Top names from the fields of virtual reality and technological innovation will gather in Manchester, UK next month to lay out a vision of the future of storytelling at the 2017 Children’s Global Media Summit (Dec. 5-7). This debate will be one highlight of the Summit’s unique program focused on the themes of education, empowerment, entertainment, innovation and freedom.
Participating in the “What’s the Future of Storytelling?” panel are Gerard Grech, CEO at Tech City UK; Jan Pinkava, Creative Director at Google Spotlight Stories; and Resh Sidhu, Creative Director for Virtual Reality at Framestore. The session will explore how virtual reality has changed children’s perceptions of the world. Spencer Kelly, who presents the BBC’s flagship technology show Click, is hosting.
The panelists will also discuss how innovative technology (such as AI, AR, VR and holograms) is being used to tell stories in new ways and what this means for the “Unlimited Generation” – those for whom the digital world has become an unlimited resource with unlimited possibilities.
Sidhu, self described “Queen of VR,” said: “I’m thrilled and honored to be part of the Children’s Global Media Summit. Virtual reality opens the door to a whole new level of immersion, but we must tread cautiously and we must understand this nascent medium to help it reach its full potential.”
“The way children consume stories is rapidly changing and at CGMS 2017 it will be our job to decide in what direction that change is heading,” commented Summit chair and BBC Director of Children’s, Alice Webb. “Our task as content producers, technology providers and policy makers is to do what’s right for young people and ensure they can live the best life they can – and ultimately be supported, not overwhelmed, by the digital world.”
The Children’s Global Media Summit is curated by the BBC. More information at www.cgms17.com.
