C&I: storytelling

Storytelling in VR: introduction

Once upon a time.........in a charming village on the edge of a dark, twisted forest, Little Red Riding Hood was preparing to visit her ill grandmother. She opened her cupboard and took out: 1) The basket of apples 2) Some freshly cut flowers 3) Pepper spray 4) A Samurai sword and set off on her way We no longer want to just witness the story and watch as Red skips happily and obliviously along the path picking flowers for her grandmother. We want the option to intervene – to pick up that sword and carve our own way through the narrative, Samurai style. Read this article 1: Storytelling in VR, How VR turned Red Riding Hood into a Samurai

Little Red Riding Hood

Create the Story Concept

How to Start Telling Stories

Creating stories for Virtual or Augmented Reality does not happen overnight. It takes quite some effort and technique to get to the right story at the right moment for the right person. Therefore, here is a basic setup to get you started with Storytelling in VR. Think Visually and use prototyping techniques!!

1. Start with your message and goals (think backwards & who, what, where, when, how, why)

2. Know your audience & users (communicate & resonate)

3. Know special needs for special target groups

4. Define the type of experience

5. Syntax - create Storytelling, Set & Setting (Periodic Table of Storytelling -Three Act Structure: (sequence & order, cause & effect, problem & solution, compare & contrast)

6. Semantics - develop a Plot (situation, empathy, intentions, character, dialogue, conflict, resolution, call-to-action)

7. Pragmatics - translate the plot to 360/VR (presence, point-of-view, 1st person, 3rd person)

8. Create effective dialogues (emotional & expressive)

9. Define a prominent Style: (naturalism/impressionism)

Inspiring Storytelling talks

Emotions in VR, Maureen Fan, FarmVille sequel, Toy Story 3 What would you do if you encountered a little girl crying on a bench? You would feel and act differently if this scenario played out in a film, in a game, or in real life. In virtual reality, it is something else entirely. How do you inspire action fueled by empathy in VR? How can a story be told effectively in this brand new medium?

Chris Milk is an American entrepreneur, innovator, director, photographer, and immersive artist. He is founder and CEO of Within (Virtual Reality) (formerly Vrse). Milk began his career directing music videos and commercials for leading artists and brands, and in subsequent years became best known for bridging the gap between emerging technologies and new mediums for storytelling.

Aaron Koblin is an American digital media artist and entrepreneur best known for his innovative use of data visualization and his pioneering work in crowdsourcing, virtual reality, and interactive film. He is Co-Founder and CTO of virtual reality company WITHIN (formerly Vrse) along with Chris Milk.

Jonathan Harris studied computer science at Princeton University and interactive art at Fabrica. His multimedia projects combine data visualization, documentary, performance, photography, storytelling, ritual, and other tools and technologies.