Interaction and collaboration in narrative postproduction.

Abstract

Audiovisual storytelling has changed significantly during the last decades. Narrative conventions have developed over time. New conventions are still being developed by filmmakers such as Lynch, Tarantino and many others. The transition from analog to digital technology was one of the major developments in film industry which enabled these narrative conventions to evolve. The methodology of filmmaking was defined about a century ago through the development of the so-called Hollywood studio model, which focussed on optimising the integration of production, distribution and projection in the most efficient way. One of the characteristics of the studio model was a linear and sequential postproduction process. A process in which - after the introduction of sound - sound and music postproduction was placed after visual postproduction with no actual collaboration between the disciplines involved. Digital technology has opened up the possibility for a more interactive, iterative and convergent postproduction process. This thesis maps the key issues for designing such a process by exploring the interaction and collaboration between the disciplines (directing, editing, music composition and sound design) in today’s narrative postproduction. This mapping leads to insights and recommendations for interaction and collaboration that are relevant for the disciplines involved.