This is the era where multiplatform narratives flourish and experiments with stories across genres are encouraged. The VAC will be unique in fostering 'syncretism' and 'transdisciplinarity' in tune with practices of 'convergence culture' and new media art.
Narratives thrive in this postmodern world and their significance is being underscored to an advantage in various fields. From creative productions in textual, film or digital modes to sales and management strategies, narratives have become the linchpin of much professional endeavour. Even in the field of science and technology there has been a decisive and palpable reorientation favouring narratives to embed hardcore science facts and processes to make them accessible, digestible and comprehensible. Science is becoming popular outside textbooks in form of documentary writing and futuristic stories practised by Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawkins, Richard Dawkins, and Michio Kaku. Stories are flourishing across media. For instance, there could be a novel, a play, a poem and a biopic /film all originating in the same story/narrative.
The concepts of semiotics and narratology involved hold special significance for students of literature but the use of varied media for showcasing stories/events render the field interesting to learners in a wider field without discrete borders.
We seek to learn how content may be managed in media as diverse as blogs, films, graphic novel and radio /television broadcasting. Finally, there could be a discovery that we are ultimately just reworking oral narratives and re-inventing Grandma's tale. Through the creative voyage, our learners may perhaps find out their own potential for innovation and revitalize one long-forgotten story.
Manual:
- Screening of select/iconic movies and interaction and guided review writing.
- Display and discussion of avant-garde work of visual arts
- Creative writing exercises
- Embedded Visual Arts workshop/ Animation lessons
- On-screen Group Discussions on Literary and Critical Terms:
- Discussion of projects/ Hands-on where art is used for public campaigns and behavioural change
- Exercises in radio script/ screenplay writing
- Storyboarding
- Fundamentals of Comic art
- Graphic novel writing
In future, the rubric can be expanded to incorporate Alternate Reality Games, AI and Telematic Art where subjects and objects may interact. Experts who could guide ventures into these areas will be welcomed.
More than 1400 responses were received as feedback. Twenty nine responses to contest in ‘Transmedia Storytelling’ were received and numerous students participated in critical film review contest.