In my world of curating information in the realm of applied storytelling, the term “digital storytelling” has truly exploded in the last year. It has been big for a few years now and is only getting bigger. I’d estimate that at least a third of storytelling tweets I follow relate to digital storytelling.
Last year, Douglas Galbi claimed that “online video isn’t succeeding in telling stories,” to which “Dr. Strangelove” retorted that Galbi’s claim may depend on how “story” is defined. Certainly, viewers are watching YouTube videos in huge numbers.
Not only has video vastly expanded the story universe through the sheer numbers of (arguably storied) videos out there, but, says Carolyn Handler Miller::
While traditional stories are told via a single medium — the spoken word, the printed page, or the cinema screen, for example — digital storytelling encourages the use of a number of different media, all tied together to serve the core story. In these new stories, the plot is advanced by everything from content on websites and DVDs to highway billboards to magazine ads to cell phone messages. They may incorporate mainstream media as well — including feature films and TV series. This method of tying many media together to tell a single story gives the writer a potentially enormous and versatile canvas to work on.
From the standpoint of the creator, though, “video storytelling is a whole different game.” So writes Steve Krizman in his Tropes blog. He lists three ways that video storytelling is different from other forms. The first two can be judged through the eyes (and ears) of the beholder, while the third is from the maker’s perspective:
- Video is not as forgiving as written storytelling. If you don’t get the beginning, middle and end captured in video, your story will stink. You either have to stage a reenactment, or you resort to a silly text card.
- Sound is the most important part of video. I’ve had decent visual, but lousy sound. Nothing you can do with that. Conversely, with good sound you can get by in editing.
- On the scene, you have to work harder on a video story than on a written story. You snooze, you lose the one piece of action that would make the whole story.
Here is a diverse group of video stories that I’ve seen cited by bloggers and others somewhat recently. How do they stack up according to Krizman’s criteria? Do they have beginnings, middles, and ends? How’s the sound? Do they work as storytelling?
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- Renee Hall’s “A Day to Remember,” about President Obama’s inauguration.
- More of a slideshow than video, “Homeless Connection” tells of a couple that buys hygiene supplies, bottled water, and backpacks in order to put together Roadside Care Packages for the homeless of Austin, TX.
- A technological marvel, “The Creative Bushido” uses the metaphor of Japan’s Age of Warring States and presents it “as entertainment in the style of a traditional picture scroll. Seemingly at the mercy of the powerful current and waves of these times, we the creators of YOMIKO Advertising freely exchange our views and enter into the fray of the battle for new business with enthusiasm in this epic tale. And no matter what the next age may bring, we are prepared to meet the new era of advertising, armed with the peerless weapon of ideas polished to brilliant perfection.”
- “The Heart Knows,” asks the question: “How does a shy M.D. win the heart of a gorgeous pharmaceutical rep?” The video stars Anuja and Nirav in “an original Bollywood-inspired short … produced for their 6.6.09 wedding. The couples’ surprise big-screen debut premiered on two massive screens just before their grand entrance to hundreds of unsuspecting family and friends.” Pacific Pictures made the film.
- The most affecting story in the group, in my opinion is “Choosing
Thomas,” about a couple that chooses to see through the wife’s pregnancy and birth even knowing that their baby will die shortly after birth because of a genetic disorder.
Want to see more storytelling videos? Eric Johnson at the Case Foundation lists storytelling videos in which nonprofits present their missions — what they do, how effective it is — and how supporters can help.