Experiential design, the art of creating immersive and engaging environments is at the forefront of innovation as we step into the year 2024. In this dynamic and ever-evolving field, designers are pushing boundaries, utilising new technology and harnessing the extraordinary power of creativity to craft memorable experiences that wow audiences across various industries.

We put our heads together here at Imagineerium HQ to anticipate the experiential trends that we think will shape the experiential landscape in 2024…

Immersive Technologies

As technology continues to advance, immersive experiences are reaching new heights. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have become integral components of experiential design, transporting users to fantastical realms or enhancing their real-world surroundings. In 2024, we think there will be even more seamless integration of these technologies into physical spaces, without the need for bulky headsets and tether restrictions. Instead, spaces will be ‘hands free’  offering unparalleled levels of interaction and engagement.

Apple’s latest innovation, the Apple Vision Pro, is a great example of this. It seamlessly blends digital content within your physical space, and users only need to use their eyes, hands, and voice to activate different settings. This advancement not only enhances user experience but also opens up a myriad of possibilities across various industries, from entertainment and gaming to education, healthcare, and beyond.

Hyper- Personalisation

Experiential design is getting even more personalised catering to individual preferences for a tailored visitor experience. As data and facial recognition tech progresses, we expect experiences that can adapt and respond to each person’s unique needs and behaviours. Think of it as experiences that pick up on visitor reactions and give them personalised greetings.

Sustainability at its Core

Sustainability has consistently held a prime position in our approach to crafting experiential experiences. Our commitment extends from the utilisation of eco-friendly materials to the integration of energy-efficient technologies, reflecting our continuous efforts to enhance sustainability wherever possible. We anticipate the pledge to sustainable consciousness within event and experiential design will continue in 2024 and beyond.

Interactivity Redefines Engagement

The line between observer and participant continues to blur as experiences become more interactive with elements such as touch-sensitive surfaces, gesture controls, and motion controls. We think these will continue to evolve in 2024 helping to foster a deeper sense of participation, turning audiences into co-creators of the experiences.

Immersive Storytelling

In our perspective, the narrative shared with the audience forms the essence of any experience. Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate a pronounced shift where storytelling becomes the focal point within the experiential design landscape. This shift is not just about recounting stories but actively crafting compelling narratives that foster deeper engagement with audiences. The emphasis lies in creating experiences that resonate, where the narrative is not just told but woven into the fabric of design, driving a more profound and lasting connection with the audience.

Authenticity

We are in the digital age, where everything is online and information is accessible at the touch of a button. The majority of people own a smartphone or tablet and our appetite for social connection has grown exponentially. However, the authenticity of the connections people are having online often seem questionable.

Due to this, people are wanting real world connections, and want to be part of an experience that leaves a lasting impression. This year, we anticipate a shift in focus towards authentic experiences, something that individuals can truly feel a part of, rather than simply consuming passively through a screen.

This could be done through interactive elements such as voice activations, 5D (meaning the experience is guided by all of your senses, touch, smell, sight and sound) or physical engagement. As technology continues to evolve, we envision a blend of digital and physical interactions that enhance the overall experience, providing opportunities for deeper connections and meaningful engagement.

This year is looking to be an exciting year where we’ll see new technologies being maximised in the experiential sector- watch this space!

In the ever-evolving landscape of experiential design, pop-up experiences have emerged as powerful tools for creating memorable and immersive encounters. From museums and art exhibits to retail spaces and theme parks, the versatility of pop-ups has captured the attention of various industries, making them a go-to strategy for launching new products, fostering collaborations, and fostering authentic human connection.

The Rise of Pop-Up Experiences

The roots of pop-up experiences trace back to the attractions industry, where temporary installations and seasonal offerings became integral to engaging audiences. Today, pop-ups have transcended their initial retail-focused reputation and expanded into a diverse array of sectors, including music, film, and start-ups. Their ability to offer a unique, time-limited experience has positioned them as a dynamic medium for creating a buzz and making a lasting impact.

The UK has witnessed a pop-up revolution, with the industry now valued at over £2.3 billion. What was once considered a fleeting trend has grown into a formidable business strategy. Beyond its initial association with retail, the pop-up has become a strategic powerhouse for those seeking to launch products, form collaborations, and strategically curate brand narratives for specific purposes.

