#bbc taster

Created on the Charisma.ai platform, WillPlay adapts, alters and modernises Shakespeare’s celebrated tale of star-crossed lovers for 21st-century teenage readers through a new, accessible story-telling medium. The reader becomes a part of the drama, and dramatic dialogue becomes social media messages.

The story is retold through three interactive group chats: “Love”, in which Romeo and Juliet meet; “Hate”, in which Mercutio, Romeo and Tybalt engage in a deadly duel; and “Death”, in which the story comes to its tragic conclusion. In each chat, the reader takes on a different role. Each chat is preceded by an Instagram-style “story”, using visual cues, comments, handles and hashtags to set the scene, introduce the key characters, and situate the reader in the plot.

“Taster is the home for new ideas from the BBC, and a resource for experimentation and learning around new formats and digital prototypes. As with any prototype, learning from it is fundamental. This is the first of a set of posts that outline some of what we've learnt in testing interactive and immersive digital projects throughout 2016 in partnership with BBC Audiences. This post focuses in on some key points about interactive pilots - content where we ask audiences to participate, or to interact with the content created. If you're interested in that, then read on.”

Following in the footsteps of many other content producers, the BBC are exploring virtual reality in greater depth. You may remember that last year they experimented with 360 degree video on Strictly Come Dancing - now the broadcaster is jumping in fully with its first full VR videos; Easter Rising: Voice of a Rebel and We Wait.

The video will work on the Oculus Rift headset and is part of the BBC Taster initiative - helping the broadcaster to explore new technology and trial different ideas without having to commit to a format or series. This content sits among the other items on the Taster page, including a 360 degree video of David Attenborough and giant dinosaurs and a chance to get the Queen’s eye view of HMQ’s 90th birthday celebrations.