The American Film Institute Digital Content Lab has announced the
companies, organizations and media properties that will be
participating in its next production cycle: PBS (”NewsHour”),
ABC.com (”Grey’s Anatomy”), and Earth Echo. The Lab, now in its
tenth year (note: it was originally known as the Enhanced TV
Workshop, but subsequently changed its name to reflect a focus on a
broader range of interactive media), brings together media
companies/properties and volunteer “mentors” (i.e. individuals and
companies with extensive experience in interactive media), in order to
create innovative interactive prototypes. “The new slate of prototypes
promises to be one of our most exciting and challenging to date,”
Digital Content Lab director, Suzanne Stefanac, said in a prepared
statement (note: for an in-depth interview with Stefanac, see [itvt] Issue
7.42). “Digital media has finally evolved to a point where art matters
more than traditional technology plays. We’re pleased to help today’s
top media creators and artists not only come together, but stay ahead of
the curve, no matter which screen or platform.”
The prototype that the Lab is developing with ABC.com will consist of
a real-time “viewing party” application that will allow fans of “Grey’s
Anatomy” to invite friends to join them online as they watch the show
in real time. Among other things, the app will enable viewers to
comment and share opinions within private groups, and also to view
topics of interest among other viewing parties.
The “NewsHour” prototype will be an online election-year application
that encourages viewers to critique and fact-check candidates’
statements. It will also provide viewers with various research tools and
tutorials.
The third prototype will center on EarthEcho, an environmental
education effort launched by the grandchildren of environmentalist,
Jacques Cousteau, and the Vans Warped Tour, a series of events
devoted to music and extreme sports. According to the AFI, the
prototype will provide ecology-based information and activities for
attendees in a live setting.
Filed under: Content, Industry, Technology | Tagged: abc, afi, earthecho, grey's anatomy, newshour, pbs