In this guide, Natasha Mortimer, Managing Creative Director of Imagineerium, shares her insights on perfecting the art of the immersive pop-up experience. Natasha’s extensive experience in the field makes her a valuable source of knowledge for experiential designers looking to navigate the complexities of crafting impactful and memorable immersive pop-ups.

Crafting the Guest Experience

Determining the guest experience is the most important aspect of planning an immersive pop-up as it will impact what elements you bring into the experience. This can include things like, how much participation you’ll need from visitors, whether the pop up is something they can walk within or admire from afar, or whether the experience includes many interactive elements that helps the narrative to unfold.

The guest experience should always start with the very beginning, think pre-event. This could start with an email campaign, personalised invite or social media campaign. You then need to think how you want your guests to feel when they first arrive. This is when your visitor will first come across (or stumble upon in some cases) the experience. What is going to catch their attention and make an impact straight away? The second part is how does the visitor then interact or react with the pop up – do they have to follow a certain path, are there puzzles or questions they need to answer before moving into the next part? All of these questions help to establish the fundamental journey each visitor will go on. Lastly, how does the visitor leave the pop-up, what is going to make them remember the experience, and want to either do it again or tell their friends and family.

We designed ‘Money Heist: The Experience’ which took inspiration from the global hit Netflix show. We wanted to create a temporary experience that would have a big impact, therefore, building the concept around a strong guest journey was key.

Participants weren’t just visitors, they became active contributors to the unfolding narrative. Visitors were ‘taken hostage’ and given tasks to complete to help them escape with all the gold. This narrative was guided through immersive theatre and live gaming techniques, where live actors were used to interact with visitors throughout the experience. There were four different escape rooms, one in a security office, in a workshop, in an antiques office and one in an art repair lab. Visitors were split up into smaller groups so that they only completed one escape room each. There were hidden clues, and items each team had to find to move onto the next part of the experience. In another room players needed to hide from a security guard whilst trying to find dynamite.

We went to great lengths to craft an immersive journey that mirrored the suspense and intrigue of the iconic series. Every detail, every nook and cranny, was designed to create an atmosphere of mystery and excitement. One of our key design principles was to ensure that the exit into the next space was not immediately obvious. We wanted to ensure the transitions to and from spaces were either smooth or harsh depending on how we wanted the audience to feel. We made sure each room had its own unique aesthetic to make the audience feel as though they had made their way through various chapters in the narrative.

To achieve this, we took into account the different room sizes and used a combination of lighting settings, decor and textures. Throughout the experience, we kept visitors on their toes, mirroring the suspense that is portrayed in the show. Some spaces featured multiple doors, leading to a sense of uncertainty and decision-making reminiscent of the heist scenarios. Others were secret doors that were cleverly concealed, resembling hidden bookcases or seamlessly integrated into the walls, offering an element of surprise.

Aligning Business & Creative Goals

A successful pop-up is more than just eye-catching aesthetics, it’s a strategic fusion of creativity and interaction. Each pop-up needs to reflect the brand’s essence while resonating with the intended audience.

The seamless integration of creative elements with strategic business goals is what sets exceptional ventures apart. A pop-up that succeeds not only captures attention but also strategically aligns itself with the overarching goals of the brand.

We designed and installed the ‘Sun Bar’ at Red Bull HQ in Covent Garden. This rooftop bar was a true reflection of the brand’s spirit, cool, fresh, modern and forward thinking.

The ‘Sun Bar’ encompassed the playful energy associated with the brand and was built to serve as a workspace, host VIP events and somewhere staff members could go for drinks after work hours.

For the design, we took full advantage of the generous 270 degree panoramic view of London’s skyline, and accentuated it through our choice of design. Throughout the build we stuck to Red Bull brand colours, using bold blue and yellow accents, and teamed this colourway with sleek furniture and lots of luscious indoor plants which gave the whole space a modern and fresh feel.

We also brought in elements of the Red Bull logo in the form of a sun around the main bar. Its bright yellow semi circular shape, copper arcs and feature halo ring light make it the focal point of the room.

Red Bull were very clear in their brief that they wanted to ensure their brand aesthetic really shone through so that it would feel like an extension of the office, but with a more premium feel. Getting to know the brand well and understanding their needs, really helped us ensure we stuck to the brief and brought their vision to life.

