How Silly Fan Art On the 'Doctor Who' Tumblr Is Reinventing the Theatrical Experience
I recently wrote about new technologies that might be reinventing the form of cinema. However, all these groovy tools focused on one aspect of media: how the individual receives content into their brain (like, in the future, directly.) What about the missing element of cinema that many No Film Schoolers have cited as the best part of the fading theatrical experience: being part of an audience? Two nerds of the highest caliber, Kevin Slavin of the MIT Media Lab, and Kenyatta Cheese of Know Your Meme, have an interesting viewpoint on how looking up hashtags about the Doctor’s TARDIS may actually point you to the real cutting edge technologies of storytelling. (I knew it!)
In this video from the people behind Future of StoryTelling, whose second annual summit of technology and media heavyweights was held last week, Slavin and Kenyatta explain a brief history of the audience in the wake of television, and how a show that spawns 21 million individual posts every month are making use of the today's audience incarnate:
The Future of StoryTelling piece points out the basic shift in the experience of the audience in the last fifty+ years:
When TV was invented, the way that humans are entertained was changed forever. Unlike theater or a concert, where the audience collectively watches something, TV provided isolated entertainment—entertainment that was, in some ways, devoid of an audience. Starting with the laugh track, which created the illusion of an audience, people have tried to connect with each other, to create an audience, ever since.
Sure, Cinema is a mere century old, and TV even less so, but storytelling, the basic force behind cinema, has been around in every documented culture of humans ever to roam the earth. (Javanese shadow puppetry has existed since the 900s CE, and does it really get any better than that?) And in each documented culture, there was the presence of average people comprising the audience.
Slavin suggests that today's audience hasn't disappeared since we started consuming media alone, but is appearing in new ways, as with the Doctor Who Tumblr, that assembles fan art, GIFs, and near-live riffs (that are possible in between the downtime from the UK to the USA premieres of the show) to create that familiar audience feeling:
Whether that means going to the bar to watch TV together, whether that means going to the stadium to watch something together, whether that means going on Tumblr to watch Doctor Who together, we will find out ways to do that. The idea that everybody in the audience is themselves aware of the audience -- this is the most profound shift in all of the technologies that are changing entertainment.
What do you think -- is sharing your experiences online with others a meaningful part of a TV show for you? Are GIFs, memes, trending topics on Twitter, and other cultivated creativity from those of us spending way to much time on the internet becoming the profound experience of the audience?
Share your thoughts below.
Link: The Audience Has An Audience -- Future of StoryTelling
10 Storytelling and Directing Tips Inspired by Akira Kurosawa
Learn from one of the greatest directors of all time.
In the pantheon of cinematic greats, Akira Kurosawa stands as a towering figure, a master storyteller whose influence transcends time and borders. His works, characterized by their epic narratives, exquisite visuals, and emotional depth, continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
Kurosawa's unique approach to directing and storytelling has become a subject of study and admiration. As we explore the wisdom distilled from his illustrious career, we find timeless lessons that go beyond the confines of genre and culture. These principles serve not only as a blueprint for aspiring directors but also as a testament to Kurosawa's enduring legacy in the art of filmmaking.
The Humanistic Cinema of Akira Kurosawawww.youtube.com
1. Trust Your Gut
'Rashomon'
Credit: Everett Collection
Kurosawa emphasized the importance of a director's intuition. This suggests that when faced with creative decisions, it’s often valuable to listen to your gut feeling. This could mean choosing an unconventional shot or narrative direction that feels right, even if it challenges traditional methods or the opinions of collaborators.
2. Study The Masters
Akira Kurosawa working with a cinema camera on the set of
Credit: BFI
By examining the works of great directors, one can learn various aspects of filmmaking, such as shot composition, pacing, and storytelling.
Kurosawa himself was influenced by filmmakers like John Ford and Jean Renoir and believed in the value of understanding their techniques to refine his own work.
3. Collaborate With Your Actors
Credit: BFI
Actors bring characters to life, and Kurosawa believed in giving them space for interpretation. This includes working closely with them, understanding their perspective, and allowing them to bring their own creativity to their roles, which can result in more authentic and compelling performances.
4. Planning is Paramount
Akira Kurosawa's manual splicing
Credit:
Detailed planning and storyboarding were key to Kurosawa’s approach. He would often sketch out every shot before filming.
This level of preparation ensures that every visual element serves the story and can help in executing complex scenes more efficiently.
5. It's all in the Details
Akira Kurosawa on the set of ‘Yojimbo’
Credit: Film Magazine
In Kurosawa’s view, the minutiae of a film—such as the costumes, set design, and props—were crucial in creating a believable world.
Attention to these details helps to immerse the audience and can subtly enhance the storytelling.
6. It's Okay to be Silent
'Throne of Blood'
Credit: Toho
Silence can be as powerful as dialogue or music. Kurosawa harnessed silence to build suspense and convey emotion, using it to draw the audience in and focus their attention on the visual storytelling.
7. Learn From Mistakes
'High and Low'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa was not afraid to recognize his own mistakes and saw them as learning opportunities. This principle encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience in the creative process.
8. Keep a Handle on Emerging Technology
'The Hidden Fortress'
Credit: Toho
Always curious about the latest developments, Kurosawa integrated new technologies into his filmmaking. This openness to innovation can lead to new ways of storytelling and can give a unique aesthetic to films.
9. Maintain Your Vision
'Dreams'
Credit: Warner Bros.
A director must have a clear vision for the film and remain true to it throughout the process. This can sometimes mean resisting studio pressure or popular trends to create a work that is authentic and personal.
10. Let Passion Guide You
'Seven Samurai'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa’s passion for filmmaking was evident in his dedication to his craft. This principle suggests that great art comes from a place of deep commitment and enthusiasm, and that passion is infectious, often inspiring the entire cast and crew to strive for excellence.
In honoring Kuroswas's legacy, we continue the quest for storytelling that resonates, transforms, and endures. For filmmakers and storytellers looking to craft their own masterpieces, let Kurosawa's spirit guide your cinematic adventures.
May your films be as bold, as beautiful, and as profoundly human as the ones he left us.
Now go make something.