Engage The World…Online

From Diorama to Digital: Video Solutions at the ROM

Make it Modern, Make it Great AAM Annual Meeting, Philadelphia

May 3, 2009

From Diorama to Digital: Video Solutions at the ROM

Brian Porterbrianp@rom.on.ca

Twitter: briporter

Facebook: Brian Porter & Royal Ontario Museum

Randy Dreagerrandyd@rom.on.ca

Say Hello to Gordo:

New Media Resources•Information Technology Services

Web/database/network/systems

•Media ProductionsVideo/television/multimedia & exhibition/gallery AV

•Web DevelopmentFlash development, interface design, social media

•PublicationsCo-publishing/academic/catalogues

•Ivey Imaging CentrePhotography/scanning/copying/3D imaging

Rights and Reproductions –asset licensing

Digital Media Assets co-ordinator

ROM Video/Display Approaches

• Flash-based video kiosks & flat screens• Dataton Watchout - multi-screen digital production and display software system • HiDef media players/projection• Audio interactive kiosks and soundscapes• Audio guide tours• Immersive experiences utilizing light/sound• Digital signage

• Why do frogs love St. Patrick’s Day?

• It’s the only day they don’t have to change their outfits.

At Risk: Golden Toad

Schad Gallery of Biodiversity

Schad Gallery of Biodiversity

Three Core Themes

Three Major Zones

• Life is diverse• Life is

interconnected• Life is at risk

• Biodiversity Spine• Ecosystem Experiences• Earth Ranger Studio

Interactive Touch Screens

Overview• 12 high-tech interactive

multimedia screens throughout gallery

• More than 150 videos augment displays or story lines.

Schad Gallery of Biodiversity

Earth Rangers Studio

Schad Gallery of Biodiversity

• Power of One Show

• 15 Min. Multimedia• Snowy owls,

servals, lemurs & kestrels

• 200,000 visitors

Earth Rangers Trailer

Lighting racks

additional flat screens

103” flat screen

Social Media PlansDistinct Web Site

Video Content

• Video blog, Twitter, Flickr• Contests, polls, ants webcam

• Earth News, Green jobs• Behind the Scenes

• Embedded feed• Special channel

YouTube

From Diorama to Digital: Video Solutions at the ROM

Earth Treasures Gallery

EarthEarth Treasure

Digital Gallery

Touch-screen interface

• allows students to explore and manipulate virtual artifacts as they meet ROM curators and educators via screen projection

• another step in providing public onsite/online access to collections

Interactive Donor Wall

Interactive Donor Wall

Digital Signage

Lessons Learned• organize internally – be in-house strategic• invest in camera and microphone• repurpose content for other applications • post videos to YouTube & other video sites• think social media – video blogs, viral mkting• develop digital assets – rethink rights approach• watch/consult other (cultural) organizations• content first, polished perfection second…• Just Do It