FAQ: AR Storytellers in Residence program
You asked, we answered!
We’ve heard from lots of curious creators in response to our AR Storytellers in residence program. Thanks for reaching out! Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions, as well as some things you might be wondering but didn’t have a chance to ask.
Has McClatchy ever produced immersive media before?
Yes, indeed. In fact, we’ve won awards (including the 2017 Digiday Publishing Award for Best Use of AR/VR) for a 360 branded content experience we created for Save Mart Supermarkets in Northern California. The experience puts viewers in the driver’s seat for a race around the winding track at Sonoma Raceway in a gigantic motorized shopping cart called Big Red (which actually exists). McClatchy newsrooms across the country have produced numerous 360 videos. Highlights were featured in ONA’s immersive film fest last year.
Why AR and not VR or 360 video?
We are excited by the opportunity to break new ground in AR and the potential to reach the roughly 500 million viewers with AR-capable mobile devices. This cohort is laser-focused on mobile AR, but McClatchy is continuing to produce 360 video and to build capabilities to create VR, too. We’re currently in post-production on our first stereoscopic 360 experience. Stay tuned!
Is this a full-time job, and would Storytellers in Residence need to work in the Sacramento lab every day?
Storytellers in Residence will be full-time, temporary employees. Our new and multi-functional office in Sacramento Valley Station is where creators will work in a collaborative environment with access to 650 square feet of studio production space, just a train ride away from Silicon Valley. You’d be expected to work in the lab unless you’re traveling for your project.
Can a person have an existing employment agreement while participating in the Storytellers in Residence program?
As employees of McClatchy, Storytellers in Residence must follow our code of conduct, which means that your side hustle that’s similar in nature to your work at Video Lab West may be off-limits. We would discuss on a case-by-case basis.
I’ve never been to Sacramento. Is it a cool place?
As they say in Northern California, it’s hella cool (or hecka cool, if you want to keep it PG). We love the city’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s where McClatchy’s been for more than 160 years — and it’s a great place to start new initiatives in journalism, tech and business. If you don’t believe us, read The Washington Post or just ask Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig.
Who is on your team?
Why, thanks for asking! Learn more about our team in this Medium post.
We’re also hiring a 3D artist and a full stack developer.
What types of equipment would I have access to during the residency?
To produce nonfiction AR for mobile, we’ll have a selection of 3D production tools for capturing 3D objects and scenery. A volumetric video kit will allow you to capture real video of real people. This is just the start, and we’re looking for Storytellers in Residence to bring talents and interests that help expand our capabilities.
Are team applications strongly preferred?
We do prefer teams, but we’re open to individuals who have the rare mix of tech and creative skills to execute immersive storytelling.
What do you mean by ‘nonfiction’?
McClatchy has a history of telling great stories in service of communities around America. Our Storytellers in Residence may explore other types of nonfiction content as well, including explanatory, instructional, historical and more.
Will Storytellers in Residence work with McClatchy news organizations like The Sacramento Bee or Miami Herald?
McClatchy journalists will visit the lab to share their knowledge and expertise, but the work produced by our Storytellers in Residence will not be designed to appear in our news organizations’ apps.
What kind of longer-term work would you be looking for post-program?
If, at the end of the year, we decide to scale an AR project or integrate an AR feature into our existing products, that may require hiring a permanent team.
When does the application officially close?
April 1 is the priority deadline, meaning you have the best chance at being considered if you apply on or before April 1. The application won’t close right away, but we will begin reviewing applications on Monday, April 2.
Didn’t see your question answered here? Email us at videolabwest@mcclatchy.com.
