One of our film studies alumni, Imaan Samson, has received the opportunity to be one of 50 creatives appointed to take part in the StoryTrails Project, the UK’s largest immersive storytelling archive project!
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Imaan Samson a film production degree graduate and an emerging director/producer interested in telling stories from under-represented groups. Throughout my creative journey, I have worked alongside companies that inspire creativity including Framestore and the Jamaican Tourist Board providing educational projects, branded content and online films/series. As a self-shooting creative, my career achievements have enabled me to embrace my niche of diverse stories through Audio-Visual content.
What drew you to become involved with the StoryTrails Project?
As the world moves further into finding ways to immerse, engage and inspire current generations throughout the pandemic; Technology continues to drive innovation such as the use of Augmented Reality, and this inspires me to look more into the tech side of storytelling as I’m fascinated with cross-discipline works.
I came across StoryTrails through speaking to their talent inclusion team and they were looking for emerging storytellers to work alongside world-leading companies such as StoryFutures, Nexus Studios, BFI, and more companies to gain hands-on experience with augmented reality (AR) which is my strand of the project and I’m enjoying learning how this technology is being used to advance community interaction – this project is made for the community, with the community and that resonated with me.
This instantly drew me towards applying for StoryTrails as the possibility of using the magic of the 3D internet (StoryFuture’s way of calling the metaverse) to bring new ways of connecting people to where they live from 15 chosen UK locations. The opportunity to also collaborate with like-minded creators and producers, as well as find new ways for audiences to experience stories that don’t get told or received traction in the larger media arena.
What was the process of becoming one of 50 creatives appointed to take part in the StoryTrails Project?
After submitting my application, I undertook an interview with the executive producers (really nervous) and they asked questions about my experience with Augmented and Virtual technologies and filmmaking. After a few weeks of waiting, I got the call and was accepted for the project!!
I was then appointed to work on the AR Trails strand that will be guided by an AR mobile app through a self-paced journey into the past and unfold the stories of history where it happened through a unique tour of your town using Augmented Reality; Similar to the worldwide success app “Pokemon Go” by project partners Niantic.
How did you feel when you found out you were appointed?
It was a dream come true, I was staring at the StoryTrails website for days as it stirred in, honestly.
I have always been interested in telling factual stories and sharing tales from under-represented groups whilst capturing unseen lives. ST offers me the opportunity to cultivate my ambition of telling stories that matter to communities and learn from industry experts and partners. Through a magical experience, we can build our sense of belonging to the places we live and help us all to shape a more positive future.
Could you tell us a bit more about the national UNBOXED2022 celebration of creativity?
UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK is the biggest and most ambitious creative programme ever presented on these shores. It’s funded and supported by the four governments of the UK and is co-commissioned with Belfast City Council, EventScotland and Creative Wales.
Across 2022, The festival will present 10 commissioned awe-inspiring ideas, including StoryTrails, shaped across science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics; From coastal towns and city centres to breathtaking areas of natural beauty. This once-in-a-lifetime festival aims to wow the public using creative technologies, similar to the impact of the viewmaster, UNBOXED2022 will celebrate how creativity has changed – and is changing the world.
What made you pursue a degree in film production?
After completing my diploma in creative technology from college, I was inspired to learn more about the medium of film as I was still unclear about what my place is in ‘creative media’ as the diploma was a broad perspective on the medium. I wanted a deeper understanding of how filmmaking is a space that moves people and how this knowledge informs my emerging creative voice.
What made you choose SAE?
Once I came across BA (Hons) Film Production Course, I knew this was a space for me to zone in on aspects that I wasn’t exposed to such as transmedia formats, creating sound design, narrative direction etc, which enabled me to gain knowledge and professional growth that was instrumental to my career and I’m now glad I made that choice.
What do you enjoy most about your degree and time at SAE?
I enjoyed the process of coming up with an idea and unlocking new attributes about myself, improving my communication skills and being able to collaborate with other aspiring people who also want to create impactful diverse stories and show it to the world.
What would you say to someone considering applying to SAE?
‘Collaboration is the biggest lesson’
You will meet other aspiring young people who can support your creative journey, learn how to use industry equipment and be mentored by knowledgable lecturers, but you will learn the most profound lessons about your style, communication and interpersonal skills from different projects you join whether that’s audio, animation or a mixture. The more diverse work you have, the more practical skills you’ll learn and the wider network you will gain.
During my time at SAE, I was welcomed by other creatives from multiple sectors and this encouraged myself to work on crossover projects that have benefited me in getting opportunities like StoryTrails, which wouldn’t happen if kept to myself.
Find a way to work with all the departments on offer at SAE, not just on the film studies course and show the world what you made!
