Narrative in web and video

Narrative in web and video

Narrative in web and video Andrew Stanton The clues to a great story http://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_stanton_the_clues_to_a_great_story?language=en#t-3199

What is narrative? narrative a spoken or written account of connected events; a story The relationship of cause and effect within space and time, usually with characters Bruce Sheridan

What is narrative? narrative a spoken or written account of connected events; a story The relationship of cause and effect within space and time, usually with characters Bruce Sheridan

Elements of narrative Exposition Introducing viewers to characters and setting Character A person in the story who we learn about through their words and actions Setting The place where the story is set Problem or conflict The struggle in the story Events The things that happen in the story that are important and lead to the climax and resolution Climax The most intense part of the story Resolution The conclusion, tying up all the loose ends; how it ends up

Classical Beginning Middle End narrative in films Parts of a story

Classical Beginning Middle End narrative in films Parts of a story Action Time

Classical Beginning Middle End narrative in films Parts of a story Climax Action Crisis Inciting incident Rising action Falling action Exposition Resolution Time

Classical Beginning Middle End narrative in films Parts of a story Action Marty almost fades Marty goes back Marty goes back to 1955 Anticipation builds, things happen Back home Characters set up Sequel set up Time

Narrative exists in all films Carving the Future https://vimeo.com/62585546

Narrative exists in all films Carving the Future https://vimeo.com/125222231

Alternative narratives e.g. TV Series TV series linking over time Rising action A whole series of mini-arcs each episode, with threads building to a series climax Action Main exposition may be in place from previous series Resolution Series 1 Series 2 Series 3

Alternative narratives e.g. non-linear narrative films Not just A to B Can be non-chronological Could be as simple as flashbacks or flash forwards Examples include: Lost Pulp Fiction Trainspotting

Alternative narratives Pulp Fiction non-linear As the sequence appears in the film: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Prologue The Diner (i) Prelude to Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace's Wife Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace's Wife Prelude to The Gold Watch The Gold Watch The Bonnie Situation Epilogue The Diner (ii)

Alternative narratives Pulp Fiction non-linear Chronologically: 4, 2, 6, 1, 7, 3, 5. Some overlap between sequences Some parts told by two different characters 4. 2. 6. 1. 7. 3. 5. Prelude to The Gold Watch Prelude to Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace's Wife The Bonnie Situation Prologue The Diner (i) Epilogue The Diner (ii) Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace's Wife The Gold Watch

Alternative narratives e.g. web + video Snowfall Snowfall: a non-linear web and video based story http://www.nytimes.com/ projects/2012/snow-fall/#/? part=tunnel-creek Chapter 1 Exposition Opening cover : Video as image with text Incident Avalanche described: Text with additional video Exposition Information about the site: motion graphic Rising action Stories unpacked: Text with additional video Rising action Weather explained: Video/ infographic Story builds over six chapters Ends with a call to action: watch the documentary

Alternative narratives e.g. web + video Gaza/Sderot http://gaza-sderot.arte.tv/ Gaza/Sderot: a dual narrative web and video based story Homepage explains the premise Dialogue unfolds showing opposite perspectives Where to now? But, is there an arc? How do I navigate? Can I fast-forward?

Classical Clarity Unity Closure narrative rules: Viewers should Connections Loose ends apply not be confused between cause should be tied up regardless of about space, and effect must and questions medium time, events or be complete answered (and for motivations your projects, a clear call to action should be present)

Planning narrative How to Structure a Video Essay https://vimeo.com/123759973

Video Storyboarding + shot lists

Web Sitemaps and wireframes Can be complex

Web Sitemaps and wireframes But your sites are simple

Video How will you plan and tell your story? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lkpvaicdxy

Now: Any discussion about yesterday s presentations? Any questions? Next up, back to studio: begin planning your approach to the issue, start storyboarding Workshop: shooting video