CROSS PLATFORM MEDIA

03/10/2012
Live it, Love it -
A Day of Masterclasses......
What an interesting and thought provoking day.        

To kickstart the day writer/director/producer, John Dale, presented us with his own professional journey. The particular topic 'A Cross Platform World' gave an insight into the ever-changing media landscape. So what's new?.....and what is a 'Cross Platform World'?
As technology advances day to day consumers have a far greater media experience, having personal control over its use. Your average Joe Bloggs can use his mobile phone to make a film or produce a radio pod cast from his living room sofa. With social networking sites such as YouTube and Twitter, Mr Bloggs then has the power to take that media, which he has wholly created himself, to an immediate 'live' audience. So what once was a very specific, professional skill has now become available for all....as technology advances, consumers follow suit. And the more we interact with this 'new' media the greater the hunger for more.

John, has worked in varying roles within theatre, TV and film, producing, directing and presenting. His experiences within these roles, however rewarding they appeared, (winning BAFTA's and receiving promotion to Executive Producer with the ITV) did not fulfill all he hoped to achieve. As the business model was changing and becoming more flexible, John made a move into interactive media, in both the public and private sectors. His work within this field includes a current Far East television based project with Company 'Solo' - a fully interactive soft-play channel for children....The next generation are going to be spoon-fed data far beyond the imaginable..
Other projects include EU Connect communications group and Kidnet, which allows 9-15 year olds (from disadvantaged background) to share stories without adult support.

As John summarised, he made a point of sharing some sound advice., which resonated well with me. The importance of status or a fancy title means little...to embark upon a writing career within the media, one must step creatively, researching and exploring, viewing each project from all angles. To be driven by curiosity and instinct is a positive thing. "Think business, think user".....not commissioner. After all, it's the consumer who buys into a concept....the consumer who absorbs and responds. And without that consumer we'd all be out of business.

John's lecture gave me a good insight into how 'multifaceted' writer's need to be. It's not an easy journey. It'll be peppered with obstacle and challenge...some jobs may get picked up and developed but most won't. When writing have other media professionals within your peripheral. (Note to self: Think OUTSIDE the box!!)

This session has sparked a consideration of writing across platforms...an area I have only explored as part of a collaborative project to produce a viral for Oxjam (month-long music festival to raise money for the Oxfam charity). I enjoyed the challenge and look forward to exploring this type of work in the future, with a preference towards creating an interactive web site for children/teens. I am also considering writing a story on the Kindle tablet for Amazon.

I have added a link to help define the meaning of 'Cross-Platform'.
In essence it involves taking one concept and spreading it across a number of media platforms, enabling interaction of that content in varying forms. (See link for a brief History/overview)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmedia_storytelling

Following John Dale's lecture, digital writer, Tim Wright talked 'Digital media'...interesting and enlightening. He made a very profound point regarding audience participation for a project called 'Online Caroline' (2000). He referred to the audience as becoming 'performers'. It is an area I have an interest in...the way people are changing alongside an evolving media landscape. The way they connect to others and control their media. Tim's vision of the future is that of (what he called) 'smartmedia' - virtual objects - everywhere....on boxes, fridges, doors etc....
His talk inspired me to think multi-platform, multi-skills!....To be open to ideas outside of TV, film and radio.



Next up...a talk with Producer, Serena Cullen. This contradicted some of what I'd taken from John Dale's lecture. She talked about writing 'blue sky' scripts rather than sticking to low-budget angles. The message I took from her was to  'write from passion and think BIG'. I would agree that of course a writer needs to write with passion but I also consider John's well-made points to be valuable. It's perhaps a balance of both....a lot of passion with a bit of sensibility. Grand ideas are all very well but think box office, think what has worked before...what has failed. Research and research some more!

Serena has many credits to her name. Her work includes; writing for the BBC, developing scripts for world Productions and directing for Sony Pictures. In 2009 she set up her own company - 'Serena Cullen Productions'. Her experience is vast and her success admirable. Since starting out as a runner for a production company, she has experienced many areas of the industry.

As a scriptwriter who is new to the industry, I will tread objectively into any opportunity. I feel that these conversations with guest speakers who have first hand knowledge, has given me a wider picture which has informed me well. I intend not to restrict myself but to gain experience where I can. If it means accepting a job that I once thought uncreative or slightly dull, then so be it. Any experience is valuable and can be added to your CV. I am considering the possibility of working as an assistant script editor or script reader in the early stages. I intend to write all my (BIG) ideas in my spare time...to fuel my passion and to keep up momentum.