TDS NEWS Digital
Thornhill Digital Storytelling (TDS)
Monday, January 30, 2012 – Week 6
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Digital Storytelling As Documentary Process
Creating Programming For Digital Media
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Thornhill Digital Storytelling (TDS) is maturing very nicely in so many ways. Of course the piece that keeps making new friends for the package – and keeps the veterans coming back – is our concept of Kai Zen; Continuous Improvement. This is most visible in product development.
Research continues everyday. As we make this primary product better, we are really following a game plan that will keep us on the right track for years.
The Plan:
A Seminar
TDS is known for the individual seminar. Grooming is essential. The result of constant research is available in an archives format – then used to update the next presentation.
The next step will be to develop an ongoing series. Discussions have been held in Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Maui about building a base to support a quarterly or monthly schedule.
Strengthening the seminars with upgrades could result in a very valuable Certificate Program.
One Community College has proposed a plan to develop an institute around these basic steps. It would take years and millions of dollars, but it is a consideration.
Publication, TDS NEWS
There is no match for the excitement when watching the seminar participants when they first receive the event program. This is usually a 32 page, B&W printed booklet. The improvements I expect will come from an editor, a design director and a photographer.
The Printed Program
I mailed a package of printed programs from the January 13, 2012 Thornhill Digital Storytelling Seminar. These booklets are for the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, our host and partner in Maui County, Hawaii for the event.
I am told that the publication will serve as documentation from my visit and as a guide for planning the next session. This version was 36 pages of ink on paper – publishing.
In the body of the program are two sections devoted to support for the seminar participant to continue their research and learning. In these sections are examples of digital storytelling, examples of “Branded Entertainment”, media resources for promotions and URL connections with industry leading companies.
Although I have not found the perfect team members, I continue to slowly build my case. Before the Maui booklet, there were 18 dated programs that served the seminars well.
The Digital Program
Because many of these are direct links to this treasure of well-researched information, there will be an app – or digital distribution – version to be available through your computer, smartphone, e-reader or digital tablet – publishing in the near future.
Space:
Event Venue
These seminars have survived interesting venues. There has been a photography center meeting room, a music studio, library meeting rooms, classrooms, a beautiful visual art gallery, a bar, a car dealership showroom and a technology center.
Digital Facilities
Are facilities important enough to create a true digital hub? The presentation would be fantastic with internet connections, cable connections, a satellite dish, large monitors, comfortable seating and hospitality. How expensive are these digital facilities and who would build or outfit them? This will certainly take additional research.
Production and Learning Studio
Would such an environment result in actual contracts? Could it start with a training schedule? What design and environment questions do we start with?
Digital Metropolis
A much more efficient process would be to start with a design for a cluster of buildings – planned for owner or tenants with a mutual interest in digital development. Is there a plank in the local economic development platform to address such issues?
An exciting option like this takes about three years to evolve. Please don’t think that immediate answers are required, but paying attention would be a good idea.
The Second Round
My office is very busy preparing for the second Thornhill Digital Storytelling Maui Video Marketplace seminar and reception in Maui County, Hawaii. The date has not been set, but I am certainly looking forward to it.
An important part of the presentation is discussion of the “50 Steps To Documentary Success.” In this section of the conversation I identify many responsibilities, processes, products and categories one must pay attention to - to build a successful funding proposal. This information is also in our printed program TDS News.
Also in the publication are sections for examples of digital storytelling and listings of media outlets you might want to keep in touch with to promote your concept, your documentary or your studio.
In these jammed issue I refer you to specific downloads for the product examples and specific links for the media Web sites.
This description is to alert you to a new effort. Where possible, I will list specific providers, suppliers, companies or organizations for those parties prepared to contract for help on their storytelling project.
For instance, instead of simply indicating that audio, video or digital photography are component parts of production and distribution, I will give the headline and leave space for specific names and contact information. Space in the publication is limited, but I am anxious to help.
Of course, I can only list the information that I have on hand.
I will list the titles that would gain from this up-to-date detail. If you have associates who might benefit from this open referral, please let them know. Feel free to distribute this information far and wide.
You Can Participate
- Let me know that you are interested in this or similar projects
- Refer this information to everyone you know who needs to be enlightened
- Attend, or sponsor ($20 each) a seminar
- Attend, or sponsor, one or more of the social events
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, send your e-mail indicating what part of our package has your attention. You can pledge with an e-mail or a phone call to (206) 265-2279.
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The Thornhill & Studio
Quarterly Design Review – Q1 2012
Thursday, February 16 & Friday February 17 - 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Free To All With Advance Registration
To Register: http://thornhill-quarterly-Q1-2012.eventbrite.com
Main Venue: DeVry University, Bellevue Center
Bellevue Corporate Plaza, 600 108th Avenue Northeast, Suite 209
Bellevue, WA 98004 - www.devry.edu
Bellevue, WA 98004 - www.devry.edu
I believe that 2012 will be your year. To make sure, join us at the quarterly design review, held in Bellevue.
