I’m writing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada from the “Transmedia Production Lab,” a 7-day training program organized by Film Training Manitoba. I am co-facilitating the lab with Ryan FitzGerald, a Canadian writer / game designer (and recently VP of Interactive with a Newfoundland-based TV prodco).
Just thought I’d share what we’re up to over here, in case it’s of interest to the network.
The Transmedia Production Lab brings together 2 teams (1 mentor team, 1 trainee team) who brainstorm 48 multiplatform stories, vote on the top 8, and then produce one story concept per eight-hour day for 4 days. Teams are composed of a producer, director/editor, writer, cinematographer, actors, technologist and designer. Roles are firm but flexible to a degree (some of the actors are doing some writing, for example).
After one round of productions are completed, there’s a presentation and critique each day. The mentors take time out of each production day to work with their trainees. The facilitators are trying to draw the best out of everyone.
It’s been an enjoyable process so far. Initially we had some apprehension from the filmmakers but laid concerns to rest before production began by going through a series of fun brainstorming exercises and creative workshops. “Embrace the suck.” “Fail early, fail often.”
The benefit of the rapid prototyping process seems to be that ideas aren’t clung to as precious — that everything is “run and gun” — experimentation is welcome — agility is mandatory. The end results have been impressive. The teams are generating 5 – 15 minutes of video content daily, along with supporting digital assets (sometimes fully functional web sites).
If I could make any improvements it would be to instate a minimum number of platforms required for each project. Most of the projects have been primarily web-based, but have had at least one other delivery method, such as public performance or mobile phone calls. I would push for more risk next time.
Ok, there’s my braindump. Hope you find it useful.
Will post links to any public aspects of the teams’ projects once I find out where everything is sitting online 
