UK-Canada Immersive Exchange – Q&A with Shocap’s Athomas Goldberg

On November 26th the Canadian Film Centre announced the participants for the UK-Canada Immersive Exchange, a new talent development and co-production programme for UK and Canadian immersive technology creatives and producers. Shocap’s Executive Director, Athomas Goldberg, is one of the 24 participants that were chosen – 12 from Canada and 12 from the UK – from nearly 500 applications.

The programme brings together artists, filmmakers, theatre directors and visionaries – as well as six creative producers from each country that will bring their experiences from across the creative spectrum. Athomas, who joins the group of creative producers based in Canada, discusses the programme and shares what his experience has been so far. 

After being chosen from nearly 500 applications, what does it mean for you at this point of your career to be part of this programme? 

Most of the people and organizations I’ve worked with over the years have been based in the United States or Canada. This programme has created an incredible opportunity to expand my network of creatives and potential collaborators in the immersive space. 

From your experience as a producer in the creative industries, how do you think you will contribute to the programme?

I’m hoping to provide some perspective based on my experience working in the commercial video game and visual effects industries, and hopefully, bring Shocap’s unique approach to live immersive events to UK creatives looking to expand their practice into this space.

The programme began in early November, can you share what you and other participants have been doing so far? 

The programme has been incredible so far, incorporating a mix of creative exercises with other members of the cohorts along with presentations from industry analysts and individuals involved in the funding, production and promotion of international co-productions in immersive media. 

What are you expecting to learn and gain from this experience? 

I’m really hoping to develop a much clearer understanding of the international landscape for immersive art and entertainment, including the commercial and legal implications of these types of international co-productions. I look forward to getting to know the work and learn from the experience of other creatives in the space, with whom we may collaborate in the future.

How will this programme contribute to the immersive storytelling industry? Why do you think these kinds of initiatives are necessary for the industry? 

I think the programme is already creating fertile ground for new collaborations among members of the cohort. It’s bringing together a really diverse set of talents and experiences that will, I believe, result in new original works that will push the boundaries of immersive storytelling to reach new audiences and move people in new ways. 

How will this pioneering programme bring together the community of creatives in the UK and Canada? 

I’ve already had the opportunity to engage with members of the cohort outside the programme’s regularly scheduled activities. I look forward to continuing these relationships beyond the programme, and I expect this is true for many of the other participants. I believe there’s an incredible opportunity for on-going collaboration between the UK and Canada immersive media communities, for which I think this is just the beginning.

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