Gotham Interactive: A Broadband-Only Developer
As the Internet shifts from pages to moving images, the developers who are the most prepared for the transition are those with a background in film or television. New York’s Gotham Interactive is an example. In 1998, Rafi Kronzon and Michael Sepso formed the first broadband-only development and distribution firm in New York City. Gotham is using Veon’s technology to create interactive video programming for broadband networks and cable companies. As Co-CEO Rafi Kronzon explains, “Broadband is more than enhanced TV – it’s everything TV has to offer plus interactivity.” Gotham was introduced to Veon’s software by one of their clients. Shortly after they opened their doors, Gotham built a shell for AMC’s Monsterfest and needed to add a Veon presentation to the shell. In the process, they learned a lot about Veon’s technology. Their latest interactive video project, called Romancing America, is an Internet-based travel program that mirrors a show with the same name on Cablevision.

Romancing America is an Internet-based travel program that mirrors a show with the same name on Cablevision.

When asked about the process of designing an interactive video program, Creative Director Sundance DiGiovanni points to in-house conceptualization and brainstorming as an important step. Rather than build formal storyboards, Gotham builds a side-by-side inventory list of all the media elements including video, audio, images and possible links. The process of building a list of assets jumpstarts the team’s imagination for building links within an interactive program. As Gotham Executive Producer Lisa French explains, “Hotlinks are the key to any nonlinear presentation because they are the road signs for view participation.” Although it may be tempting to re-purpose existing video for interactive video presentations, DiGiovanni explains it may not make sense. As he says, “There maybe too many fast cuts or rolling landscape shots that don’t fit.” Michael Sepso, Co-CEO, points to iconographic navigation as an important component of program design. As he explains, “By introducing familiar icons at a gradual pace, you can expect a viewer to get accustomed to navigation before you add more. Clicking on a video frame is new and it can be overwhelming if too many conventions are introduced all-at-once.”

Resources: Schools, Trade Shows and Web Sites
Classes, trade shows and Web sites are valuable resources for learning about a new technology. Globix Corporation, an ISP with three Super POP facilities in New York, London and Santa Clara, CA, has a reputation for pushing into the frontiers of new technology. In 1998, Globix formed a streaming media department and has produced numerous concerts, corporate Webcasts and other live events. Dan Rayburn, Globix Corporation's Worldwide Product Manager of Streaming Media, recommends streaming media portals for learning (See links listed under "Web Sites").

Note: Although not all of the schools listed below have designed convergence or broadband curriculums, all of the schools listed are in the process of planning or setting up classes that include Webcasting, digital video editing and Web-oriented video production.

Next: Where to Learn