upload, which failed to upload in its entirety.  It runs for 13 seconds and has no audio.  I will however upload the complete version next week.

I am also intending to re-visit this exercise individually and create some more of my own individual multiscreen narrative artifacts which I will of course share on here.

* Other mp3 players are available

STILLS OVER THE SUMMER

SOME SUMMER STILLS

I used a holiday in Malta in the spring as an opportunity to try out my new camera.

I've updated the blogger site with a slideshow.

For wordpress users, use this link for photobucket

I've also managed to get a few published on National Geogrphic too.

COMPLETED MODULES

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED MODULES TO DATE

 

4010 MPS DIGITAL MEDIA TOOLS

4011FILM FILM LANGUAGE

4001 MPS CREATIVITY AND CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

 

4005 MPS PRODUCTION PRACTICE

4009 MPS CONTEMPORARY MEDIA ISSUES

5007 MPS TV STUDIO PRODUCTION

5009 MPS APPLIED MEDIA RESEARCH

5012 MPS DIGITAL MEDIA CULTURES

5011 MPS CONVERGENCE MEDIA TEAMWORK

5010 MPS BEYOND THE CAMERA