Strategic Location

At the heart of a pop-up lies its ability to attract and engage a target audience. Selecting a location with high foot traffic is a strategic move that ensures a broader reach and heightened visibility. Whether nestled in a bustling city centre or at a popular event venue, being in the path of potential visitors increases the chances of spontaneous engagement and discovery.

Understanding the environment you are working with and adapting it to fit the message is vital. It’s important to read the space you’re going to use and see how you can use it to your advantage, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, an enclosed space or somewhere with square footage. The size, shape, location of your space will all have an impact on the experience you are trying to create.

A good example of this is the pop-up ‘mini city’ we created for El Dorado festival inspired by the art-deco style of Miami Vice. The experience included 8 building facades (6 venues, a bar, toilets and an arena stage) The venues included: Motel Dorado (arena stage), Blue Tit Salon, Good Life Hotel, The Diner, The Boudoir and the LGBTQIA+ venue, Sue Veneers.

The ‘mini city’ was in the heart of El Dorado leading on from the main food court which was hard to miss, giving festival goers a chance to explore the space.

We built each of the venues meticulously so that each would fit into a coherent landscape, designed not just as standalone structures but as interconnected elements within a larger immersive environment. Each of the street facades were built situated back and forth from the main street, this helped to create the illusion of a real street of buildings.

Each building was carefully crafted to encourage festival-goers to step up and wander in and around each structure, unlocking layers of experiences within the small city we had created. Palm trees lined the centre pathways, with each angle and viewpoint meticulously designed so that the experience continued, never breaking the illusion to ensure full escapism.

The ‘mini city’ served as a bridge, seamlessly connecting the pop-up venues with the main festival site. This architectural set-up wasn’t just a collection of structures, but a dynamic space that facilitated a seamless visitor journey for attendees, enhancing the overall festival experience.

We designed both entrances to the street so that they were visually appealing, grabbing the attention of festival goers as they passed by. To achieve this we used bright pastel colours and neon lights and had performers on various platforms and balconies.

The pathways and interconnected spaces within ‘Vice City’’ were purposefully designed to guide visitors through a curated journey, fostering a sense of exploration.

Interactivity

Interactivity is a key element in creating successful pop-up experiences as it enhances user engagement by providing a more dynamic and participatory experience.

Interactivity can be created through integrating VR/AR, gamification, touch screens and 5D experiences. Whether solving puzzles, making choices, or experiencing multisensory stimuli, interactivity transforms the pop-up into a communal adventure where every participant becomes an integral part of the unfolding tale. This engagement not only captivates but ensures that the pop-up experience lingers in the visitors memory, leaving a lasting connection between the audience and the narrative they helped bring to life.

Ultimately, the mastery of pop-up experiences lies in the ability to transform a moment into a lasting impression. By mixing creativity with business, experiential designers can elevate pop-ups from temporary novelties to influential touchpoints that shape brand perception and foster meaningful connections with the audience.

To find out more about Imagineerium’s work, check out their website: www.imagineerium.co.uk

Bristol Beer Factory stands as a brewing icon in the city and beyond. Bristol-based design agency Rhombus Studio is excited to announce its new creative partnership with the independent brewing giant, crafting a new chapter in BBF’s beer branding story.

Rhombus is excited to draw inspiration from the city to continue Bristol Beer Factory’s incredible design work across cans, kegs, casks, merchandise, and more. The partnership will encompass the core beers and the brewery’s special releases, pouring a fresh touch into every new brew.

Rhombus Studio, a proudly independent design agency from Bristol, crafts identities, and websites for progressive businesses, change-making charities and forward-thinking people. Their commitment to creativity and community aligns with Bristol Beer Factory’s vision, a brewery that lives, breathes and brews Bristol.

This collaboration is more than design; it’s about values and a shared commitment to the local community. BBF has always looked for ways to give back – recently, the brewery launched Brewed to Give – contributing 2% of their total brewery sales to activities that uplift people and places across Bristol. 

Brewed to Give supports a range of vital community services across the city, from primary school play equipment, subsidised sporting activities for young people from deprived areas, cooking classes for asylum seekers and refugees, and mental health therapies for men to care and support for people with terminal illnesses.

Bristol Beer Factory and Rhombus Studio are raising a toast to community, creativity, and collaboration – cheers to giving back!

To find out more about the causes BBF champion, visit Bristol Beer Factory’s website.

