What is Top Down Storytelling

In this chapter, the concept of digital storytelling will be introduced by sketching its historical and intellectual origins from artificial intelligence to current trends. Illustrated by examples and case studies, two main approaches will be presented: a “top down” approach on stories within the context of hightech laboratories and technology, and a “bottom up” approach deriving from private publishing on the Internet such as YouTube’s video stories or the workshop-based digital filmmaking practice hosted by the BBC (UK). The analysis will focus on innovative configurations of media and on the specific implications of video stories on computer mediated communication. Here, the main emphasis will be put on presentation strategies and possible modes of user participation and interaction, with the purpose of clarifying and contributing to future modes of computer mediated storytelling.