DesignSprint - Cannes 5-8.03.2024

This Design Sprint was a melting pot of talent, bringing together professionals from the fields of music, film, and cutting-edge technology. Over those days, participants immersed themselves in the art of storytelling, leveraging the latest technologies to push the boundaries of traditional narratives.

A Convergence of Talent:
The design sprint saw an impressive lineup of participants, including:
Sabine Crossen: Actress, producer, and director with extensive experience in film and TV, bringing her expertise to life in the project.
Georgios Dimitropoulos: Head of Media Innovation Research Lab and a celebrated film director, known for his innovative approach to storytelling.
Henrik JP Akesson Ruben: Regional Film Commissioner of Blekinge and a passionate film entrepreneur.
Vaidotas Valiukevicius: Lead singer of THE ROOP, a band known for its impactful music and strong social messages.
Joseph Valentino Palau: Screenwriter and director, recognized for his award-winning short films and commitment to societal issues.
Christian Wikander:  Executive Producer in Scripted and Unscripted with
experience from developing, producing and financing. 
Gilly Fogg:  Head Creative, Lighthouse Studios, Kilkenny, Ireland. A founder member of this award-winning Irish animation studio.
Annette Mattsson: CEO of Script46, Executive Producer active in the
film and television industry for 20 years. 

Day 1: Sparking Ideas and Collaborations The first day kicked off with inspirational keynote speakers, Anette Mattsson and Georgios Dimitropoulos, setting an energetic tone for the event. Participants then delved into the design sprint, exploring conceptualization and ideation in parallel sessions. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as teams brainstormed innovative ideas and began shaping their creative projects.

A guided tour of Bastide Rouge, led by Laure Cayla, provided insights into the venue’s history and its role as a hub for audiovisual innovation. 

Workshops in Four Groups: To maximize creativity and collaboration, participants were divided into three groups, each focusing on a unique aspect of storytelling and technology:

Group 1: Myrihandes Film

The Myrihandes Film group participated in a design sprint workshop focused on their multimedia storytelling project based on the fantasy novel "The Secret of the Soulmates." The workshop aimed to develop effective strategies for pitching the project to secure necessary funding. This involved articulating the value proposition of the project to potential financiers, with an emphasis on the project’s potential success, profitability, and the high demand among audiences for captivating fantasy stories.
Together, these individuals worked on framing the project's narrative in a way that was both compelling and financially appealing to ensure the project's realization. Their collaborative efforts were directed towards overcoming the challenges of market saturation and genre expectations in the fantasy sector by leveraging innovative multimedia elements and creating immersive, interactive pitch experiences.

Participants of this group:
Georgios Dimitropoulos, Sabine Crossen,  Anette Mattsson, Joseph Valentino Palau, Christian Wikander, Kazimieras Žemaitis Kerpauskas.

Group 2: Spice Superheroes

The project group "Spice Superheroes" decided to elevate their children's book by creating new opportunities for learning about spices.

The challenge was that many children did not know about spices, their uses, and origins, and they lacked interest in discovering new flavors and cultural aspects related to spices. The team focused on creating engaging, interactive educational materials. The project took into account the growing interest of children in culinary experiences and the trend of interactive learning in the kitchen. The key goal was to introduce interactive elements that stimulate curiosity and help in better knowledge retention. The team aimed to expand children's palates and their understanding of cultural diversity through spice education. The project sought to create unforgettable educational experiences that could inspire children to explore and experiment in the kitchen. Interactive elements, attractive graphics, and practical activities were utilized to enable children to apply their knowledge in real contexts, such as cooking or creating spice blends. The team also ensured that the content was age-appropriate, understandable, and visually appealing. The project included support for parents in the form of educational materials and ideas for joint cooking activities to strengthen family bonds and support the learning process. In this way, the "Spice Superheroes" group aimed not only to teach children about spices but also to inspire them to further discovery and experimentation in the kitchen.

Participants of this group:
Olga Tsareva, Gilly Fogg, Piotr Krężel, Ilya Tsarev, Helena Palau, Henrik JP Åkesson Ruben, Anna Enquist Müller, Gilia Wally Scurati, Kathrin Lauckner
 

Group 3: Myrihandes Music

The Myrihandes Music group was an ambitious endeavor aimed at bringing the fantastical world of The Secret of the Soulmates to life through a captivating soundscape. This creative and passionate team was tasked with the challenge of preparing compelling presentations to secure funding for their multimedia storytelling project. Their primary mission was to create music that not only captured the essence of Myrihandes but also deeply enhanced the audience's experience.

The team set out to weave a rich tapestry of sound that would immerse listeners in the magical realm of the novel, fostering a stronger connection to the story and its characters. By blending traditional orchestral elements with innovative electronic beats, they sought to push the boundaries of fantasy music. Their work aimed to evoke a wide range of emotions, from awe and wonder to fear and melancholy, all while maintaining a coherent narrative flow.

This talented group, driven by a shared passion for fantasy and storytelling, dedicated themselves to crafting an unforgettable auditory journey. Their collaborative efforts and unique talents resulted in a soundscape that promises to transport listeners to the enchanting world of Myrihandes.

Participants of this group: Rebecca Sayaque, Vaidotas Valiukevicus, Markus Fiedler, Maxe Axellson, Daneil Gagnon, Anna Nyström, Jeffrey François Mpondo

Group 4: TAB Project Communication
This group, facilitated by key project stakeholders, aimed to enhance the communication strategy for the TAB Project. They focused on creating dynamic pitch decks, interactive presentations, and multimedia content to effectively convey the project's vision and attract further investment and support.

Day 2: From Concepts to Prototypes The second day was all about bringing ideas to life. Participants engaged in prototyping and testing sessions, refining their concepts and preparing for the final pitches. The collaborative spirit was palpable, with teams working seamlessly to develop compelling narratives and innovative solutions.

Highlights of the day included a panel discussion on the impact of AI on the film and music industries, offering valuable insights into the future of creative technology. The design sprint wrapped up with participants presenting their prototypes, showcasing a diverse array of innovative ideas that pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Key Takeaways and Future Directions:
The design sprint in Cannes was a resounding success, marked by high engagement, creative energy, and valuable networking opportunities. Participants appreciated the structured approach, the blend of practical and theoretical sessions, and the chance to collaborate with professionals from various disciplines.

Feedback highlighted the need for more time dedicated to creative work and team-building activities. Participants also suggested improving pre-event preparation and technical support to enhance the overall experience. These insights will be invaluable for organizing future design sprints and ensuring they continue to foster innovation and collaboration.

Looking Ahead:
As we move forward, the TAB Project remains committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling through the integration of technology, art, and business.The Cannes design sprint has laid a strong foundation for future events, inspiring participants to continue exploring new frontiers in creative production.