Abstract
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.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Narrative: A story or part of a story, and narratology is the science of stories.
Top Down Storytelling: Top down storytelling strongly relies on high technology and utilizes stories for database structuring, institutionalized knowledge transfer, or educational motives.
Plot: A narrative of events, the emphasis falling on causality. “The king died and then the queen died” is a story. “The king died and then the queen died of grief” is a plot. –E.M. Forster, Aspects of the Novel
Bottom Up Storytelling: Bottom up storytelling is based on private archives and easy to access elements of traditional or common media. Technology is used to communicate and share personal stories in communities.
Generic Story System: Generic story system build a whole new story based on interactions of the user. Such stories are called emergent narratives because they still follow certain parameters and constraints but their outcome cannot be foreseen. The user of hypertexts, role playing games, or interactive dramas becomes a coauthor in creating the story.
Generic Story System: Generic story system build a whole new story based on interactions of the user. Such stories are called emergent narratives because they still follow certain parameters and constraints but their outcome cannot be foreseen. The user of hypertexts, role playing games, or interactive dramas becomes a coauthor in creating the story.
Plot: A narrative of events, the emphasis falling on causality. “The king died and then the queen died” is a story. “The king died and then the queen died of grief” is a plot. –E.M. Forster, Aspects of the Novel
Narrative: A story or part of a story, and narratology is the science of stories.
Bottom Up Storytelling: Bottom up storytelling is based on private archives and easy to access elements of traditional or common media. Technology is used to communicate and share personal stories in communities.
Story: Any form of description–regardless of medium–of a sequence of events caused and experienced by characters. The story is what is narrated as usually a chronological sequence of themes, motives and plot lines.
Story Telling Systems: (Which includes digital storytelling) interactively narrate a predefined and preauthored story. The user is involved in the process of narration, for example in prompting events, but cannot influence the plot or change the story goal.
Story: Any form of description–regardless of medium–of a sequence of events caused and experienced by characters. The story is what is narrated as usually a chronological sequence of themes, motives and plot lines.
Top Down Storytelling: Top down storytelling strongly relies on high technology and utilizes stories for database structuring, institutionalized knowledge transfer, or educational motives.
Story Telling Systems: (Which includes digital storytelling) interactively narrate a predefined and preauthored story. The user is involved in the process of narration, for example in prompting events, but cannot influence the plot or change the story goal.