Interactivity.
You may remember those role-playing, interactive books where you would go from page 48 to page 32 depending on your choices. Sometimes the author would take you to a bottomless abyss, other times you would come out of the adventure as a happy winner. Interaction exists in all forms at this time and technologies have brought it all its emancipation. From interactive voice response, to video games with multiple fun choices, to personalized dynamic websites, to virtual tours of exhibitions or companies. I can go on: interactivity is everywhere.
Interactive storytelling in film and video.
Interactive storytelling
New forms of storytelling are taking shape. Interactive storytelling is one of them. A narrative that one could imagine transposed from the game, taking advantage of the navigation of the personal box, the vote of the spectators or an internet browsing.
What is the point of interactive storytelling?
Interactivity brings a playful side, but not only: Interactive storytelling sticks to the viewer’s choice and satisfies audience measurement. The spirit of play emerges from the film. The gaming experience is very easy to share. In films with interactive narration, we find a buzz effect boosted. Your marketing will love it.
A multiplied audience
At a time when audiences have been set up as queens, why aren’t such films more represented? The habits of overly inked linear narrations are one of the reasons, the fear of additional production costs is another: The takes multiply according to the viewer’s possibilities of choice. Interactive navigation represents a further development. The scenario is much more complex to manage, to cut up. The fittings are more difficult to respect. Very good logistics are to be expected. At a time of tight budgets, such experiments are less comfortable to complete. We too often forget that the audience benefits from it. A production that takes this audience into account will benefit from such an interactive style.
Is 360-degree video too special?
360-degree videos are on the rise. The Internet user browses and watches where he wants, which brings a form of immersion in the film. Taking control of the camera is jovial for an Internet user, on the other hand it is unimaginable for a cameraman to film anywhere and in any way during a shoot. It’s hard to imagine close-ups following wide shots, shots and reverse shots, lights or other cinematographic effects… 360 degrees. It is also difficult for a director to add multiple 360-degree scenes, while offering a credible narrative sequel. One solution is to create long, monotonous holds at wide angles, which allow time to sail 360 degrees. Failing this and with short rushes, the Internet user who would have his back to the main scene, would miss part of the film. The current edits go in the opposite direction, multiplying very short rushes and changes of angles, to give a strong and captivating rhythm. The 360-degree interaction took over the narration, the intentions, the treatments, the light, the framing. On 360 degrees, everything must be reinvented, as far as possible.
Linear storytelling
On the other hand, linear narration is the most common in current cinema. A beginning, adventures and an end. This very classic situation leaves the director completely free. The viewer’s attention will be based on a narrative with a unique path. It is easier to manage the suspense and all the nuances of the film. The structure of the film is more easily mentalized. The film crew and the actors better understand the path and adhere to it.
