About Storyfutures
StoryFutures: The National Centre for Immersive Storytelling
StoryFutures is a UK government-funded initiative that aims to place innovative storytelling at the heart of next-generation immersive technologies and experiences. The initiative comprises two entities: StoryFutures and StoryFutures Academy.
The National Centre for Immersive Storytelling, or simply StoryFutures, is a collaboration between the University of West London and Royal Holloway, University of London. It brings together academic expertise in creative writing, film and television production, game design, computer science, psychology, and other fields to explore the potential of immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and 360-degree video.
At its core, StoryFutures seeks to answer one fundamental question: How can we use immersive technologies to tell better stories? To achieve this goal, it supports research projects that investigate various aspects of immersive storytelling such as narrative structure, character development, audience engagement, emotional impact, user experience design (UX), sound design, visual effects (VFX), artificial intelligence (AI), haptics (touch feedback), and more.
StoryFutures also provides funding opportunities for industry partners who want to develop new immersive projects with a strong storytelling component. These partners can benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities such as VR/AR labs equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software tools. They can also tap into the expertise of academic researchers who can help them refine their ideas from a creative or technical standpoint.
Moreover, StoryFutures acts as a bridge between academia and industry by facilitating knowledge exchange events where academics can learn about industry trends and challenges while industry professionals can learn about academic research findings. This cross-pollination helps both sides stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their respective fields while fostering collaboration opportunities that could lead to groundbreaking innovations in immersive storytelling.
Overall, StoryFutures is an exciting initiative that promises to push the boundaries of storytelling and technology in ways that could transform how we experience entertainment, education, training, therapy, and more. By bringing together diverse talents and perspectives under one roof, it creates a fertile ground for experimentation, discovery, and impact.
StoryFutures Academy: The Training Ground for Immersive Storytellers
StoryFutures Academy is the training arm of StoryFutures that aims to nurture the next generation of immersive storytellers. It offers a range of courses and workshops that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to create compelling immersive experiences across various platforms.
The academy's curriculum covers topics such as writing for VR/AR/MR/360-degree video, directing actors in VR/AR environments, designing interactive narratives for games or installations, producing immersive content on a budget or at scale, marketing immersive projects to different audiences or industries. The courses are taught by experienced professionals who have worked on award-winning projects in film, TV, gaming or other fields.
One unique aspect of StoryFutures Academy is its emphasis on collaboration between students from different disciplines. For example, a course on VR filmmaking might pair up writers with cinematographers with sound designers with programmers to create a cohesive project that showcases their respective strengths while challenging them to work outside their comfort zones. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors the real-world demands of immersive production where teamwork is essential for success.
Another advantage of studying at StoryFutures Academy is its access to industry partners who provide feedback on student projects and offer internship opportunities or job prospects after graduation. These partners include major players in entertainment such as SkyVR Studios or BBC R&D as well as startups like Maze Theory or Dimension Studio.
Furthermore, StoryFutures Academy encourages diversity and inclusivity by offering scholarships for underrepresented groups such as women or minorities who may face barriers to entry into the tech industry. It also supports outreach programs that introduce young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to the world of immersive storytelling and inspire them to pursue careers in this field.
In summary, StoryFutures Academy is a dynamic and supportive learning environment that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of immersive storytelling. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to upskill or a newcomer eager to explore this exciting field, StoryFutures Academy has something to offer. With its strong industry connections, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to diversity, it is poised to become a leading training ground for immersive storytellers worldwide.