What follows is two and a half hours of live improv theatre, where Lorentz – together with five actors – determine the fate of Razah Divrin, The Bjarn, Peng Ooh, Dani Felt, and Ow Gannah through the rules of Dungeons & Dragons. The story, while physically broadcasted from a studio in Lund, brings us to The Bay of Frisvieg, where the sun never reaches above the horizon – a world scripted and imagined by the Dungeon Master – Markku Lorentz – himself, along with his writing partner Joachim Bengtsson.
“Pengu Studios started when I was studying music at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts,” Lorentz says. “Once I had to sing one of my songs for McCartney himself, and halfway through – he joined in, so we jammed together. It’s my parade claim to fame,” Lorentz laughs. After graduating, Lorentz toured with his band Escapist, before eventually starting his own business teaching voice lessons through his own company, Pengu Studios.
While Lorentz began storytelling through music and singer-songwriting, he later found himself in Sweden, working with film. Combining animation and music, Lorentz started a children’s Youtube channel called Merry Music Box, gathering 135,000 subscribers and over 70 million of views to date. For Lorentz, filmmaking and animation became powerful media to engage audiences, tell narratives, and creative interactive content.
In 2020, Lorentz launched Star in a GIF – which later became Star in a Movie – a new multi-tiered entertainment system built on 3D scanning. Using – what Lorentz himself deems as – “some crazy cool tech voodoo,” Star in a Movie lets anyone become a movie star by using an app, developed by Pengu Studios, in which users can scan their own face to create their own 3D avatar. The 3D avatar – almost like a more realistic Sims – may later star in GIFs and short films where the users themselves are always in the spotlight.
But storytelling can’t really go in-depth in short clips of film.
“At the root of it all, I’m still interested in exploring rich worlds and rich characters,” Lorentz says. “Short animations are fun and can be really spectacular, but it’s difficult to get a well-rounded view of a world or a character in such a short time. At the same time, we currently don’t have the resources to work on something longer, where that is possible – like a TV series or a feature film.”
“I used to do a lot of roleplaying in my teens. Before Natural Pengu, which started this year, the last time I played D&D was when I was maybe... 18?” Lorentz smiles. “I started watching these livestreams of people playing – sessions that are three to four hours long – and I was so captivated. It just seemed like the perfect solution to what I wanted to do, as well. Roleplaying games lets the players decide how the story unfolds, lets them explore rich worlds and rich characters, while remaining fairly simple in production.”
Since the sessions are live-streamed, they are all improvised, with Lorentz hiring local actors to play, act, and tell their stories, all based on the rules of the game. Lorentz even reveals that some of the actors had never played D&D or Starfinder before. “Out of nine, I think maybe three of us had played it before. But they’re all doing really well and seem to think it’s pretty fun,” he says.
Lorentz – the Dungeon Master – enters the session with a written script, which is never revealed to the actors. “It’s fairly simple. I give the actors a scenario and they respond to it the way they think their character would,” Lorentz explains. “They never know what I’m going to hand them, but they know the world they’re in and they’re continuously developing their characters, which makes for a really dynamic way of storytelling.”
So far, Natural Pengu has streamed nine episodes, around three hours each, on Twitch – the world’s leading live streaming platform for gaming. While the episodes have already gained traction, Lorentz explains that they were originally intended to be a marketing campaign for Star in a Movie. “But during the first three weeks of recording our episodes, we gained over 100 followers on Twitch, meaning we are now affiliates and can monetize our streams,” Lorentz says. “It’s sort of funny, actually, because now our marketing campaign, Natural Pengu, for our product – Star in a Movie – is a product on its own. And now we’re marketing Natural Pengu… so it’s a marketing campaign for our marketing campaign,” he laughs.
Live streaming has also given Lorentz a new way of connecting with his consumers, focusing on B2C rather than B2B. “The potential is just huge. And it’s fun, too, for us to interact with our followers directly, creating a community.”
Natural Pengu is currently taking a summer break, with Lorentz heading back into the writer’s room to prepare for episodes to come. In the fall, the plan is to launch two episodes per week – one D&D session and one Starfinder session.
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Förra veckan höll NEST ett spännande panelsamtal om framtidens textilproduktion. Slow vs. fast fashion: hur ser framtidens textilproduktion ut? Vad är egentligen hållbart? Se samtalet här!
Read moreDen 7 december kickar vi igång NEST 2023 med ett event om Framtidens Textilproduktion och vad slow vs. fast fashion innebär. Samtidigt öppnar vi upp för anmälningar till NESTs bootcamp – för dig som vill utveckla din affärsidé tillsammans med oss.