South West-based brand and communications specialist AgencyUK has announced record growth as evolutions in the company’s culture continue to drive unprecedented levels of performance, despite an economically turbulent period for many.

AgencyUK (AUK) achieved record numbers in their 2023 financial results, following two years of cultural alignment and investment in their new Senior Management Team led by founding members Sammy Mansourpour and Amy Stobie. The business has delivered 220% annual growth in revenue for each financial period since January 2020, putting them on track to becoming one of the UK’s largest independently owned agencies.

“Celebrating 16 years is a seminal moment for the whole agency. It really feels like a transition into adulthood. As an established agency business with a team rich in experience, it is in no small part down to our team embracing creativity and new technology. AI and data analytics have made a meaningful difference to our work, by fuelling our creativity and building in new features around advertising campaign performance. This has been instrumental for our clients, particularly those in the B2B space, where we have a particular foothold in the healthcare sector. And we’ve seen the agency grow exponentially because of it,” says Sammy Mansourpour, Managing Director.

In 2021, the Senior Management Team focused on expanding the agency’s client portfolio in the health, life science and pharmaceutical sectors, leading to a record signing of three top-tier new drug development organisations, as well as launching Our Future Health, a nationwide health research programme in partnership with the NHS, which now has over 1.2 million participants across the UK. 

The agency now boasts a stronger B2B portfolio making up 50% of its revenue. The remaining 50% houses well-known food, drink, health and wellbeing brands, including beloved sweet brand Chewits, currently enjoying a renaissance since our amplified brand campaigns and award-winning work across social media.

In response, the agency has expanded its in-house teams by growing its creative department and assembling a new senior management team, recruited from its in-house fast track careers programme. Overall staff numbers have increased by 50% with a further 30% expected to be in place by January 2025.

“We are of course delighted with the performance of the business over the past five years, and we have no doubt that our long-term investment in developing the agency’s culture and staff careers plays a significant part in our success on the bottom line. We welcome turning 16 with open arms,” says Amy Stobie, Director.

The AUK leadership team has embarked on a comprehensive programme of cultural development, sustainability and community outreach. Framed around people, planet and community, these initiatives also form the bedrock of the agency’s commitment to being a certified B Corp since their accreditation in 2021, as well as an award-winning staff development and well-being programme.

As a collaboration between Wasabi and mustard jobs, the ground floor of Bristol’s historic Tramshed building will now be open for desk space hire.

Being a stone’s throw from notable Bristol landmarks like the Bristol Beacon, the Christmas Steps and the Hippodrome, this office is perfectly placed for any freelancers, start-ups and small businesses looking to take that next step. The collaborative duo hope that the space will become a bustling creative hub offering opportunities to new businesses.

The recently renovated office boasts an array of facilities including:

You can check out virtual gallery of the office here.

Interested in viewing the space in person? Reach out to the team: Marketing@mustardjobs.co.uk

Hospitality and retail designers Phoenix Wharf have completed a first outlet for Oricha, a new bubble tea emporium, located on Birmingham’s Coronation Street.

The concept is a fusion of ancient tea-drinking culture and a contemporary treatment, as well as melding East and West, taking inspiration from China, Japan and specially Taiwan, as well as from British tea and coffee houses. This fusion reflects the background of the brand’s owners, one-time students-turned-entrepreneurs, who first met at Bristol University, before plotting their new venture.

The brand name, Oricha, is a fusion too, bringing together the words ‘Oriental’ and ‘Original’, with the word ‘cha’, Chinese for ‘tea’, a word first introduced to the English language as far back as the 1590s via the Portuguese, who traded in Macao and picked up the Cantonese pronunciation. When Phoenix Wharf came on board, Oricha’s brand identity was already in hand, having been created by a Taiwanese branding agency.

The Oricha logo features a tea leaf integrated into the letter ‘R’, whilst the brand icon is a T Rex dinosaur, a fun take on the Chinese dragon, hinting at the meeting of old traditions and a contemporary sensibility. The T Rex bears a large, traditional tea bowl on its back, representing the Eastern tradition of offering hospitality, and is decorated in a bespoke pattern inspired by stems and leaves. The Oricha crest above it represents the seal of quality and encompasses the Chinese character for ‘tea’ in a circle. The brand strapline – ‘Oriental and Original, since antiquity’ surrounds this family of icons. The identity’s colourway of rich blue, white, gold and grey also formed part of the brief for the new environment.

