Digital Alberta and the Banff New Media Institute Accelerator Program present "Story, Character & Interactivity 2008", being held January 24 to 27, 2008 at The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta.
This two-day workshop focuses on how to create successful interactive experiences that rival a movie’s level of depth and engagement. With past speakers from studios such as Pixar Animation Studios, Sony Pictures Animation and Cyan Worlds, this workshop offers insight into several exciting topics including creating narrative in interactive medium, idea generation, and other storytelling techniques. From concept through to execution participants will learn to deliver immersive interactive experiences through a series of hands on activities, case studies, demonstrations, and formal presentations. Our speakers will also cover what studios are looking for in the gaming market as well as what storytelling trends are emerging in the marketplace.
This year's confirmed presenters include:
- Gabe Kean, Design Director, Owner, Belle & Wissell, Co.; Founder, Born Magazine
- Mike Laidlaw, Lead Writer, BioWare Corp.
- Matt Rhodes, Concept Artist, BioWare Corp.
- Tad Stones, Supervising Producer/Director, Starz Film Roman Studios
Space is limited! To register online, click here. Contact Rene at rene@digitalalberta.com for additional information.
This program is also supported by the Alberta Motion Pictures Industries Association, Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada, and Alberta Advanced Education & Technology.
Story, Character & Interactivity Workshop
January 24 to 27, 2008
PROGRAM AGENDA
Speakers
Matt Costello, Writer (The 7th Guest, Doom3)
Mike Laidlaw, Lead Writer, BioWare Corp.
Gabe Kean, Design Director, Belle & Wissell Co.
Matt Rhodes, Concept Artist, BioWare Corp.
Tad Stones, Producer/Director, Starz Film Roman Studios
Workshop Facilitators
Ken Bautista, Producer, Hotrocket, / Digital Alberta
Chad Kerychuk, Program Coordinator, Accelerator, Banff New Media Institute
Agenda
Thursday, January 24
7:00 to 9:00 pm - Participants check in and meet and greet. Once you arrive at the Banff Centre, proceed to reception the Professional Development Centre where you'll check in. You'll receive a package that will contain the full agenda, a campus map and other information. Once you've checked in, join us for a casual meet and greet with the other participants and speakers.
Friday, January 25
7:30 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Welcome, introductions
9:30 - 10:30 am - Matt Costello
10:30 - 10:45 am - Break
10:45 - 12:00 pm - Gabe Kean
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:30 - 3:00 pm - Story teams breakout #1
3:00 - 3:15 pm - Break
3:30 - 4:45 pm - Panel, "Inspirations for story and character"
4:45 - 5:00 pm - Day 1 wrap up
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Dinner
6:30 pm - 30 mins with... roundtable sessions
9:00 pm - Wrap up at props
Saturday, January 26
7:30 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Welcome back
9:15 - 10:30 am - Tad Stones
10:30 - 10:45 am - Break
10:45 - 12:00 pm - Mike Laidlaw, Matt Rhodes
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm - Story teams breakout #2
3:00 - 3:15 pm - Break
3:30 - 4:45 pm - Panel, "Interactive storytelling"
5:00 pm - Day 2 wrap up
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:30 pm - Banff Hot Springs, grab a coffee/hot chocolate, tour Banff townsite, wrap up at the Saltlik lounge
Sunday, January 27
7:30 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Pitch sessions begin (all teams)
11:30 am - Wrap-up, evaluation, program end
Story teams breakout challenge
As part of this year's workshop, we will be splitting up participants into 5 teams, each led by one of our featured speakers. The objective for each team will be to create a story pitch. On Day 1 and 2, teams will have time to work on their story pitches in breakout groups. On Day 3, each team will present their story pitch to the group. More details on the challenge (and a prize!) will be unveiled at the workshop.
30 minutes with... roundtable sessions
This evening session gives you a chance to have some discussion time with each of the featured presenters. We'll work in 30 minute rotations in 4 groups throughout the evening. Use the time for questions, discussion, and sharing your work!
