Create AR: Apply now to join our first cohort of Storytellers in Residence
Video Lab West is in search of creative teams who want to break new ground with 3D nonfiction experiences on mobile
The delicate craftsmanship of a bodysuit and tutu created by a Tony-award winning designer was brought to life by local visual journalists at The Charlotte Observer last year, using McClatchy’s toolkit for 3D scanning to push beyond the bounds of 2D photos and video.
The 3D scans gave local viewers the ability to see an assortment of costumes from all sides and zoom in for a closer look at details and texture. But what if you could examine the dancer’s costume at human scale, right next to you? And imagine if the designer could appear in 3D video to give you insight into their creative process.
Now, McClatchy is about to take our 3D storytelling game a step — actually, 10 steps — further by bringing stories closer to viewers using mobile augmented reality. And we’re announcing a paid AR Storytellers in Residence program for early- and mid-career creators who want to explore the potential of augmented reality.
At Video Lab West, McClatchy’s destination for defining what’s next in visual storytelling, our team of creative technologists is hard at work developing best practices and toolkits (like the 3D scanning kit above — but on steroids) for capturing and delivering mobile AR experiences like these (and more!).
We are looking for teams and individuals to put these new tools and techniques to the test at our new space at the historic Sacramento Valley Station. AR Storytellers in Residence will join us for up to 6 months to create nonfiction episodic projects aimed at reaching new audiences and exploring distribution. We’ll collaborate with users to understand how they interact with AR to iterate and perfect experiences.
Why we’re exploring AR
We’re at the birth of a medium. The tech is developing quickly, and the audiences will follow. We want storytellers to be prepared to produce content and captivate users.
The New York Times rolled out its first AR feature in February, bringing 3D images of Olympic athletes into viewers’ living rooms. In a new Washington Post experience, you can race bobsledders against lugers in a table-top Olympic game.
These are compelling examples of how AR is transforming journalism. We know this is just the beginning, as new storytelling possibilities are being unlocked every day and advances in mobile technology and browser-based viewing are making immersive experiences accessible to more and more people.
Who should apply?
We understand this new medium requires a production team with a diverse skill set. So we see a place for collaborators from many professional backgrounds to join us:
- Development teams looking to go beyond the constraints of their day jobs.
- Technologists yearning to play a lead creative role.
- Immersive producers launching their careers.
- Experienced producers hungry to create nonfiction work.
- Video game designers with a passion for journalism.
- Artists who want to work on projects that go to market.
- Freelancers searching for like minded collaborators.
- Visual journalists eager to gain a new specialty and competitive edge.
- Makers looking for a new medium to explore.
We know you’re out there, and we want to work with you.
Since the success of a new project relies so much on the strength of a team, and immersive production requires a wide array of skills, we would prefer applicants apply in teams of two or three. We’re also open to bringing on a limited number of individuals; so, if you don’t have a creative partner, feel free to submit an application.
What can you expect from the program?
You and your teammate(s) bring a combination of journalism, technology and art/design skills, along with a vision for immersive nonfiction storytelling and a passion for learning new things. We’ll provide tech training, access to resources and tech and journalism thought leaders, and the opportunity to produce a body of work. You’ll work with others in the cohort to share learnings and support one another in exploring this new medium.
The paid AR Storytellers in Residence program will kick off after Memorial Day with a boot camp covering design thinking, journalistic standards, the tech stack, business models, immersive audiences and distribution. In the weeks that follow, your team will prototype your project, gather user feedback, launch a series distributed to audiences and test strategies for monetization.
If our program sounds like a good fit for you, apply here: AR Storytellers in Residence
Priority deadline is April 1: Submit your application now for immediate consideration.
We’re also interested in hearing from start-ups looking for collaboration and investment opportunities. If this sounds like you, fill out this form, and we will be in touch: Start-Up Inquiry Form
Questions? Email us at videolabwest@mcclatchy.com. We won’t be able to answer every email, but we will follow up with an FAQ post.