Read moreHow do we make the fashion industry more sustainable? In the fashion industry, finding holistic solutions in collaborations across borders might be the missing key. We visit Selma Maric and Kim Nygård at MAX IV to hear more about textile research.
Read moreVinnare av NEST-pitchtävling och TEKOs stipendium på 75.000:- blev startupbolaget RecoMended som erbjuder automatiserade och skalbara textila reparationslösningar.
Read moreA time machine in your pocket, Be Here Then is the winner of the 2022 Creative Business Cup Sweden! Founder and CEO, Charlotte Rodenstedt, tells us about her creative journey and the future for her company.
Read morePlease join us on the 29th of April for an exploratory afternoon and get a taste of the great opportunities emerging out of meeting and collaborating with entrepreneurs, companies, institutions and cities!
Read moreSustainable production, upcycling, digital collections… Fashion production is being re-invented; and Emelie Svensson is here for all of it. MLÌ by SVENSSON recycles polyester and produces avatar-showcased garments. Meet a designer of the new age!
Read moreAs our world turns increasingly more digital, and as the virtual and physical self start fusing, digital fashion might accentuate and create more space for self-expression. How did we get here, what does it mean – and is this our future?
Read moreDen 23:e februari samlades aktörer från modeindustrin på Textile Fashion Center i Borås för att diskutera utmaningar och lösningar i branschen. En sak stod säker: NU är tiden för förändring; och för det krävs korsindustriella och innovativa aktörer.
Read moreVad behövs för att vi ska lyckas förändra textil- och modeindustrin till att bli mer hållbar? Och vad kan vi göra för att nå dit? Missa inte att kolla in hybrideventet den 23 februari kl 11:30-12:00 för att höra en diskussion av vår expertpanel!
Read moreTextil- och modeindustrin är en av världens största klimatbovar. Nu måste branschen förändras. Välkommen att ansöka till NEST – initiativet som ska revolutionera industrin.
Read moreThe textile and fashion industry has one of the biggest climate footprints today. Do you have an idea that could make the textile and fashion industry more sustainable? NEST wants to hear all about it.
Read moreNyligen släppte den alternativa offentliga finansiären Kulturbryggan höstens beviljade projekt inom Konstnärlig förnyelse, Kreativ infrastruktur och Nya finansieringsmodeller. Välkomna på digital infoturné i januari!
Read moreCraftsmanship and sustainability stood in the spotlight at the 2021 Unicorn Fashion Awards. With patterned textures and an exceptional attention to detail, three winners rose to the top. Congratulations KoH T, MIKAGE SHIN, and Hyun Wook Jo!
Read moreHow do we convey complex information in a simple and easily digestible format? This was the question that students at Medieinstitutet tackled while re-defining the brand identity for Norbite, the runner-up in the 2021 Creative Business Cup Sweden.
Read moreIn this week's DARE Story, Aaron Greiner – Founder and Director of CultureHouse – tells us how the pandemic has caused the disappearance of public spaces; as well as a solution to bring them back.
Read moreWelcome back to DARE Stories – the series in which we invite your favorite entrepreneurs to tell their own story. This week, Nathalie Berezina – Founder and CEO of Norbite – tells us about finding innovative solutions to solve world problems.
Read moreOpen call for creative entrepreneurs, startups and smaller IT companies. Pitch your most innovative idea for a digital match-making platform in this collaborative GovTech PubSec challenge from Creative Business Network and the City of Copenhagen.
Read moreThe finalists of the 2021 Unicorn Fashion Awards offer glimpses into the future of fashion. With designers spread across the globe, craftsmanship, innovation, and nature keep them united.
Read moreWhat drives Elin Beckman forward is the enormous pleasure of playing music and making a dance floor happen “DJ:ing for Crossing Borders was such a pleasure and honor and I really loved the initiative."
Read moreAn interactive media technology that changes how we act, think, and feel about branded content, Phlay engages audiences in an innovative way. During this week’s episode of Recap & Rewind, we revisit Mario Amura – Phlay’s Founder’s – presentation.
Read moreThe life of a plastic bag is glorious by no means. Used for an average of 12 minutes, the plastic may take up to 1000 years to decompose. But factor in 100 wax moth larvae and a plastic bag is digested in 24h. Too good to be true? Nope. Meet Norbite.
Read moreHosted by DARE Clan and ERA-KI, the Unicorn Fashion Awards seeks to find and promote emerging fashion designers to an international platform through a 4-12 month long accelerator program. Let's dive deeper into the UFA process.
Read moreGetting out of a creative rut can be overwhelming. How can psychology help us harness our brain's energy? In this episode of Recap and Rewind – a look back at our annual event, Crossing Borders – we let psychologist Pär Säthil tell us the answer.
