In July 2020, a multidisciplinary group of graduate students, faculty, staff, and guest mentors investigated how shared virtual environments can support “next generation narrative.”
As with the previous two editions of FSSI, the 2020 Institute focused on creating a resonant storytelling experience centered on social impact themes—inspiring students to illuminate the human condition, inspire social change, and make a difference in the world—using emerging technologies: augmented reality in 2018, artificial intelligence in 2019, and multi-player game engines and networked video for virtual production in 2020.
FSSI 2020 was the first to be conducted remotely, as it explored storytelling approaches unique to a time of physical distancing. While receiving instruction in cutting-edge technology, guidance from faculty and guest artists, and technical support from REMAP researchers, students across all TFT disciplines collaboratively created a shared virtual story environment, including live action performance experienced through an “app.”
The work was inspired by The Invention of Morel (1940) by Argentine author Adolfo Bioy Casares, who was awarded the Miguel de Cervantes Prize in 1991. His novel explores themes of isolation, illusory (or mediated) connection, the nature of reality, and questions of history and immortality.
Funding for the 2020 UCLA TFT Future Storytelling Summer Institute was made possible through a generous grant from the Skoll Center for Social Impact Entertainment at UCLA TFT.
(Credits below.)
Click image for a larger view:
Faculty Mentors
Jeff Burke (lead)
Gina Kim
Veronica Paredes
Fabian Wagmister
Participants
Ruby Arreguin
Brianna Barrett
Sarah Boneysteele
Daniel Calderon
Molly Corkins
Zama Dube
Claire Edmonds
Oyemen Ehikhamhen
Junyi “Jackie” Fang
Peter Gusev (Research Staff)
Connor Huchton
Rey Jarrell (Research Staff)
Matthew Johnson
Darica Louie
Kristy Maanavi
Renee MacDonald (Research Staff)
Patrice Pinardo
Kyle Reidy
Andrew Setiawan
Kang Sheng
Cassandra Staples
Blair Subbaraman (Research Staff)
Xiaowen Sun
Ziqi Wang
Mira Winick (Research Staff)
Jean Carlo Yunén
Jen Zhao
Recap Video
Mira Winick (Edit)
Margaret Koldinger (Sound)