Interactive Storytelling
Telling the story
of coral reefs using
interactive film
Interactive Storytelling
Telling the story of coral reefs using interactive film
Overview
A documentary
with an interactive twist.
Strategy, Film Production, Web Design, Fundraising
Is there a future for coral reefs on our warming planet? With the film Lost Cities we set out to tell the story of coral reefs, the threats they face and the scientists working to protect them. The non-linear narrative, told by renowned coral scientist Dr. Ruth Gates, blends interactive elements with the story of an incredible creature that forms the backbone of an entire ecosystem.
Is there a future for coral reefs on our warming planet? With the film Lost Cities we set out to tell the story of coral reefs, the threats they face and the scientists working to protect them. The non-linear narrative, told by renowned coral scientist Dr. Ruth Gates, blends interactive elements with the story of an incredible creature that forms the backbone of an entire ecosystem.
Our Approach
Transforming a passive
experience into an active one.
We wanted to reach an audience that wasn’t likely to Netflix-and-chill with a nature documentary. So together with our partners, Belle & Wissell, Co., we created an alternative experience directed by the viewer, giving them control over their path through the story and the interactive elements embedded in the short films.
We wanted to reach an audience that wasn’t likely to Netflix-and-chill with a nature documentary. So together with our partners, Belle & Wissell, Co., we created an alternative experience directed by the viewer, giving them control over their path through the story and the interactive elements embedded in the short films.
Challenges
The importance
of balancing urgency
and hope.
Telling a non-linear story is no easy task. Balancing the need to relay the urgency of the situation without tipping over into hopelessness was also tricky. Together with Dr. Gates we emphasized solutions – some controversial – that she and other scientists have put forth to help ensure corals survive the warmer oceans of the future.
Telling a non-linear story is no easy task. Balancing the need to relay the urgency of the situation without tipping over into hopelessness was also tricky. Together with Dr. Gates we emphasized solutions – some controversial – that she and other scientists have put forth to help ensure corals survive the warmer oceans of the future.
Results
Several web awards, including a Webby win for Best Science Website (2020).
Official Selection at several film festivals, with a win at the International Wildlife Film Festival (2020).
Awards
Awards
Features
Explore the
cities beneath
the waves.
Start your journey by following the prompts through the curated story pathway, or opt to take your own unique path. Each short film has interactive pop-up elements; click them to access supplementary content and dig deeper into the story. Or let them pass by. The choice is yours.
Start your journey by following the prompts through the curated story pathway, or opt to take your own unique path. Each short film has interactive pop-up elements; click them to access supplementary content and dig deeper into the story. Or let them pass by. The choice is yours.
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