HAVE you ever wanted to meet your favourite cartoon character on the set of their animated film or series? Maybe do a little dance together and share an ice cream? Or how about spotting a dragon singing in Skipton Castle? Well, now you can with Kettu Studios’ mobile-app: Dogs’ Dales!
Today’s smartphones and tablets are capable of augmenting reality through their screens and sharing information in a new and exciting way - and this weekend, Dogs’ Dales augmented reality (AR) comes to Skipton.
Skipton-based digital artist and film professional Virpi Kettu, of Kettu Studios, is the creator of Dogs’ Dales. It is full of regional folklore creatures and dancing dog characters inspired by real people.
Now, Dogs’ Dales has been made into an animated TV series and multiple location-based AR trail mobile games. It will launch on Saturday, May 21, in Skipton.
During the weekend, there will be app helpers guiding the uninitiated to use the game and take fun pictures with the digital dogs.
Once the trail is completed, the game will generate a voucher to collect a treat from a shop in the town. The app is free to download from online app stores from the weekend onwards.
Virpi, who came up with the name Dogs’ Dales because when she first moved to the area it seemed everyone owned a dog, said: “The aim of this project is to shine a new and exciting light on our historical home through a fun story that is based on this reality and local folklore.
"The hope is that this will entertain locals and visitors alike, and invigorate the interest in the area, as well as inform people about the digital possibilities.”
“This AR app is easy to use, fun for all ages and is intended to be something families and people of any age can do together, or on their own too.
"It will take you to an easily accessible, fun trail around town to meet Dogs’ Dales characters and in the end give you a treat voucher for a local independent business. A great way to explore the town."
Virpi added: “Personally it has been very inspirational to learn about Skipton and the Dales; the history, legends and amazing personalities in the region. This project is my homage to the magic of the area and the great cultural heritage.”
The Dogs Dales app is one of the projects funded by Historic England’s Skipton Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative to revitalise rural town centres.
To find out more, visit www.dogsdales.com
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