In partnership with local Norman businesses and art galleries, The Walker Arts District Branching Narrative Extravaganza is an interactive movie showcasing the local arts community, allowing viewers to control the narrative’s outcome. Filmmaker Dennis Spielman conceived the project during the pandemic as a unique adventure for people but delayed the movie for safety concerns.
The movie’s story follows Jordan (played by Rick Lockett), whose date, Avery (played by Sarah Fenner King), takes unexpected twists and turns as two time-travelers alter the outcome of their choices. With 13 scenes to watch and six different endings to discover, participants can enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure tailored to their decisions. Locations include MAINSITE Contemporary, Apple Tree Chocolate, Michelnagelo’s Coffee and Wine Bar, the Norman art alley, Resonator, The Depot, and more.
Erinn Gavaghan, Executive Director of the Norman Arts Council, praised the experience, saying, “I remember ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ books I read as a kid. I absolutely LOVED them! Dennis Spielman and The Show Starts Now have taken the spirit of those childhood treasures and turned them into a brilliant way to choose your adventure through the Walker Arts District, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The Norman Arts Council gives a HUGE thank you to the team for this creative and fun marketing of the Arts in Norman.”
Initially launched as a game where visitors scanned QR codes on posters throughout the district, The Show Starts Now has expanded access to the interactive short film by making it available on their YouTube channel. Now, people from anywhere can embark on an adventure in Downtown Norman and explore the Walker Arts District’s unique charm.
Sarah King, who plays Avery in the film, shared her excitement for the project: “As a lifelong resident of Norman and lover of the Arts, I’m excited to show off our cool town and the many opportunities available for arts, fun, and chaos! I hope this project helps people discover some hidden Norman gems they may not have visited before.”
Join the adventure and explore the Walker Arts District through this innovative online experience now available on The Show Starts Now YouTube channel. The movie starts with Jordan and Avery at MAINSITE Contemporary Art. Avery shows an unimpressed Jordan the exhibit of ONE: Mashup, part of the Norman Arts Council’s yearly fundraiser event. At the end of each scene, the video presents a choice of where to continue next. Select the following location until reaching one of six different conclusions.
Watch The Walker Arts District Branching Narrative Extravaganza on The Show Starts Now YouTube channel by starting with the MAINSITE Contemporary Art scene.
Launching on Tuesday, May 16th, The Show Starts Now will be Oklahoma’s first streaming platform service with a mission to help people get off the couch and have an adventure. The platform will feature such shows as Take A Bite with Phi, Leadership Board, Creative Burgers, Art & Victory, Visiting Haunts, Tales Unveiled, Uncovering Oklahoma, and Yes! Science! Creator Dennis Spielman is a Governor’s Art Award recipient for Media Coverage for his travel show, Uncovering Oklahoma.
