Last year I wrote an article about curating your SXSW experience. Since SXSW 2015 is less than a month away, I’m working hard to curate an informative and fun experience for myself and thought I’d share some of the innovative storytelling panels I’m excited to check out. Keep in mind all panels listed require an Interactive badge, although some are from the convergence programming track which allows either Interactive or Film badge holders to attend.
Audio Drama in the 21st Century
Are you a fan of serial drama podcasts such as Serial or Welcome to Night Vale? If so, this panel is for you. The panel focuses on using an old method of entertainment to give your stories a new life.
Storytelling with the New Screens
Be ahead of the curve and think about how new technologies such as 3D printing and augmented reality can result in unique storytelling experiences. This panel features one of my favorite storytelling innovators, Geoffrey Long, whom I met at my very first SXSW during a transmedia meet up. He is currently a research associate at USC’s Annenberg Innovation Lab, and previously served as a Lead Narrative Producer at Microsoft.
Who’s Going to Fund Your Web Series?
This is a huge topic on the mind of many indie creators. Jay Bushman, formerly the transmedia producer from The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and producer of Welcome to Sanditon, is on this panel. Having discussed web series funding with him previously, I know that if you are trying to fund a web series (or any creative property for that matter) you should attend this panel.
Lights, Camera, Action: MAKER LABS Live in Austin
This panel is key if you want to understand more about how Maker Studios works with talent to co-create original content. They will be talking about their programming model and their upcoming slate of original content.
Never forget that one of the most important reasons to attend a conference like SXSW is to meet people around the world that are interested in the same things you are! I highly recommend attending the Web Series Meet Up, run by IAWTV members Sandra Payne and Tim Street. From attending the last three SXSW meet ups I can vouch for this event. Every year I attended, I got the chance to meet creators from around the world who are interested in both web series and transmedia. This will be the place to be this year, especially since there is no official transmedia meet up scheduled.
Don’t forget that the official SXSW lounges are a perfect place to relax, network, and charge your mobile devices. Some great possibilities include the Legendary Digital Networks Lounge featuring teams from Nerdist, Geek & Sundry, and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, and The Dailymotion House at Bungalow featuring Machinima, Outside Television, Boiler Room TV, Tasted, Cinefix, and Crave Online.
One last thing – don’t be afraid to meet new people! That is what SXSW is all about. Feel free to tweet me @AngeliqueToschi. I’d love to connect with Ms. In the Biz readers while in Austin!
More of my articles on transmedia and cross-platform storytelling can be found HERE.
– Angelique Toschi