docSHIFT Crossover Weekend: A Recap

The docSHIFT Crossover Weekend took place on May 8th/9th at the Center for Social Innovation in Toronto. It was designed and lead by interactive media specialists Frank Boyd and Mark Atkin.  The workshop brought together 30+ participants (both documentary and interactive producers) to develop creative ideas collaboratively.  

After a general introduction to cross platform production and some of the most successful and “noble failures” in the transmedia space, the facilitators began a series of thought-provoking exercises. Working in groups, participants analyzed how and why we consume media over the course of a single day, a simple but effective exercise to drive home the importance of working in cross media spaces. Further discussions outlined the basics of user-centred design as well as the platforms, purposes, audiences, and business models currently at play in the media landscape.

A central focus of the weekend was understanding the audience: how do you hone a compelling project that meets the needs of a specific audience, benefits them, and competes globally? Working together throughout the two-day workshop, participants designed plans for potential and real media projects and pitched them to the room for feedback. Though time was short, the collaborations proved successful, with new ideas and partnerships emerging ready to carry forward to the Fall docSHIFT residential lab and beyond!

View photos from docSHIFT Crossover Weekend on Facebook & Flickr.

Many thanks to our facilitators, Frank Boyd and Mark Atkin of Crossover UK as well as workshop participants:

Julia Bennett,  Snug Harbour Films
Nina Beveridge, Beevision Productions
Aidan Castelli, Xenophile Media
Ian Cuming    
Gerry Flahive, NFB
Eric Geringas, Red Herring Productions
Michael Gibson, Zapdramatic
Mark Greenspan, Achilles Media/NEXT
David Hartman, Snoekmedia
Afzal Huda, RARE LENS
Jane Jankovic, TVO
Maureen Judge, Makin Movies
Lalita  Krishna, InSync Video
Patricia Lee, Corus Interactive
Annette  Mangaard, Three Blonds Inc.
Hubert  Marczuk, Method Group
Christine McGlade, TVO
Robin McKenna, zen film lab
Katie McKenna, PTV Productions
Karen O'Donnell, WordShop Productions
Anne  Pick, Real to Reel Productions
Ramona Pringle, PBS Frontline Digital Nation
Lisa  Santonato, FTP Media Inc.
Michael  Schaus, RTM Productions Inc.
Mark Thoburn    
Tony Tobias, Pangae Media Music Inc.
David Tucker, DLT Productions Ltd.
Lisa Valencia-Svensson, Storyline Entertainment
Anthony Walsh, Phantom Compass
Mark Watson, Office for Integrated Design
Naomi Wise, Satori Films
Erin Faith Young, Cache Film & Television

docSHIFT is an initiative of DOC Toronto and is made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation on behalf of the Ministry of Culture.

It is presented in partnership with Ryerson University, Hot Docs, CFC Media Lab and the National Film Board.      

docSHIFT Crossover Weekend Facilitated by