A primer for nonfiction filmmakers looking to expand into interactive storytelling. This workshop surveys trends in interactive documentary, introduces new technologies being used, and provides a “how-to” for starting and conceptualizing interactive projects. We will look at different approaches to developing non-fiction content with interactivity, and share best practices to translate linear documentary films into dynamic, fluid digital stories.

Using techniques and processes from the commercial interactive design world, we will focus on design strategies rather than on computer programs and code (Flash, HTML etc.). Participants will learn how to to break down the complexity of an interactive project into separate visual user interface, media and technology layers.

Our task as creative storytellers are as translators of stories into new forms.  Learn how you can you use interactive design and media to make your film more than a static Youtube video embedded onto a webpage.

Laurie Sumiye is a filmmaker, designer and artist who uses media and technology to explore new ways of looking at natural and urban environments and people who exist in them. Her varied experience in fine art, interactive media, graphic design, animation and broadcast journalism uniquely informs her work by combining graphic, handmade, digital, and documentary forms. Laurie received her MFA in Integrated Media Arts at CUNY Hunter College, and recently presented her work at EXIT Art (2010), Hawaii International Film Festival (2010), Summercamp Project Project in Los Angeles (2010), Arts@Renaissance in Brooklyn (2010).

Annie Berman came of age studying theater in magnet schools for the arts in Miami. She attended Brandeis University for scientific research, but it was a Philosophy of Aesthetics course that fired her synapses. Since then, her camera has taken her around the world exploring image and representation, identity, and religion. Her work has screened at galleries and universities, including the Short and Edgy Film Festival at the Harvard Film Archive. In addition to making work, Annie has also taught workshops in Super-8 filmmaking, nonlinear editing, animation, and social media. She is the former President of the board of Women in Film and Video New England, and the founder of Fish in the Hand Productions. Her feature film THE FAITHFUL: The King, the Pope, the Princess, and me explores pop-iconography and the relationship between art, expression, and the law. After a decade of obsessively gathering images and souvenirs of Elvis Presley, Pope John Paul II, and Princess Diana, and capturing the annual rituals of their followers, Annie is now in post-production and preparing to launch a multi-platform exhibition.