Read moreHow can psychology help foster creativity? How do we kick-start our creative processes? In this week's DARE Story, Pär Säthil – writer, psychologist, and former musician – tells us all about the intersection of psychology, creativity, and bravery.
Read moreDuring #BRIGHT21, 80+ countries competed in the Creative Business Cup to be crowned the best creative entrepreneurs in the world. TAI/SafariSeat – representing Sweden – claimed the bronze, ranking them the third best start-up in the world!
Read moreIn this episode of DARE Stories, Kamal Aubakirov tells the story of 360 Mentors: an educational organization changing the lives of youth in Kazakhstan by helping them prepare for college.
Read moreOn this episode of Recap & Rewind: FemTech and its importance in the modern entrepreneurship ecosystem. How do we render a new social reality of services, products, and design to support women’s health? And what really is FemTech, anyway?
Read moreWelcome to DARE Stories – a new series hosted by xPlot in collaboration with creators all over the world. Here, we let creative entrepreneurs tell their story – of daring, of innovating, and building their own. First out: Raul Romero and his Yakera.
Read moreWelcome to Recap and Rewind – a look back at our annual event, Crossing Borders. First out is a discussion on urban design and the importance of creating third places – all through a lens of community, creativity, and CultureHouse.
Read moreSafariSeat, the winners of Creative Business Cup Sweden 2020, are one of the top six creative start-ups in the WORLD! Today, June 30th, they're making their final pitch in the Global Finals of the Creative Business Cup, held virtually at #BRIGHT21.
Read more#BRIGHT21 is a three-day virtual event running from 28 June – 30 June that will change your perspective on entrepreneurship and creativity. Join us to talk fashion and see Footprint Level® – winner of Creative Business Cup Sweden – take on the world!
Read moreThe Crossing Borders event showed us the endless possibilities stemming from the Cultural and Creative Industries. This summer, we’re picking up on loose ends and tying it all together.
Read moreIn a week – on June 28th to 30th, 2021 – Creative Business Network is hosting their annual conference, #BRIGHT21. Of course, xPlot is joining in on the fun! On June 30th, tune in to hear our thoughts on the future of the fashion industry.
Read moreOn the 19th of May, we did something we’d never done before – we hosted a full-blown, international, hybrid event. Thank you to all who came! We had a blast and we hope you did too. Here’s what we learned.
Read moreHow do we build a climate resilient future amidst our ongoing climate catastrophe? We talk to Footprint Level® – the winner of Creative Business Cup Sweden 2021 – to see how their company contributes to the greater good of our climate, world, and us.
Read moreAfter an intense and enthralling final of the 2021 Swedish Creative Business Cup, Footprint Level – under the lead of Mats Huss – emerged as the winner!
Read moreTONIGHT, during our annual get-together, we present the winner of Creative Business Cup Sweden! Curious to hear more? Meet this year’s jury and our impressive top two finalists!
Read moreWhat kind of hero would you like to become? In Natural Pengu, Markku Lorentz explores the concept of cooperative storytelling of real-life, albeit virtual, humans, crossing the borders between life online and life offline. But how? Let's see..
Read moreHow do we render a new social reality of sex? Why is it important? Meet Haruna Katayama, FemTech Analyst, on her journey to democratize sexual pleasure and to normalize women’s sexual health.
Read moreDARE means courage, bravery, and risk. To Riccardo Aimerito, DARE is also an acronym for DYNAMIC, ADVENTUROUS, RADICAL, ECCENTRIC. How do we revolutionize the Cultural and Creative Industries through these four principles? Time to meet the Dare Clan.
Read moreCrossing borders and breaking the glass ceiling; on May 19th, we bring you Elin Beckman, DJ Extraordinaire! Read more about Elin Beckman; and most importantly – get ready to get grooving.
Read moreInternationally acclaimed cinematographer and photographer Mario Amura is crossing borders in many ways. Most recently, by delving into the world of rhythmic-visual performativity and human-computer interaction. Let’s take a look!
Read moreCreativity and psychology might benefit more from each other than we think. On May 19th, xPlot welcomes Pär Säthil, psychologist, writer, and former musician, to speak about how psychology has the power to unlock creative action.
Read moreOn the Swedish CBC Finals on the 19th of May, xPlot welcomes Chelsea Linder from gener8tor and Suai Kee from gener8tor’s Motown Musician Accelerator, to speak about the creative economy and the music industry in the United States and globally.
Read moreThe winner of Creative Business Cup Sweden does not only get to represent Sweden at the Global CBC Finals in June, but also snatches a spot in an exclusive training program for creative entrepreneurs: the Creative Business Academy!
