Writing for Multimedia: Entertainment, Education, Training, Advertising, and the World Wide Web

First in-depth analysis of writing programs and stories for multimedia
Includes a CD-ROM containing demos from award wining programs.
CD-ROM will include hot links to additional resources on the World Wide Web
Invaluable for both the multimedia newcomer and the experienced professional.



Writing for Multimedia is the first in-depth analysis of how to write informational programs and stories for multimedia. Some of the most successful CD-ROMs and World Wide Web programs are analyzed and documented with extensive script samples, flow charts, and other writing material. An attached CD-ROM includes additional script samples, screen shots, scripting software, and demos from award winning programs such as The 11th Hour: The Sequel to The 7th Guest, The Pandora Directive, Dust: A Tale of the Wired West, Under a Killing Moon, Voyeur. Also included are important programs in training, education, advertising, and commercial Web pages, as well as hot links to on-line resources.

The information contained in Writing for Multimedia is drawn from original interviews with the writers and designers who created the programs and revealed their 'secrets' for creating powerful multimedia. This `straight-from-the-source information is backed up by in-depth analysis and specific examples drawn from these successful narratives and informational programs. Emphasis is placed on the role of the writer and the types of constructions a writer may use. Writing for Multimedia provides a detailed explanation of the process for creating interactive multimedia that both the newcomer and the multimedia professional will find invaluable.

Timothy Garrand holds a Ph.D. in Communication, Cinema and Professional Writing from the University of Southern California. He has written scripts for film and video since 1980. His most recent work focuses on writing for interactive media including his interactive textbook, Film/TV Analysis: The Meaning of the Moving Image, for the Academic Software Corporation and numerous multimedia and Web projects for his company, Inter writ Designs. He has taught scriptwriting, writing for multimedia, and various other courses in film, video, and new media. Tim Garrand currently is an associate professor of communication at New England College.

'Writing for Multimedia is the multimedia bible for anyone who wants to write for new media. Garrand's interviews lay open the secrets to interactive entertainment hits of the past, while showing a tantalizing vision of things to come. I know I'll be keeping it close by my desk.'
Matthew Costello, author of The 7th Guest and The 11th Hour

'Garrand has written a clear, step-by-step survey of interactive writing that will help any writer understand the who's, whats, and whys of writing for multimedia. Andrew Nelson, writer/producer, Dust: A Tale of The Wired West and Titanic: Adventure Out of Time

'I am truly impressed with this book's scope and depth. It is an extremely useful guide to the subject, well written, organized, and illuminating. It serves a variety of audiences, from sophisticated producer to beginning student.' Annette Barbier, chair, Department of Radio/TV/Film, Northwestern University

'I can see freelance writers and producers, people in production companies, games companies, as well as in-house production people (sales, training, etc.) in corporations finding this a useful and comprehensive tool.' Maria O'Meara, multimedia writer and interface designer; head writer, D.C. Heath's CD-ROM Discoveries Project

"Writing for Multimedia is as accessible a writer's text as there could be. Garrand comfortably straddles the theoretical and the applied, giving enough to satisfy the practitioner and the media critic alike. He cleanly and effortlessly explains potentially complex ideas in the briefest possible space and illuminates his points with not only thoughtful examples, but insightful commentary from writers, designers and programmers. More importantly, I come away from Writing for Multimedia invigorated and inspired. Garrand has created for me a clear vision of the potentials of this strange "conglomerative" art." - Creative Screenwriting

"This book is a must for every multimedia enthusiast's reference library." -Videomaker