Adult Coloring Books, the Future of Fun and More: Experiential Storytelling Track Sessions at SXSW 2018
Discover how new technology has impacted the world of storytelling and immersive entertainment in the Experiential Storytelling Track at SXSW 2018. Learn how experimental strategies of storytelling are re-shaping the way global audiences digest information and changing a practice as old as time. Check out some of the highlights of the Experiential Storytelling Track with our session recommendations below.
"At a time when everyone can be a storyteller, Experiential Storytelling is an attempt to understand the ramifications," says SXSW Programmer Jim Kolmar. "Initially concerned with the influence of technology on narrative strategies, this track provides a showcase and platform for storytelling as a living, breathing entity that can move in unpredictable directions, unbound by any one method or form." For example, the session Provocative Adult Coloring Books delves into the storytelling potential of the hugely popular, yet unexpected medium of coloring books. Sally Eckhoff (F*CK ART (LET'S DANCE)) and Andrea Baker (FAMOUS RAPES) of Water Street Press will explore how they adapted their texts into coloring books, and what they learned along the way.
From reclaiming identity through multi-media, to how interactive audio will change everything, the Experiential Storytelling Track will showcase different sessions that highlight the evolution of storytelling and the evolution of immersive entertainment. Hear from Astronaut Yvonne Cagle, Space Architect John Spencer, and Founder of Man Made Music Joel Beckerman, on the multi-sensory sensations that could make up future human life on Mars and learn how we can experience this colonization now through entertainment experiences in the session Mars or Bust: Designing The Future of Humanity.
Dive deeper into the Experiential Storytelling Track from March 12-14 during SXSW Convergence programming. SXSW Convergence programming features a range of topics that straddle the cultural and technological intersection at the heart of SXSW with primary access granted to all SXSW Badges.
Experiential Storytelling Session Highlights
Clickable Storytelling: Dig Into Your Online World
Speakers: Timur Bekmambetov (Bazelevs), and Majd Nassif (Bazelevs)
With the development of conventional storytelling, people have discovered profound ways of interacting with the audience and taking them beyond the limits of a single image screen. This development has led to the introduction of interactive content that lets the audience delve deeply into characters’ lives and view their stories from different perspectives. This panel will explore the endless possibilities of creating interactive clickable content that permits you to choose how you perceive a story.
Black Gotham: Immersive Storytelling & Technology
Speakers: Armando Somoza (Rapport Studios), and Kamau Ware (Black Gotham Experience)
Black Gotham Experience (BGX) is an immersive visual storytelling project that celebrates the impact of the African Diaspora on New York City through a series of walking tours and graphic novels that incorporate photography, design, and fashion. This workshop will lead participants through a sample of the walking tour, history, and culture. Come learn about how we leverage immersive technology including VR/AR to place you in the story so that you experience untold narratives and history.
Full Body Immersive: The Future of Fun
Speakers: David L. Spigner (Boda Borg Corporation), Lou Pizante (Two Bit Circus Inc), and Vince Kadlubek (Meow Wolf)
Join pioneers immersive entertainment from Two Bit Circus, Meow Wolf, and Boda Borg to explore the future of fun. Find out how they’re working to break the mold of traditional entertainment. Discover the power of story rooms, immersive theater, group gaming, experiential collectives, mixed, and virtual reality. Learn how creativity and technology will combine to engage, entertain, inspire, motivate and activate the body, mind and spirit, from micro-to-macro-amusement!
Reclaiming Identity Through Multi-Media
Speakers: Jade Begay (Indigenous Rising Media), Stina Hamlin (East Coast Digital), and Alex Simon (Sovereign Sounds)
For centuries, Indigenous Peoples have been systematically taught that their identities are illegitimate or shameful but now Indigenous Peoples are using multimedia like film, podcasts, and VR to show the world our stories of reclaiming identity and culture. In this panel, you will hear from Indigenous digital storytellers and filmmakers on how multi-media is being used by Native Peoples to break stereotypes and to bring more awareness to the Indigenous experience.
Browse All Experiential Storytelling Sessions
Crossover Track Recommendations
Explore topics outside of your comfort zone and learn from SXSW sessions across all 24 Tracks of Conference programming. These recommended sessions are outside of the Experiential Storytelling Track, but will interest any SXSW attendee.
Data-Driven Storytelling: Perspectives & Paradigms – Alex Simoes (Datawheel), Amy Yu (Viacom), Renee Lightner (Viacom), and Russell Goldenberg (Polygraph/ The Pudding) Track: Design
Setting the Visual Language of VR Storytelling – Timoni West (Unity Technologies), and Natalie Grant (Unity Technologies)
Track: Making Film & EpisodicsIllusion Design, Story Craft, and Virtual Worlds – Curtis Hickman (The Void) Track: VR/AR
Purchase your SXSW Badge and reserve your hotel today to experience these sessions along with 10 days of screenings, showcases, exhibitions, networking, and more this March 9-18 in Austin, TX. Take the Tracks Quiz to discover which badge will suit your needs.
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Teaser Photo by Nicole Burton
By Ari Roth
01/11/2018