The Art of Transmedia Storytelling, with Chris Ferriter

Playmakers - The Game Industry Podcast

In this episode:

Jordan sits down with Chris Ferriter, an award-winning Producer and Designer. Chris’s career began in 1994, spanning both the motion picture and video game industries. He transitioned to the gaming industry in 1998 and has since produced over 50 games for top publishers like THQ, Midway, Ubisoft, and EA Sports. He is currently the President of Halon Entertainment, a visualization, virtual production, and game cinematics studio. Halon has collaborated with blockbuster films like Star Wars, Avatar, and The Mandalorian, as well as game cinematics for XCOM 2, God of War, Fortnite, and more. Listen in as Chris shares insights on how game engine technology is transforming storytelling and production across industries.

Topics covered:

• Chris’s journey from film to games and back to virtual production
• Breaking into the industry: getting a degree vs. getting your foot in the door
• How to tell the best possible story with transmedia storytelling
• The importance of previs (previsualization) in storytelling and production
• Behind-the-scenes of game development and cinematics
• The COVID-accelerated normalization of virtual production workflows

For more game industry tips:

• Learn more about Jordan & Bright Black
• Listen on iTunes | Spotify (Support the show and leave a review)
• Visit www.playmakerspodcast.com for the full blog post and more!

Episode Timestamps:

[04:48] Chris’s start in the industry and how his background in film influenced his career in games

[06:50] Early experience with optical and digital visual effects

[08:06] Transition to games and joining THQ as a game tester

[10:27] Breaking into the industry: the role of a degree vs. getting your foot in the door

[14:09] Halon Entertainment's role in both game and film production

[16:06] Behind the scenes of big-budget cinematics

[22:42] How small developers can bring cinematic techniques into their games

[28:56] Virtual production workflow and its benefits

[34:24] Virtual production’s impact on the industry during COVID-19

[37:44] Virtual environments and LED stage technology in storytelling

44:58 Chris’s thoughts and advice on storytelling across mediums

Resources & media mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Chris Ferriter:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Learn more about Halon Entertainment:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter

Games, films, & companies mentioned:

• THQ
• Ubisoft
• Midway
• EA
• Halon Entertainment
• CSI
• The Mandalorian
• The Lion King
• Red Dead Redemption
• Fallout
• Dead Space
• No man’s Sky
• Ghost of Tsushima
• Assassin's Creed