Applying Non-linear Storytelling Forms to Multimedia Documentaries

This applied project investigates new interactive visual storytelling techniques by documenting the motion-e project at Arizona State University. During the two-year project, well-known choreographers, composers, and visual artists worked closely with faculty, staff, and students from ASU’s Arts, Media and Engineering program. This applied project focuses on the media related to the piece choreographed by Bill T. Jones. The motion-e project can be conceptualized as a network of individuals driven by the desire to create new interactive, multimodal dance forms. The motion-e experience can be understood by using an interactive framework, which will illustrate to the viewer the dynamic nature of interaction among the participants. This applied project will investigate new documentary techniques where interactivity plays a key role. This process includes the capture and annotation of media related to the Bill T. Jones’ dance piece, such as images, videos, sounds, and text. The project will investigate the following issues related to the interactive documentary: (a) basic interaction concepts, (b) visual composition techniques, (c) syntax, (d) multiple storylines, and (e) entering the frame.