What is the Kraken Wakes?

The Kraken Wakes is a Radio 4 play based on John Wyndham’s classic sci-fi novel. The novel, which was originally set in the 1950s has been adapted to a contemporary setting. It tells the story of an alien invasion which affects the sea temperatures, causing catastrophic global flooding. With the threat of climate change, the story feels even move relevant today than it did in the 1950s.

What is this interactive pilot?

The pilot takes video footage from the recording of the play and uses a tool built by BBC R&D called the Augmented Video Player to layer additional video content and web links over the screen. The additional content allows the user to dig deeper into the themes that are being covered in the play.

Who made it?

The radio play was a unique collaboration between Radio 4, the BBC Philharmonic orchestra and an independent production company called Savvy. Unlike most radio plays which are recorded in a studio, the actors performed alongside a live orchestra in front of an audience.

The interactive pilot was produced by BBC’s R&D team using footage commissioned by the BBC Philharmonic.

What do we want to learn?

The ‘extra’ videos are interviews with the creative team behind the production which might ordinarily be something you might see as a DVD extra. We want to know more about the value of seeing this type of content in an interactive format within the same screen as the core story. Does additional content enhance the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the story or is it actually a distraction?