On Friday 13 July we were treated to a brilliant Lunchtime Talk from Studio resident Ben Gwalchmai. Ben joined us in the Studio to talk about his and fellow Studio resident James Wheale’s new project Fabler.

Ben started by introducing his background; he describes himself as an actor, maker, director, writer, and worker and said he and James believe that you can't be just a writer anymore. You have to be able to successfully manage social media, create and edit video, make music, record music, program software, build websites, build PR, be an accountant, be an administrator, a cinematographer, an animator, a teacher, a workshop leader, a designer, a nutritionist, a chemist, a magician and more. He explained that himself and James have developed the skills necessary to do and to enjoy wearing multiple hats, but he knows there are writers out there that haven't and may not ever.

Ben and James felt there was a significant challenge to address the gap between writing and writing interactive content. For the next generations of Shakespeares, Elliot's, Hobans there needs to be a transitory medium, with low barriers to entry. The first poem you write is unlikely to be the best. Same goes with apps. Or video games. There needs to an incubator. Which is why he and James decided to work on Fabler.

Working in the Studio they met Calvium and used their app building system AppFurnance to develop an app capable of telling interactive stories. Ben said they decided to use an app because it’s such a popular form, there is an established worldwide market and they are regularly used. Most people have a smart phone, and it seemed logical to piggy back a new type of storytelling platform onto something so universal. Ebook readers are fantastic but do not have the range, abilities and universality of a smart phone.

What is Fabler?     

Fabler allows you to move through stories, literally.
You walk, it plays. You stop, it stops playing.
Currently, it's simply an audio playback system that requires a physical commitment. Users are rewarded by unlocking extra content as they move through a story. You unlock additional items, which could be coupons or discounts, extra content or videos, in a sub menu. You are informed of unlocking such an item with a subtle ping.

It doesn't need GPS so there are no issues of connectivity. Nor is it site specific, so it can be enjoyed anywhere in the world, in any terrain.

How's it going?

Ben explained that they were awarded the first ever bursary from The Writing Platform - which enabled them to work with Calvium on the core code necessary to get the app started. They have been trailing out the App and thinking of other ways they can use it.  They’re planning multi-branched narratives that change and shift dependent on your physical reaction to the story, all with a simple, robust system. They’re also thinking about switching the concept on it’s head; instead of moving, could they create something which means the listener must stay completely still to hear the story?  Another idea is Fabler sports after contacting the Mixed Reality Lab who are currently doing a study on the movement of swimmers.

What’s next?

They’re applying for an arts council grant of £15,000 with an aim to produce three apps, and working on individual collections of short stories for Fabler.

You can find out more about the project on The Writing Platform where they have been blogging their development here.

You can get in contact with Ben if you’d like to know more or want to be involved in the project: ben.gwalchmai@gmail.com