‘The site itself was a double retail unit and former jewellery store’ Chris Gwyther, Creative Director of Phoenix Wharf, explained. ‘We were briefed to work with the new branding and the idea of an Asian-Western fusion, referencing the eclectic cafes of the 30s/40s Shanghai Bund era and incorporating elements of traditional Chinese design, such as the use of tiles and timber battens. British coffee and tea houses were a further part of the mix, alongside more modern elements such as a concrete floor and contemporary lighting.’

The 55.9 sq m space is made up of 16.9 sq m front of house and 18.6 sq m behind the counter. The deep counter is sited almost halfway back, so that customers don’t have to queue in the street when the weather is inclement. The counter front is clad in timber-effect laminate, set over custom-made steel units, and featuring brass detailing with a tiled lower section, using a porcelain tile that replicates the pattern used for the identity.

A row of three digital menu screens sits above the counter. The back wall of the space features is a manuscript scroll – another nod to authenticity and ancient traditions – featuring a fun illustration of a dinosaur chasing a bubble. A large, gold Oricha crest features on the back-of-house door, which is painted blue.

Flooring throughout is large concrete tiles. The left-side wall of the interior features the Oricha branding at large scale, including a fret-cut T Rex, backed by tiles featuring the Oricha crest in pale gold, with the wall framed in pale timber. The right-side wall features promotional posters set against white, with a grey-painted lower wall section, as well as a floor-to-ceiling joinery unit. This displays set dressing ephemera, such as the brand’s unique teapot-shaped carry-out holders, alongside traditional glass jars of tea to underline the promise of high-quality ingredients.

‘Our clients are tea leaf experts and very particular about the sourcing of their tea product’, Chris Gwyther explained, ‘using only high-quality, Taiwanese, rice-roasted oolong tea.’

Just inside the store’s front window are two high tables with velvet-upholstered bar stools on a brass-coloured base. Two pendant lights over the tables are the Chubes ceiling pendant from Lights and Lamps, whilst wall lights throughout are the Brass drop curve wall light from houseof. The inner shopfront area is painted royal blue to match the brand blue, whilst the external shopfront is in dark stained wood with three panels of the brand pattern above the glazing, reversed here as white out of blue. The Oricha name in gold on the fascia is backed by deliberately-faded timber panels to suggest age and authenticity, with a protruding ‘bus stop’ sign also featuring the full brand dinosaur-and-tea icon. The brand icon appears once more in larger scale on the glazing as a manifestation.

‘Oricha immediately stands out from its more brightly-coloured competitors with its subtle and under-stated references to the traditional and the modern’, Chris Gwyther commented. ‘We’re sure it will trade well and look forward to working with its owners on future iterations in different British cities!’

‘It was great to work with the Phoenix Wharf team – they are very efficient and professional’ Jaspar Lo of Oricha said, adding that ‘Many customers told us that they like our shop’s design, which should be a great thank you to the team. We wish them all the best!

One of the big benefits of Bristol Creative Industries membership is the ability to self-publish content on our website. We’ve seen lots of great content published in 2023 including some brilliant business advice.

Here are the 20 most popular advice posts of the year. The list includes some posts from 2022 that have continued to attract views thanks to their great tips.

Want to publish business advice on our website and make it into the top 20 in 2024? Become a member of Bristol Creative Industries.

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1. How ChatGPT will impact search marketing

Written by Varn

Click below or read the article here.

How ChatGPT will impact Search Marketing | Varn’s View

2. The best organisational structure for your agency

Written by Janusz Stabik – Digital Agency Mentor

Click below or read the article here.

The Best Organisational Structure For Your Agency

3. Startup funding: What is the difference between pre-seed and seed investment?

Written by Gravitywell

Click below or read the article here.

Startup funding: What is the difference between pre-seed and seed investment?

 

4. The role of brand architecture in Facebook’s rebrand to Meta

Written by JX Branding / Joanna Xenofontos

Click below or read the article here.

The role of brand architecture in Facebook’s rebrand to Meta

 

5. The break up: Is Gen Z dumping social media?

Written by saintnicks

Click below or read the article here.

The Break Up: Is Gen Z dumping social media?

 

6. Sneaky sexism: Sexism in advertising still prevails

Written by Adapt

Click below or read the article here.

