France is a rich source of dynamic, independent authors whose digital creations are valued for the unique vision they represent and the new forms of digital storytelling they explore. Digital Playgrounds was conceived as a personalized artistic support program to help such creations and their authors go international by building stronger connections with American experts around high-potential writing projects in the making. From narrative to adventure-centered games, in virtual or augmented reality, or both, Digital Playgrounds welcomes all forms of writing and the most diverse artistic ideas. Six video game and immersive experience (XR) projects will be selected for the first season, which will take place online and in New York, a hub of media and avant-garde innovations.
From November 29 to December 3, 2021, the winners will participate in an online program of masterclasses and mentoring sessions with American experts, in order to better understand labor practices in the United States and work on writing their project. In February 2022 in New York, participants will receive group support through a weeklong, in-person workshop including visits and meetings with script doctors, producers, and editors, as well as feedback on their projects from their French and American peers. They will have the opportunity to live in New York for an entire month to work on their project, meet experienced professionals, and explore the local ecosystem of immersive and interactive creation. Throughout the program, participants will be able to present their projects at shows and events, both remotely and in New York.
One author per project will participate in the full program (online classes and sessions in New York). Two other participants will be able to follow the online program. The program will cover the costs of travel to and accommodation in New York for one month, as well as meal and transportation costs in the city.
Applicants must be authors of video games and immersive experiences, from any creative field, including but not limited to: scriptwriters, game designers, artistic directors, producers, etc. Applications from individuals or from authors affiliated with independent studios are accepted. To participate, candidates must present a project under development which has already received XN (Digital Experiences) or video game (FAJV) funds from the CNC and have a fluent level of English. Projects will be selected based on their quality and the relevance of their development in the United States.
The call for applications is open until September 15, 2021, midnight ET, through the following form:
Contacts
Mathilde Campergue
Press Officer
mathilde.campergue@frenchculture.org
Valérie Mouroux
Audiovisual Officer, Director of the Film, TV and New Media Department
valerie.mouroux@frenchculture.org
Emma Buttin
New Media Officer
emma.buttin@frenchculture.org
Viven Pagnol
Press Officer for CNC
vivien.pagnol@cnc.fr