Go West: Why we’re launching a storytelling incubator (and what that means, anyway)
Andrew Pergam, VP, Video and New Ventures, Meghan Sims, Director of Strategic Video Initiatives
What if you could develop content for immersive storytelling — in virtual reality or augmented reality — surrounded with like-minded producers?
What if technology partners worked with you directly to understand new platforms before they’re released, in a way that benefited everyone?
What if you were challenged to think even more broadly about the future forms video takes, with speakers, demos and events — and could then help the industry craft the model that pays for it?
And what if you had a more open studio environment, with easy access to the San Francisco Bay area, to pockets of innovation in Northern California, and could be in L.A. on a quick flight?
That’s the idea behind Video Lab West — a content incubator for immersive storytelling — that we’ve announced today.
We know there’s one constant in the future of video: People will always crave high-quality storytelling. Along with that comes a mandate to tailor stories to ever-evolving platforms and an opportunity to better manage the distribution of that content.
So as we build upon our success with The Video Lab, our core operation based in D.C., we’ve sought to establish an ‘open studio’ that allows us to help creators develop new brands and formats across a variety of platforms. And we decided to establish it on the West Coast, where so much industry innovation already exists.
At VLW, we’ll host several content teams at a time — employees from across our companies, temporary fellows and partners — with the intent of producing a body of work for distribution. For those that find success, the operation then works to accelerate growth over time.
This space is meant to serve as a hub for developing a video creator community locally and industry-wide. It will host screenings, workshops and social events, as well as provide co-working opportunities and be a showcase for the latest video technology.
Google and YouTube are joining as primary collaborators in the project: Teams from Video Lab West will work with members of the Google News Lab and YouTube to advance innovation in VR and AR production, test new equipment, launch special projects and host speakers and trainings in the space.
In Sacramento, we’ve found a terrific host: Not only has it been McClatchy’s home for 160 years (and we’re glad to deepen our investment here), but there’s also a thriving entrepreneurial and creative community and an innovation economy we’re eager to tap into.
The proximity and connection to the Bay Area is another great advantage, as is the short drive to work being done in pockets of Northern California. The relative ease of access to Southern California, which has become a nexus for virtual reality production and development, is another asset to VLW’s location.
With the progression of virtual reality, augmented reality and immersive storytelling, it’s important for companies like McClatchy to invest in understanding the technology and leading the way. It is one of the most critical components of any modern media company — and it’s important that we develop it collaboratively.
