Margaret Kerrison, author of Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds, discusses engaging audiences in co-creating narratives, balancing screen time for human connection, and the power of immersive storytelling in museums. She also explores the Sleep No More experience and site-specific customization in locations like Avengers Campus.
Immersive storytelling enhances audience engagement through sensory experiences and active participation in crafted worlds.
Collaborative storytelling emphasizes diverse perspectives and unique contributions to create immersive experiences that resonate with audiences.
Deep dives
Elements of Immersive Storytelling
Immersive storytelling involves using multiple senses to transport individuals into a story environment, suspending their disbelief and making them believe they are truly present in a new world. This form of storytelling allows audience members agency by giving them a level of participation in the story, from passive observation to active engagement. The social aspect of immersive storytelling emphasizes connections between participants, either with other visitors, characters, or strangers, enhancing the sense of belonging and interaction within the created world.
Creating Fantastical Worlds
Crafting fantasy worlds involves understanding the rules and parameters of that world and leveraging unique perspectives and experiences to shape a narrative. Immersive storytellers utilize various tools and mediums to expand audience imagination, encouraging them to engage with different elements of the story. Collaborative brainstorming sessions and team contributions play a crucial role in infusing diverse perspectives and co-creating immersive experiences that resonate with audiences.
Transformation through Storytelling
Effective immersive storytelling aims to transform audiences by presenting stories that lead to personal growth and reflection. By offering personal perspectives and unique viewpoints, storytellers tap into universal human emotions and experiences. Through specific and authentic storytelling, individuals can connect with shared feelings and themes, prompting introspection and understanding of diverse perspectives.
The Significance of Diverse Voices
Diverse voices in storytelling play a vital role in representing varied experiences and viewpoints authentically. By sharing personal stories and perspectives, storytellers can create universal narratives that resonate with a broad audience. Emphasizing individual perspectives and unique voices adds depth and authenticity to storytelling, ensuring a more inclusive and enriched narrative landscape.
The author of Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds: A Writer’s Guide. Margaret was born in Indonesia and raised in Singapore and received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting from USC School of Cinematic Arts. Her career spans television, film, digital media, games, brand storytelling, location-based entertainment and immersive experiences. Margaret has served as a story lead, story consultant and writer for multiple projects around the world, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Star Wars: Launch Bay, Hyperspace Mountain, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Avengers Campus, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, National Geographic HQ, NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, Heineken Experience, Story Garden by AMOREPACIFIC and the Information and Communications Pavilion ( Expo 2010 Shanghai). She was a Disney Imagineer from 2014-2021 and is currently a senior experiential creative lead at Airbnb.
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