Sneaky Sexism: Sexism in Advertising Still Prevails

 

7. Paid social trends for 2023

Written by Fanatic

Click below or read the article here.

Paid Social Trends for 2023

8. Why networking is key in PR

Written by Carnsight Communications

Click below or read the article here.

Why networking is key in PR

9. Why video is vital – the power of video in a Google search

Written by Varn

Click below or read the article here.

Why video is vital – the power of video in a Google search

10. Five years into a four-day week

Written by studio floc

Click below or read the article here.

Five years into a four-day week

11. PR touchpoints: what are they and why are they important?

Written by Carnsight Communications

Click below or read the article here.

PR touchpoints: what are they and why are they important?

 

12. 6 brand strategy models for focus and structure

Written by Halo

Click below or read the article here.

6 Brand Strategy Models For Focus And Structure

 

13. How to keep up with social media trends on Instagram

Written by Trusty Social 

Click below or read the article here.

How to Keep Up With Social Media Trends on Instagram

 

14. Which ESG platform is right for me?

Written by AMBITIOUS PR 

Click below or read the article here.

Which ESG platform is right for me?

 

15. How to position yourself as an expert in your field

Written by Blog Write Ltd 

Click below or read the article here.

How to position yourself as an expert in your field

 

16. Three ways Varn are using ChatGPT to streamline SEO

Written by Varn

Click below or read the article here.

3 ways Varn are using Chat GPT to streamline SEO

 

17. “Millennials don’t like being told what to do” – Time to rethink your strategy?

Written by Proctor + Stevenson

Click below or read the article here.

“Millennials don’t like being told what to do” – Time to rethink your strategy?

 

18. Can artificial intelligence replace our creative team?

Written by saintnicks

Click below or read the article here.

Can Artificial Intelligence replace our creative team?

 

19. Here are 7 steps to PR yourself

Written by Carnsight Communications

Click below or read the article here.

Here are 7 steps to PR yourself

20. One size doesn’t fit all – usable HTML across different email clients

Written by Flourish

Click below or read the article here.

One size doesn’t fit all – usable HTML across different email clients

 

Want to publish business advice on our website and make it into the top 20 in 2024? Become a member of Bristol Creative Industries.

As another year draws to a close we look back on some of the fantastic web design and web development projects we have worked on during 2023. Over the course of the past year we have worked with some amazing clients and delivered high quality, bespoke websites built on either WordPress or OpenCart content management systems.

To celebrate another great year of designing and developing websites in Bristol we have decided this year to put together a video showreel showing off our recent work.

This year we have worked with Dream Bites creating an ecommerce sweet treat website, brochure website for civil engineering company Lynwood Civil, ecommerce and informational website for Cardiff Nail & Beauty Training School, brochure website for mortgage broker Mortgage Gold, brochure website for The Natural Pool Company and many more.

Not only do we provide amazing web design and development we have also provided responsive and transparent website maintenance and support to a range of our clients this year to ensure their websites are up to date, new features are added or given technical assistance through our client portal and maintenance packages.

Grab the popcorn, sit back, relax and discover some of the exciting web design projects that we have been busy with!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PieOBe99qFo&ab_channel=eckhoMedia

Tabb to open a unique shared creative space on Broadmead.

Tabb, the Bristol-based portfolio and team-forming platform for filmmakers, is excited to announce the opening of a new coworking and creative space in Bristol City Centre.

Located on the second floor of Sparks Bristol, the sustainable department store that opened in May of this year, the Tabb team’s goal for the space is to significantly increase their ability to support Bristol’s independent filmmakers and creative freelancers and to help them benefit from the city’s fast-growing film and creative industry.

At launch, the creative hub will accommodate 50 permanent residents and 30 flexible hotdesks in a space that, for the previous 70 years, served as an office and breakroom for the staff at Marks & Spencer. Tabb has plans to incorporate a permanent film and photographic studio later in the year and hopes that this is just the start of their work in offering further physical services to help its community make their projects happen.

With consultation from low-carbon, innovative design and construction firm Agile Homes, the ‘Tabb Hub’ will use recycled and custom furniture to create unique and purpose-built spaces for its residents and community, including Bristol Production Van, Foxy Motion Films, Barri Films and FishPunch.

The hub is open to enquiries and reservations from filmmakers and connected creative disciplines, whether individuals or teams, with flexibility regarding how residents can organise and set up the space.

