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Planning for Interactivity

Most people think about interactivity as something that is bolted on after the 'real programme' has been finished – but that can spell trouble. If you apply a robust production plan the process can be simple.

The first thing to find out is how the interactivity will complement or extend the programme, this will define your production requirements:

• What will the interactive part of the programme be?
• What are the cost implications of the interactivity?
• Will additional footage need to be shot?
• Will there be more locations or extras required?
• Will the actors or presenters be involved with the interactivity?
• Does it impact the script? – is there a separate interactive script?
• What additional agreements need to be included in the contractual negotiations?
• How many crew members and how much kit will you require?
• Will any viewer input/results need to be fed into the live programme?
• What will the look and feel of the programme be? This will need to be reflected in the visual design of any interactive applications.
• When do the rushes/edits need to be delivered to plan for resources?

Production managers will be familiar with this level of planning, and with interactivity much of the success is based on careful management of the production (combined with a great idea).

The only change is that you will be working in tandem with a software development process that will deliver the interactivity. Monitoring this process is essential to ensure the applications are built, working and tested before the transmission date.

To brush up your interactive skills, take a look at our scheduled courses:

Creative Alchemy:
Making Programmes Interactive (funding available)

Introduction to Interactive Television
Introduction to Design for Interactive Television

This article was written by Andy Wilson, our Interactive TV specialist.