MA dissertation : Interactive Digital Media

In this paper I explore the influence that digital technology is having on the production and distribution of documentary and journalistic material. Digital technology is rapidly democratising the process of production - essentially the same equipment and distribution methods are becoming available to large corporations, small companies and individuals. As a result, large companies are fragmenting into smaller production units, and even individuals have access to many millions of potential viewers via the web. I investigate how these new capabilities are impacting the structure of the distributed material. Content now needs to work across multiple platforms, from TVs to mobile phones. Interactive television is being experimented with. New forms of documentary may emerge that may be experienced in non-linear ways. I also look at how digital technology is able to influence the content itself. Material can be gathered under circumstances previously impossible, and in virtually unlimited quantities. In the future it will be ever more important for the journalist and documentary maker to focus on 'telling a story' effectively and not be distracted by the range of technical possibilities available. My material has been gathered from a range of sources including personal interviews with leaders in the fields of documentary and journalism.