The digital realm offers new ways for storytellers to engage audiences. Join some of the most creative and talented players in Digital Storytelling for a look at what's possible as Mizzou prepares its own program for launch. From the worlds of digital publishing, feature film, documentary, advertising and photojournalism, we've gathered a star-studded cast of those working in transformational media forms. It will be an exciting look at what's possible out there in terms of storytelling in digital formats.
The Digital Storytelling Summit, taking place at the Reynolds Journalism Institute on the MU Campus, will be a gathering that inspires its audience with new knowledge, ideas and a better understanding of how the traditional form of storytelling is changing through the use of technology.
For questions, contact Jeffrey Beeson at beesonj@rjionline.org or 573-882-7303.
Travel Information
Speaker Bios
Watch Live
March 4, 2012
6 p.m. Cocktail Reception and Registration
Hampton Inn and Suites at the University of Missouri
March 5, 2012
8 a.m. Registration
Fred W. Smith Forum, Reynolds Journalism Institute - MU Campus
8:30 Welcome and Conference Introduction - Charles Davis & Ron Green
8:45 – 10:15 a.m. - Session 1: Digital Storytelling as Product
Hallmark is rapidly expanding into products that use digital capabilities to give consumers new ways to share ideas and feelings as well as experience our content more fully through digital storytelling. Three Hallmark creative professionals will share highlights and insights from recent initiatives. Diana Stuart, Creative Director - Hallmark Properties, will share highlights and learning from Hallmark's recent ventures into animated television entertainment. Peter Martin, Consulting Artist, will discuss the development and growth of his Asteroid Andy character and share insights about storytelling and character development through a cartoon series. Ira Baker, Multimedia Designer, will discuss evolving 25-year old cartoon favorite Maxine from 2D drawing to 3D star of her own line of animated ecards.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Session 2: Story First. Tools Last.
We are awash in powerful storytelling tools. From the smartphones in our pockets that can capture photos, audio, and video to the social channels that let us instantly disseminate that media to the world, these tools are better, faster, stronger, and cheaper than they have ever been.
But our fascination with – and sometimes, fixation on – the tools obscures the most powerful tool: story itself.
Join Ben Kaplan and Eric Ratinoff, principals of strategic and applied storytelling firm Act3, to rediscover story as a transformative technology in its own right, not only for journalists and traditional media creators, but also for corporations and non-profit organizations looking to chart a path forward.
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch
1 – 2:30 p.m. Session 3: Multimedia Storytelling @ MediaStorm
Storytelling opportunities continue to evolve as a result of technological innovations and an expanding media universe. The digital age is giving documentary photographers and photojournalists extraordinary new ways to tell stories. With this new ability, you can also exercise a greater level of authorship with your work. How can the long-form, in-depth visual storyteller satisfy both their journalistic and financial needs in this environment? Learn how to disseminate your work to create an impact on the subject, issue and hopefully society.
Join Brian Storm, founder and executive producer of MediaStorm, to see how some of the top photojournalists have redefined their storytelling capabilities to include audio reporting and an eye towards publication in multiple media. Their work is capturing acclaim around the world in a time when reader’s attention spans are running short.
2:30 -2:45 Break
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Session 4: A vision for digital storytelling 1990 - 2012, and beyond
José Azel, founder of Aurora Photos and Novus Select, depicts his quest to tell visual stories in a wired world. From 1990 through today, he will discuss his own personal evolution from newspaper photographer, to magazine photojournalist, to a pioneer in digital, visual storytelling, and what he foresees for the coming years.
3:45 – 4 p.m. Break
4 – 5 p.m. Session 5: The Writer's Craft: Storytelling, Hollywood Style
Hollywood has changed tremendously since it early days of nickelodeons and one-reel silent films. Just the last 15 years have seen the rise of digital filmmaking, newcontent delivery systems and expanded media outlets. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the essential elements of storytelling and the audience’s need to feel a connection to memorable characters. Crafting compelling stories that tap into an audience’s emotions in unexpected and poignant ways can become a ticket to success in Hollywood.
Jim McClain will share his experiences as a student filmmaker and as a successful screenwriter navigating the Hollywood waters of selling a script, studio development, production and premier. He will also offer insights into how the digital era has opened up storytelling opportunities in new and exciting ways and how those opportunities can be utilized in the future.
March 6, 2012
9 a.m. - Noon: Invitation Only Meeting
Palmer Room, 100A, Reynolds Journalism Institute - MU Campus
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.
