"Interactive Screen is a rich and rewarding experience thanks to the variety in the program and the combination of practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds – technical, commercial, professional, public sector and geographical."

~ Sheila Robinson, Managing Director
Solvebrand Limited
Edinburgh, Scotland

Led by an international faculty with participation of leading creative artists, Interactive Screen combines formal and informal exchanges, a sense of play, and skill developing workshops to explore issues in the conceptualizing, writing, design, development, planning, and financing of ideas and projects that explore the potential of interactive content and software.

During the first part of the workshop participants developed the ability to negotiate the complex world of financing and the ever-shifting world of rights and legal strategies for new media. From peer-to-peer to micro-payment schemes to the power of the scheduler, there is both invention and redefinition of terms. The second part of Interactive Screen focused on creating content for convergent media: wireless and broadband networks, cross- disciplinary visualization, and collaborative environments. As well as formal presentations, participants took part in small projects and games, collaborations, individual project development, and one-on-one mentoring and peer learning sessions. Our 2003 Interactive Screen also included an intensive writing for interactive media workshop by faculty member Daniel Canty.

Participants were strongly encouraged to bring projects with them that they wished to develop during the course of the workshop.

The goal of Interactive Screen, as always, is to stimulate the creation of emotionally powerful, creatively inspired, and economically viable interactive media in Canada and abroad.

"The Banff New Media Institute is a national treasure. The programme has analyzed, inspired, and catalyzed emergent New Media practice for many years. It is a key catalyst for the aesthetic, commercial, and cultural development of New Media across a broad community of practitioners, both Canadian and Global."

~ Jim Bizzocchi, Assistant Professor of Interactive Arts
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC