LISTEN AS YOUR STORY TALKS TO THE INTERNET
By Lance Weiler
Without a doubt, this is an amazing time to be a storyteller. We have moved beyond the simple democratization of storytelling and production tools. Funding, marketing and distribution solutions are commoditized, providing filmmakers numerous opportunities to bring their work to an audience. And now a new phase is arriving, one that merges technology with the creative process. Filmmakers will soon be able to take advantage of a world of connected objects in what has been termed the “Internet of things.” And in this environment, as always, there will be a need for good storytelling to provide a level of understanding, entertainment and social value.
Prior to sitting down to write this column, I made a $165 contribution to a Kickstarter campaign to preorder a tiny sensor called Twine. I’ve contributed to many Kickstarter and IndieGoGo projects over the last few years, but none have captured my imagination like Twine. I’m not alone in my fascination; initially, the company was trying to raise $35,000 but in the end pulled in almost $400,000. The reason is simple: Twine is realizing the promise of the “Internet of things.” It is part of a recent wave of DIY technology solutions that take advantage of inexpensive sensors, faster processing speeds and connectivity to meld the physical world with the Internet. Started by two MIT lab graduates, Twine is a way for you to “listen to your world, talk to the Internet.” Physical actions can trigger a variety of events online and vice versa. Twine is a motion sensor that is controllable with a simple Web interface.
Example: You place a motion sensor on your front door. When someone knocks, the action triggers snapping a photograph, which is then tagged with “someone at front door” and automatically sent out via a Tweet or Facebook post.
You might be wondering what that has to do with storytelling. Well, the “Internet of things” points to a path for connected interactions. Within a few years, most things — from cars to appliances to toys — will be able to wirelessly interface with the Internet. Think of them as objects … Read the rest
Category Columns, Issues, News | Tags: 2012 WINTER, Bear 71, DIY technology, Internet of things, Jeremy Mendes, Leanne Allison, Mark Harris, NFC, Twine,
