Interactive documentaries and the connected viewer experience: Conversations with Katerina Cizek, Brett Gaylor, Jeff Soyk, and Florian Thalhofer

Authors

  • Giuliana Cucinelli Concordia University (Montreal)
  • Émilie René-Véronneau Concordia University (Montreal)
  • Belinda Oldford

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v22i5.6182

Keywords:

Connected viewer experience, interactive documentary, web-based interaction, audience engagement, digital storytelling, Web documentary, Internet distribution, Media funding models, web-based participatory experiences

Abstract

In recent years, technological advances have allowed the Internet to radically affect media creation and viewers’ media consumption habits. In order to assess the current and future state of the interactive documentary genre and the connected viewer experience, we interviewed four influential creators in the field: Katerina Cizek, Brett Gaylor, Jeff Soyk and Florian Thalhofer. The questions that they answer further our understanding of the possibilities and limits offered by the interactive documentary format; of the impact of the medium on the connected viewer experience and its effect on the relationship between viewers, media content and access. The interviews also provide insight to their backgrounds as creators. We conclude with an assessment of the industrial landscape of the field and how it may favor a certain category of consumers.

Author Biographies

Giuliana Cucinelli, Concordia University (Montreal)

Assistant Professor in the Educational Technology Program in the Department of Education at Concordia University

Émilie René-Véronneau, Concordia University (Montreal)

M.A. student in the Educational Technology Program in the Department of Education at Concordia University

Belinda Oldford

Animation filmmaker and an M.A. graduate in media studies of the Department of Communication Studies at Concordia University

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Published

2018-04-30

How to Cite

Cucinelli, G., René-Véronneau, Émilie, & Oldford, B. (2018). Interactive documentaries and the connected viewer experience: Conversations with Katerina Cizek, Brett Gaylor, Jeff Soyk, and Florian Thalhofer. First Monday, 23(5). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v22i5.6182

Issue

Section

Interviews