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Storytelling Across Platforms

Storytelling Across Platforms, 16-17 Sept 2010
2-day workshop + 2 months of online tutor support and online forum
Full cost: £800 full price / from £160 with Skillset bursary
Places: 10

An exploration of storytelling and non-linear media, this course gives a grounding in linear narrative, before exploring the challenges of successful storytelling across platforms.

Everybody is talking about the future of narrative as being interactive, that linear narratives will have to be expanded to accommodate many more platforms, but what does it mean and what does the brave new world of storytelling actually look like? A practical course that unpicks these questions and more, Storytelling Across Platforms will develop your skills to:

- Turn an idea into a good story
- Think of a story visually
- Effectively summarise a story in speech or writing
- Consider varying demands on story when approaching different genres, platforms and audiences

The course will particularly benefit any Development, Production or Post-production grades needing to hone their storytelling skills in the landscape of multiplatform commissioning and production, e.g. Researchers, Assistant Producers, Assistant Editors, Producers, Editors.

Course Delivery

This course explores what makes a good story, the art of effective storytelling in linear and non-linear platforms, and considers narrative across genres. The course will begin with a two day practical workshop. Through group and individual work, you will learn how to consider key commercial needs such as the effective outlining of a story (without giving the plot away) and the creative challenges of turning an idea into a good story.

Towards the end of the two-day intensive, initial guidance for a self-study project will be given to you by the tutor. The project will focus on you applying your new learning in the workplace. The exact nature of self-study projects will be negotiated between you and the tutor to ensure it is relevant for your work and over an eight week period following the workshop, you will be provided with online guidance from the tutor through a mixture of content and activities including: tutor and student blogs; ongoing discussion forum; one-to-one email; and ‘live’ Q&A sessions at set times (outside of working hours).

Course Tutor: Jon Weinbren
 
Jon Weinbren is creative director of Imaginary Productions, a London based digital media studio specialising in computer games development and real-time 3D animation. He has a broad background in screenwriting, film and television story development, 3D content creation and interactive programme making for a variety of platforms across the cultural, educational, entertainment and broadcast sectors. Film and Television credits include script and production work for Channel 4, BBC, Granada, YTV and Polygram; game credits include script and development work on EA’s Combots, Bullfrog’s Dungeon Keeper 2 (PC), and Sony’s Rosco McQueen (Playstation). Jon is also active as an educator and consultant. As well as running the MA Digital Game Design programme at the University College for the Creative Arts at Farnham, Jon holds several external examiner roles and ongoing commercial consultancy positions. A former director of TIGA, the games developers trade association, Jon currently serves on the steering committee of the London Games Festival Fringe an the advisory board of the IGDA London Chapter.

Entry Requirements

This course is open to media professionals who can demonstrate a track record in the TV industry (normally a minimum of two years). Please contact us if you have queries about your eligibility.
 
How to Apply

Please download and complete the application form and email it with your CV to training@swscreen.co.uk  We will notify you within 10 working days whether your application is successful. If you are offered a place, you then need to apply directly to Skillset for your bursary. Instructions will be given when your place is offered. All bookings are subject to South West Screen’s Terms & Conditions of Booking. Please read these before applying.

Storytelling Across Platforms

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