Read moreOn the Swedish CBC Finals on the 19th of May, xPlot welcomes Aaron Greiner, founder and director of CultureHouse, to speak about the importance of social infrastructure and how free pop-up community spaces can make a lasting impact.
Read moreThe Creative Business Cup is currently in full bloom, sprouting new and exciting innovations from all over the world. As part of an international network of 80+ countries, xPlot helped pick the winner in Switzerland last week. Let's check them out!
Read moreTime to put your thoughts into action – here’s five reasons YOU should apply to the Creative Business Cup!
Read moreAt xPlot, we believe in the collective power of the entrepreneurship ecosystem. But what is an entrepreneurship ecosystem, really? We ask researcher and scholar Dr. Jasna Pocek to explain and elaborate.
Read moreIn 2019, Johanna Forsman and Andreas Jansson of StoryTourist won the Swedish Creative Business Cup. At the Global CBC, they championed their category. We talk with Forsman to talk CBC, StoryTourist, and the importance of cultural entrepreneurship.
Read moreStart the week fresh with inspiration – enjoy daily visits to Klump cultural incubator to learn and discuss cultural entrepreneurship with knowledgeable guests and passionate speakers. The webinars are informal, informative, and completely free!
Read moreDreaming of growing your creative endeavors? Thinking about starting your own business? Ready for the opportunity of a lifetime? Join the annual Creative Business Cup and turn your thoughts into action! We are here to guide you along the way.
Read moreHow can entrepreneurial education benefit from social learning; and what really is social learning? In an academic study of one of xPlot's previous ventures – Barcamper – we may find the answers to our questions.
Read moreOn March 4th, 2021, The creARTive Sessions begin! Aiming to promote and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience amongst entrepreneurs within the Cultural and Creative Sector, this is a digital series you do not want to miss.
Read moreReset and recharge; let’s have some fun! On February 10–12, 2021, you can join xPlot at the fourth annual – and first digital – Folk och Kultur! 250 activities packed into three days of fun and festivities; and best of all, it’s completely free!
Read moreDo you need to finance a project in 2021? Navigating the Creative & Cultural industries for funding just got a bit easier.
Read moreEven during a tumultuous year of COVID lock-downs and economic uncertainty, Kirill Noskov – founder and CEO of the backpack company IAMRUNBOX – has achieved momentous success.
Read morexPlot and Creative Business Network launch an international educational program for the Creative Industries.
Read moreVälkommen att delta vid ett interaktivt event om finansiering och ekonomi i det nya normala. Oavsett om du driver en startup eller ett etablerat företag så hjälper vi dig att reda ut begreppen och se möjligheterna.
Read moreIn order to create the companies of the future, entrepreneurs need to learn about personal sustainability. For this reason, we’ve invited four top athletes to join the Swedish final of the Creative Business Cup.
Read moreGather your thoughts and sharpen your pens, because the applications for CBC (Creative Business Cup) are open!
Read moreWe can help you take your business idea to the world together with investors, business coaches and a massive international network!
Read moreTo support the entrepreneurs in our network, we’ve, therefore, joined forces with Creative Business Network, a global organization whose main focus is to support startups in the creative industry.
Read moreEver wondered how the old train station looked like or how the main city square was used 200 years ago? In October, one of our startups who made it to xPlot's national finals during 2018 launched their time machine app in the city of Lund in Sweden.
Read moreI have always believed that good design and creativity can help solve the most complex problems in the world.
Read moreCompete for SEK 20,000, business coaching, marketing, mentoring and other profits that will bring you to fruition.
Read moreSweden's incubators for culture and creative industries gathered at Brewhouse's cultural factory to form a new association for incubators within the culture and creative sector.
Read moreCreative Business Cup National Competitions are organized in more than 70 countries, sending winners annually to the Global Finals in Copenhagen.
Read moreJohanna Forsman, co-founder of Story Tourist takes part in the Baltic-Nordic Bootcamp June 4-5 in Helsinki.
Read moreWe are happy to announce the winner of Creative Business Cup Sweden. Next step for Story Tourist is the global finals in Copenhagen the 1-2 of July.
Read moreThe story about a small Italian village that became a leading film and multimedia hub. On the 8th of May, you will hear the full story from Luca Tesauro, CEO of Giffoni Innovation Hub
Read moreFierce competition and strong inflow of applications made it really hard for the jury to evaluate and choose the finalists for the 8th of May in Lund.
Read moreNext, the finals 8th of May at Mejeriet in Lund.
Read moreApply today to the Creative Business Cup Sweden and check if your idea has the potential to succeed globally.
Read moreOn the 4th of April in Stockholm, the Sweden Demo Day will take place!
Read more