On the 30 and 31 May I attended the Convergence Jam at Storey Hall (RMIT University). In attendance were writers, directors, producers, games developers, animators, content developers and new media artists. Over the course of the jam a series of guest speakers presented. The most unique aspect of the conference was the opportunity to collaborate in teams to develop a converging media concept. The theme for the concept was ‘Spare Time’ and it was essential that the concept could be delivered across multiple platforms such as the web, game, interactive TV, mobile phones, film and television. Teams then had to pitch their concept to the expert panel with the winning team being awarded with a prize.
The event was opened by a welcoming address by Robbie Stamp (via video conference), Executive Producer of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, who addressed the concept of convergence as it compares to divergence. Stamp suggested that The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy was more a reflection of diverging platforms that had resulted from changing technology over a period of time.
One of the highlights of the event were two speakers, Keith Clarkson and Thomas Wallner, from Xenophile Media, a Canadian based emerging media production company. Keith’s presentation ‘How to finance your converging media production’ looked at finance opportunities and highlighted the benefits of the Canadian funding model.
Thomas’ presentation ‘Showcase of Xenophile Media convergent media productions’ was fantastic. ReGenesis is a television drama series about NorBAC, an organisation formed to investigate questionable advances in biotechnology. In addition to the television series Xenophile Media launched an extended reality game. I found this aspect of the presentation particularly interesting as the concept resonated with similar themes to the game concept that Joni and I had developed for Emerging Media.
Another production Thomas showed snippets of was Beethoven’s Hair a documentary based on a best-selling book that follows the journey of a lock of hair that was cut from Ludwig van Beethoven when he died. The team developed Beethoven’s Hair website as part of this project. The website is fantastic, not only does it provide additional stories and detail that could not be included in the film but it is haunted by Beethoven’s spirit.
The final project that they showcased were the Canadian 2004 Gemini Awards. Xenophile Media developed an enhanced event by introducing a unique synchronised television-to-web experience. While the audience watched the awards they were invited to be part of the action by answering questions, participating in polls, reading about nominees and competing for prizes. The enhanced event was the first of it’s kind to broadcast in real time. Broadcast on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) it was technically a difficult and complex event was to manage. It was however a success, which they attribute to audiences natural inclination to actively participate in these types events.
A Converegnce Jam review details some of the other speakers that presented on the day. A Convergence Jam forum has also been set up.
