SUBLAB is an initiative of Submarine Channel brought into existence as a means to develop the next generation of audiovisual storyworlds. The lab is set on finding ways to converge various storytelling practices, media formats, and transmedia distribution opportunities.
OUR VISION
Our digital world has made the creation of audiovisual storytelling more accessible than ever before. We share, we post, and are always connected. Yet, the more traditional media industries (e.g., film and television) seem to be unwilling to break with their pre-established constructs. It’s often linear, there are many rules, and there is little room left for experiment.
We believe that digital storytelling has the potential to transcend the repetitive framework of the more established media industries in unique and exciting ways. By facilitating unusual connections between artists from different disciplines, we are open to explore the all-encompassing potential different media have to offer.
How do we use the structures of animation series, podcasts, feature films, documentaries, videogames, social media, and all other media formats to tell our stories?
We recognize how tough it is to break from a pre-established structure. Creatives who would like to try can become discouraged by the complicated development process that is involved when it comes to high-end transmedia productions. We would like to offer the expertise Submarine has gathered over the years in terms of transmedia storytelling to inspire, train, and stimulate collaborations between filmmakers, journalists, animators, game developers, and other artists from all over the world.
We are hopeful that SUBLAB’s collaborative nature has the potential to inspire us to think about a more diverse, sustainable and inclusive society.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each year, the SUBLAB-team selects three projects. These projects are purely focused on the development of transmedia stories. So, not on production of the actual works.
The recruitment of new projects is carried out by the SUBLAB-team, appointed scouts, or by a collaborative partner in the media field.
Once selected, one of SUBLAB’s creative producers sits down with the team to establish the guidelines for the upcoming development process; establishing the development goals, budget, deliverables and the composition of the development team.
In the following phases, members of the creative team, or externally recruited talents, are sought to develop a component of the project idea. For example, this could be a script, a podcast, pitch bible, or a gameplay design.
Each deliverable is focused on finding the right type of financing to bring the projects into production and ultimately distribution. SUBLAB’s team supports the creators in finding suitable production and distribution opportunities.