Free registration: http://thornhillnews-quarterly-Q1-2012.eventbrite.com
Our purpose is to show you the many options available for future partners. With so much potential, it should be no surprise that I am seeking support for the overall package and for individual elements.
You can confirm your interest by e-mailing to tell me how you would like to join in. For more information, thornhillnews@hotmail.com
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For Digital Storytelling Weekly Updates: http://digitalstorytellingseminar.blogspot.com/
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Are You Enjoying The New Year?
TDS has grown nicely since January 2011. To tell our own story, the initiative will be included in two Thornhill News review programs.
The first is the Andrew W. Thornhill News “Portfolio” publication -- revealed on January 14, 2012 in Hawaii. Our theme: “2012 Is Your Year.”
The second is the newly revised Thornhill & Studio Quarterly Design Review; to be re-inaugurated in 2012 in Bellevue, Washington. The dates are Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 18.
The printed program, TDS NEWS has also contributed to the acceptance of the overall premise. Detailed, helpful information is distributed at each seminar in every issue. The publication is available only at the seminar and serves as the program for the event. There are many examples in the booklet as well as referrals. It has been very well received.
So well that the printed TDS News has been joined by this issue you are reading. The former “blog” is now TDS News Digital. And for 2012, the combination will have a new editor, a new designer and a very committed photographer. If you have an event or announcement, send it now to be considered for the TDS 2012 Calendar and possibly a Web site and mobile app.
The complete set of 2011 TNDS blogs are being tidied up for the archives. These will help at each review to show our progress.
The hard work of upgrading every part of TDS continues. You will see it in our presentations and publications, and probably notice our new venues and our higher prices.
A very helpful addition will be “The Interview Office.” When we open the “What’s Your Story” segment, the creativity, the unique presentations and the drama in these non-fiction narratives is overwhelming.
As a personal presentation, the storyteller usually does well. The Interviews will be available for those who don’t do as well in making the narrative come alive. The first interview will result in a brief bio, with bullet points indicated – and perhaps a timeline. The second interview will be conducted by a broadcast professional and recorded.
Story sources seem plentiful. However, it sometimes takes inspiration to get the storytelling engine going. I have recommended that our participants talk to family members. Engage the collective memory to bring out the funnier, or quirky, tidbits. One friend suggested that his family tales are triggered when he hears others reflecting at the barber shop. Could the salon work as well?
Museums are great storytellers. Take a walk around fine art, natural history or science exhibits to see how nicely they present their case.
To support these changes, and the broader impact, we are searching for space for our new Production Studio. The search is real; we have seen amazing spaces and will make an offer shortly. Please stay tuned.
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Documentary Production
From radio to bloggers to film to digital channel
The details are being worked out to collaborate with The Thornhill News Radio Show to develop a three part success. The radio show has monthly themes. For each December the theme is Fashion. The title for the December 2011 show was What Are You Wearing New Year’s Eve? A lot of planning, research and time was put into this mission. The radio starter was developed over a year for the program.
The What are you wearing” has been promoted as “A Concept For Radio, Publication, Theatre & Television!” Listen at: www.1150kknw.com/podcast/media/thornhill_news.xml.
The recording will now be used by the Thornhill Digital Storytelling crew as an anchor to create multiple extensions on the compelling title. As this new form emerges, even the name has been changed to The Thornhill News Fashion Media Project.
Could this work? Could we follow this carefully researched theme from radio to bloggers to film to a digital television channel?
With the right partners, including retailers, we will find out. Check this: "Everybody works for free on the film, but everybody owns a piece of the pie, it's like an indie rock band approach." Better technology helps too. That from indie director Ed Burns…
In framing the concept, information gathering, storyboarding, and making the film, all production elements and post-production professionals are expected to use, if not rely on modern digital tools.
Paradigm Shift: Insuring maximum revenues for design and creative professionals in Digital Storytelling
Distribution
The contemporary filmmaker has the benefit of multiple streams of distribution for their end product.
Certainly the Internet has opened many doors for product distribution.
For the last 20 years the changes in television were held back. But now, the traditional networks are viewing every offer for digital storytelling with new eyes. The biggest news is the emergence of “Digital Channels” and “Diginets” as television distribution discoveries.
Digital Cinema is more than distributing feature films via satellite. Digital Television is certainly more than the concepts of multicasting, centralcasting and secondary digital channels.
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In 2012, there will be change, growth and a new focus on revenue.
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The Thornhill Design Laboratory
Andrew W. Thornhill
Culver City, California
Copyright © 1971 - 2012, Andrew W. Thornhill, All Rights Reserved
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www.thornhillportfolio.com
Copyright © 1971 - 2011, Andrew W. Thornhill, All Rights Reserved