Frank Nack

Name: Frank Nack

Position at UvA: track coordinator, researcher, lecturer

"I received my PhD with a thesis on “The Application of Video Semantics and Theme Representation for Automated Film Editing,” at Lancaster University, UK.  Since then I worked in various research and art institutions on the problem of human communication and creativity in the context of knowledge-based media systems."

"My interests are cover fields such as the study and creation of systems that enhance human communication and creativity, the detection, representation and manipulation of experiences in ambient environments, interactive storytelling, computational applications of media theory & semiotics,  AI and film (semantics, semiotics, perception) and computational humour theory."

 "My interest with computer games lies in the combination of storytelling and user modelling, both as parts to better shape the experience space of a game and potentially the environment it is played in (urban drama)."
"The interdisciplinary approach of Game Studies is in particular appealing. This does not only means that play and game are investigated out of different point of views. It is also important that the students cover very different life and experience backgrounds, resulting in a stimulating working environment. A student in this track should be openminded, eager to learn, create realities out of their imagination, think out of the box …. and then reflect about those processes and their results in a constructive manner."