Moving from Linear to Interactive & Multimedia

1. Moving from Linear to Interactive & Multimedia

2. Example: In Journalism • Developing Interactive FeaturesWhile linear news stories are rather formulaic, interactive features can be highly creative, even though they still adhere to traditional standards for journalistic integrity. • Quote from Jonathan Dube, “Writing News Online” (PoynterOnline)http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=41309“Print reporters tend to look for information. TV reporters look for emotion on camera, sound bites and pictures to go with words. Online journalists must constantly think in terms of different elements and how they complement and supplement each other: Look for words to go with images, audio and video to go with words, data that will lend itself to interactives, etc. . . . Tape interviews whenever possible in case someone says that would make a powerful clip. Look for personalities who could be interesting chat guests. And always keep an eye out for information that can be conveyed more effectively using interactive tools.

3. Example of Linear News Story

5. These perspectives are not unlike those we might find in a documentary; however, the viewer decides what will be viewed and in what order.

6. 2 Kinds of Interactive Features

7. 1) Narrative • Narrative interactive features tell an entire story in a single Flash presentation (e.g., Hunt). Narrative feature stories might employ a wide range of interactive and multimedia elements within them (e.g., timeline, photo essay, maps, audio, etc.).

8. 2) Nonnarrative • Nonnarative interactive features do not tell a story per se, but offer interesting information or experiences that might supplement a news story. For example, “Islam in Europe” does not tell a story; instead, it is a map that provides data about Islamic populations and could therefore supplement a wide range of stories.

9. Creative Ideas for Flash Projects • Use your story as the foundation for brainstorming creative possibilities for interactivity.For example, does the story involve interesting geography? Perhaps a map could be involved. Are there engaging characters to profile? Is there a scenario based in plot, place, or character that might lend itself well to a game? Interactive and multimedia possibilities can be used individually or in combination, in narrative and nonnarative features.

10. Creative Ideas Cont. • Geographical Maps“Islam in Europe” is an example of geographical maps commonly used because of easy incorporation of interactivity through clickable regions. This piece can supplement many stories about Islamic current events, culture, and history. • Image MapsWhile geographical maps are common, any image can become a clickable region—a person’s body, a school yard, an object—charting space for exploration.

11. Creative Ideas Cont. • Timelines (Darryl Hunt case; Zodiac). Timelines can work well to organize interactive features, as people can click on a date of interest and see the corresponding event. • People Profiles (Being a Black Man) • Virtual Space & Simulations (Navy)Interactive 2D or 3D environments can allow people to navigate public and private space and even engage in simulations. • Interactive w/ Video (Nike Air Max and others) • Games (e.g., NYC Park) • Photo Essays. “Frozen Basketball” actually accompanied a feature story that appeared in the main publication of the New York Times. • If-then Scenarios One thing computers do well is calculate. This is how global warming trends and hurricane damage can get predicted, for example. • Collect—finding the pieces, solve a mystery, create a collection. • Combinations of the above

12. Marketing Solutions (collect and if-then)

13. Public Relations (game & if-then) • Games Games that utilize interactivity as an integral aspect of the message (e.g., “Plan Your Future Park” in Gotham Gazette combines game with if-then).

14. Video interactive – Nike AirMax by Stardust

15. Simulation – Navy for Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS)

16. Creative Nonfiction • Creative Non-Fiction: Saving Block IslandAn example of award-winning creative nonfiction comes from the Providence Journal and is entitled “Saving Block Island: How Rob Lewis Led the Way.” In first person, local hero Rob Lewis tells about how a citizen’s movement saved Block Island from development. http://www.projo.com/extra/2005/blockisland/.

17. Experimental Journalism • Dennis del Favero’s Cross Currents could be classified as creative nonfiction or “literary journalism,” as it brought attention to the abductions and forced prostitution of women from war-torn Eastern Europe in the late 90’s.

18. Option #1: In a group, create rough storyboard sketches and site map to develop an idea for an interactive feature based on 9-11 or one aspect of 9-11 such as a hijacking. Get creative. Allow your viewer to explore and interact in creative ways. Option #2: Midnight SonCreate plans for an interactive multimedia presentation that introduces Dr. Tim Kennedy (Associate Professor of Communication at University of Tampa) and his new book Midnight Son (a photographic expose of the famous blues singer John Lee Hooker--now deceased. Sketch a site map/outline and interface design for each page. Do a little web research if you need to. Group Work

19. Questions?