Can We Afford Narrative? A Design Approach to Interactive Film

Candidate: Douglas Grant
Type: Master of Applied Science, Interactive Art (MASc-IA), School of Interactive Arts and Technology
Date: November 15, 2006
Senior Supervisor: Jim Bizzocchi, Assistant Professor
Thesis: Download Thesis Document

Abstract

The project proposes and examines an interactive narrative film design based on an original script by the author, providing a test-bed for difficult issues in these domains. It addresses the well-recognized problem of whether interactivity and narrative (especially attributes of coherence and immersion) can “play well together.” A survey of theory leads into a design-oriented solution, based on a cognitive science approach to narrative. An interactive mechanism is proposed and examined that augments narrative and filmic experience, while keeping that dynamic highly ‘user-friendly.’ This can support degrees of coherence and immersion characteristic of the range of ‘traditional’ narratives in film. The research closes with analysis, based on historical precedent, of how this prototype effort may point to future development of interactive narrative film forms. A brief overview regarding technical implementation is included.