Scott Willson brings a narrative eye to his visual media —a perspective that looks far beyond the first impression of an image. He obtained a B.A. in English Lit and threatened law school on two separate occasions, before returning to writing. Originally intending to be a travel writer, Willson finally decided to study photography at Brooks Institute of Photography, and his journey subsequently led to an eight-year sojourn with the Patagonia Photo Department, before he moved on to The North Face, where he has been Photography/Video and New Media director since 2004. Willson lives in San Francisco and frequently lectures and participates in panel discussions focused on adventure sports and travel photography and video.
Scott participated in the January 2011 MediaStorm Methodology Workshop. He had the following to say about his experience:
Usually when asked to develop a creative department from the ground up, you'd start with the basics...strategy, process and workflow, etc. You'd then layer on all of the "cool" components...creative concepting and development, shooting, editing, production.
At least this is how it would work 'in theory'.
Those of us tasked with incorporating video and multimedia elements into an existing department are quickly learning that we're working with an inverted model: the great stories, ideas, assets and distribution channels may already be there...now, we need to build that foundation so we can effectively build and manage great multimedia content.
In 5 intensive days, Brian and his team at MediaStorm provide invaluable insight into the business of producing stellar multimedia stories. From the initial project request, through the development and production phase and ultimately distribution, you're immersed in their thought process. You gain a better understanding of the overall creative development process, as well as the nuts and bolts of production, workflow and distribution.
The close interaction with other participants enhances the learning. You walk away from the workshop with a lot of great ideas that can be implemented to build or strengthen a multimedia department. Equally important, you'll get validation on what you're already doing right.