Known as ‘Cahootify’ until December last year, Tabb’s collaborative platform for independent filmmakers, producers and actors has gone from strength to strength. With regular events, festivals and screenings aiming to unite and empower South West filmmakers, Tabb’s community has grown to 8,000 members. Rising stars and established professionals, such as Keith Wilhelm-Kopp, who recently released their debut feature film, Translations (2023), have added over 10,000 short films, animations, trailers and music videos to the platform, with many by teams that found each other through the Tabb opportunities and events.

Sparks Bristol, a world-first project co-created by Global Goals Centre and ArtSpace LifeSpace, offers various indoor independent stalls and shops, from fashion and food to nature and energy, supporting people to make money-saving choices on climate, equality and wellbeing. Sparks Project Manager John Hosken said, “We are delighted that the collaborative and empowering Tabb organisation has taken the space – creating so much opportunity for both organisations.” 

Tabb CEO Pete Francomb, said: “We’re thrilled to offer this exciting new space to Bristol filmmakers. The forward-thinking Sparks ethos matches Tabb’s commitment to supporting and enabling creatives. Tabb Hub is a perfect and logical move for the organisation and the community.”

Tabb expects the hub to fill quickly due to the hub’s prime central location and high demand for flexible and multi-use creative spaces.

For more information about Tabb Hub and to enquire about becoming a resident, visit https://tabb.cc/hub or email hub@tabb.cc

To learn more about Tabb and their growing filmmaker and creative community, visit https://tabb.cc/

To learn more about Sparks, visit https://sparksbristol.co.uk/

How Do Stories Work? Part 6: How is the attention economy changing the way we tell stories?

Dear Storyteller,

As filmmakers, we must adapt and evolve with the times to capture and maintain our audience’s attention while keeping purpose and authenticity at the core of our storytelling.

Many purists would consider the idea of ‘versioning a story’, that is adapting it for different ‘channels’, to conflict with the very soul of the storyteller.  A story should simply have the time it needs to be well told.

But what works ‘best’ depends on the context of the telling. We no longer communicate sat face-to-face around an open fire but through multiple and proliferating digital media. We have been suddenly removed from millions of years of storytelling evolution.

However, the need to communicate across multiple media can be an invaluable opportunity for stories to reach and connect with wider audiences. Film narratives need to be crafted into multiple variants to engage, not as auteur works of art, but as purposeful tools with a central unifying message.

In times of seemingly dwidling attention spans, the pressure is on to communicate the essence of a message more quickly.

But how fast can you tell a story with a sense of context, character, place and emotion, whilst also letting it breathe, before the story falls apart and the essence is lost?

Of course, our attention span depends on viewing context and on how invested the audience is in your subject before they take their seat.

So, you need different versions to engage different audiences watching with different levels of pre-existing attenuation to your message, from the active listener to the casually curious.

Is it possible to tell a complex story dealing with complexity, multiple characters, and the nuance of human emotion in one minute?

Well yes, but not in one step. Editing, unlike say sculpting, is a non-destructive process of refinement. So by a careful process of distillation, each step yields a shorter yet distinct form that can be used to connect with audiences in different ways, each time stripping away more of the context and complexity whilst bringing the essence more sharply into focus.

Here’s a recent example of this creative versioning process in action.

The brief from our colleagues ImpactEd Group was to reveal the transformation of a child enabled by the concentrated attention of an adult, herself guided by the skilful evaluation of data.

Each version of the film had to convey more and more succinctly both the context and emotion of a transformative experience.

How can data help transform the life of a child?

Edit phase 1 (8 days)

5’00″ version for a Campaign Launch for a pre-invited captive audience

Edit phase 2 (2 days)

2’30” version for Branded Channels for a partially engaged remote audience that has navigated to your domain

Edit phase 3 (1 day)

1’00″ version for Social Media for an audience with passing curiosity surfing your content via media feeds guided by hashtags and leading text.

What remains is the transformative essence of a relationship. An adult really listening to a child.

“I didn’t have that one person I could talk to. And now I have.”

So attention is in short supply.

As the attention economy pulls us into a vortex of distraction, we need to fall in love again with being.

And films, as channels of emotion, can remind us of the very essence of who we are.

All we need is someone to listen, and someone to listen to.

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Got a story to tell?  Or purpose to communicate? Need some friendly advice?

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