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So far, these columns have focused on writing linear video scripts. Today, however, corporate America produces literally hundreds of thousands of hours of interactive programming. Develop the skills needed to write for the Internet or CD-ROM and you'll find opportunity for lots of work that pays the bills while writing those spec screenplays. Also, if you master the techniques of integrating text, graphics, animation, audio and video clips within the context of a genuine interactive experience-you'll find your overall writing muscles will get a good workout.
Here are some of the topics we'll explore...
Thinking interactively: As screenwriters, we're conditioned to tell stories in a linear manner, using the three-act structure with a defined beginning, middle and end. In interactive multimedia, instead of writing for a passive viewing audience, you develop content for users to explore. You have to think in terms of random access to content. Different users take varied paths through the content, based on their interest or needs. It's just like using the Web site you're on now.
Self-Paced: In screenwriting, the writer and director determine pacing. In interactive media-the user determines the pacing. The user decides how much time to spend on a screen. You may have a range of functionality built into a page or screen-but the user may opt to explore only a given amount of the available experience.
Media rich: Today's interactive programs integrate a wide range of media: text, graphics, photographs, animation, audio and video clips. In some cases, you're writing copy the user will read on screen-taking you a step closer to writing for print. But if you're also employing animation with voice-over or video clips, you'll use the techniques of writing for the eye and ear discussed in previous columns.
Highly Collaborative: Writing a screenplay or video script involves hour upon hour working in solitary confinement. You're expressing your own personal vision in your unique, idiosyncratic voice. Yes-directors, actors and craftspeople interpret your vision, but they work directly from your blueprint. Writing for interactive media, however, is much more of a team effort. You work directly with graphic designers, software developers, producers and project managers-as well as the all-important client. As the song in Chicago goes: "I just can't do it alone."
There's lots of terrain to explore in this constantly evolving medium. Next week, we'll begin the exploring...
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