A+E Networks Digital Media Storytelling Fellowship
Details & Application FAQ’s
NYC Media Lab recently announced a Digital Media Storytelling Fellowship in collaboration with A+E Networks’ Digital Media team. A+E Networks is a global media entertainment company that reaches more than 330 million people worldwide, and features three of the top cable networks in the United States including A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime.
HISTORY, a 20+ year-old brand is embracing changes in new media. This fellowship is an opportunity for NYC graduate students to be a part of the brand’s evolution. A+E Networks is seeking story-driven projects that reflect upon historical narratives, with the mobile web browser as the highest priority platform. A few guiding questions for fellowship applicants: What are new, different and more immersive ways for using a timeline as a way to tell stories? How can a story showcase high-quality imagery and interactive media in a premium experience?
Browse the FAQ below as you prepare an application:
Can I share/show you my story prototype idea ahead of submitting my application?
Yes! Send your prototype idea to Amy Chen at NYC Media Lab and she will give you feedback. She will also share your prototype idea with A+E Networks for review.
Where can I find inspiration for premium storytelling experiences?
Premium, high-quality storytelling is an important aspect of this Fellowship. A+E Networks has provided reference examples of inspiring and compelling premium storytelling experiences for fellowship applicants to consider:
- Histography
- The Fallen of World War II
- Greenland is Melting Away
- The Fear of Water in Flint
- After the Storm
Besides web/browser-based stories, what other types of media will be considered?
Emerging media technologies such as voice interfaces, VR, AR, 360 video will be considered, but keep in mind that the audience penetration and engagement via these technologies is small compared to via web and social media distribution. This Fellowship is not for projects with a focus on short-form videos or listicles.
Do I have to submit my application form via the website? Can I send you a PDF of my answers instead of using the application form?
All applications must be submitted through the application form via the website. We will not accept a PDF of answers in lieu of an application form submission. Please note that the application form will time out after an extended amount of time. Please compose your responses in advance and complete the entire application in one visit. All successful submissions will generate an automatic thank you & confirmation email to the applicant. Email Amy Chen at NYC Media Lab with any questions on your submission confirmation.
Who owns the project that will be developed during the fellowship?
NYC Media Lab has a release form that all fellows will have access to review ahead of accepting the fellowship offer. Students will retain the ownership rights to the project that is developed and will grant A+E Networks a license to share the project on A+E Networks social media channels.
How many fellows do you expect will be part of the fellowship?
We expect to fund 5 fellows at $5,000 each.
Can I work in a team of 2 or 3 people in the fellowship?
This fellowship is geared towards individual contributors and digital media story producers. Based on our experience in running fellowship programs with our other NYC Media Lab member companies, a team of 2 is acceptable. We have seen the 2 team members complement each other in skillsets (ex: coding, design, storytelling). It is possible to submit a project that will be developed by 3 people, but each person on the team will still need to submit his/her own application.
Apply online here.
Contact Amy Chen at (amy.chen@nycmedialab.org) with any other questions.
