Secrets of Big Data: new docuseries featuring faculty from The Creative School explores the enigmatic world of big data
Improvements in modern medicine, emergency natural disaster systems and social connection on a global scale are some of the innumerable benefits technological innovation has provided society. But there are many ways in which technology can also pose a risk to us, and these consequences aren’t always widely discussed in public discourse.
Secrets of Big Data is a new, richly informative series featuring RTA School of Media professors Ramona Pringle and Dr. Kristopher Alexander that takes a deep dive into the vast and uncharted world of big data. The docuseries was recently released on Superchannel via Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime, and highlights our ever-evolving relationship with technology.
Secrets of Big Data, series poster courtesy of Superchannel
Released on July 4, 2022, Secrets of Big Data is a six-part docuseries that delves into the mysterious world of big data and the promises and pitfalls that come with it. Featuring industry leaders, subject matter experts and digital journalists the project utilizes case studies to uncover the ways in which corporations acquire data, how hackers can exploit vulnerable security protocols and the inherent benefits and risks of artificial intelligence and sentient machines.
Professional leaders and subject matter experts at The Creative School
Among the star-studded cast are two professors from the RTA Media program at The Creative School, Ramona Pringle and Dr. Kristopher Alexander. Ramona Pringle has extensive experience as a multiplatform producer and journalist. She is also the Director of The Creative School’s Innovation Studio (opens in new window) . Being an expert in research-creation in video games and esports infrastructure Dr. Kristopher Alexander is better known as the professor of video games. He is currently developing his own video game that personifies his doctoral research in audience engagement via interactivity.
Ramona Pringle, Associate Professor at TMU
Dr. Kristopher Alexander, Associate Professor at TMU. Image courtesy of Robert McGee
Both were brought on for their expertise in their subject matter, thanks in part to Meagan McAteer, a Media Production (MA) alum who also happens to work closely as a writer with the production company behind the series, Shark Teeth Films (external link, opens in new window) .
"I was hired to write for Shark Teeth Films in December of 2021 for the series' Secrets in the Jungle'," stated McAteer. “Then I learned that the production company was also working on 'Secrets of Big Data' and beginning to cast for subject matter experts. I immediately thought of Ramona and Kris."
Her recommendation to series showrunner and award-winning editor Ben Manthorpe provided Pringle and Alexander with the opportunity to play their part in Secrets of Big Data.
Ramona Pringle, on the set of Secrets of Big Data. Image courtesy of Ben Manthorpe.
Identifying the disruptive power of technology
Revealing the cryptic ways in which big data inadvertently cause harm to society is a central theme throughout the series, and the technologies we use play a critical role in this, as Dr. Alexander revealed.
"Much of my work focuses on what I call Digital Bravado, which is one's own false sense of confidence with technology as a result of simply owning specific technologies," remarked Dr. Alexander. "This series looks at some of the issues behind our technology, which can help us realize just how disconnected we are from many of the devices we use every day."
Dr. Kristopher Alexander, on the set of Secrets of Big Data. Image courtesy of Ben Manthorpe.
Additionally, while many of the ideas and themes brought up throughout the series may seem like common knowledge, the extent to which big data affects our everyday lives is far more opaque. Queue the expert opinion of the on-screen cast.
"I was brought on to help explain some of the big issues the series delves into, and make them accessible and relevant to a wide audience," stated Pringle. "These issues are so pertinent to our lives but can often seem ‘out there’ and this was an exciting opportunity to help tell stories that would help a wide audience grasp the impact of big data on many aspects of our lives."
A product of the times
For such a well-thought-out series, the project only took just over a year to produce. After the initial development in the spring of 2021, the series production partner Off The Fence green-lit the series a few months later, with production running from November 2021 to June of this year.
Series showrunner Ben Manthorpe commented on the filming experience and how amazing it was to work with such a talented cast. “Working with Kristopher and Ramona was incredible!” replied Manthorpe. “Not only was it a blessing for them to be in Toronto, which greatly simplified the logistics of trying to produce a show during covid, but also their broad scope of knowledge in the tech world was such a fantastic fit for the show.
Manthorpe commented on how refreshing it was to have Pringle as a cast member with her extensive knowledge of the technology and new media landscape and acting experience. What’s more, Pringle was committed to working on this project with a newborn at home!
“It was fun to film this during COVID!,” exclaimed Pringle. “They reached out to me last December. My son was only five days old, and we were in the middle of a COVID wave. I loved the idea of the show and really wanted to participate, but didn’t know if I’d be able to. Luckily they were really accommodating and waited until I was comfortable filming to record my parts!”
Similarly, Alexander brought his own breadth of expertise to the production, along with a teleprompter and some other equipment to increase efficiency.
“When [Alexander] showed up for his first shoot, he set up his teleprompter and proceeded to breeze through his interview questions and bites with incredible ease,” exclaimed Manthorpe. “His ability to do so with great energy and confidence added a very welcome dynamic to the show. While some interviews were taking upwards of four to five hours, Kristopher was wrapped and out the door in a little over an hour.”
Behind the scenes of Secrets of Big Data. Image courtesy of Ben Manthorpe.
Filming during peak restrictions also proved to be a creative challenge that Pringle hoped to demonstrate to her students.
“I will always remember it because it was such a unique on set experience,” said Pringle. “The director and producer we’re all remote, to keep the set as safe as possible. It was just me and the camera operator. But as they say, the show must go on! I am always talking to students about being able to make creative pivots and being resilient and this was a great real world example of that.“
The series provides audiences with a comprehensive look at how our data is collected, analyzed and manipulated, with fascinating case studies to back it all up. And with an ensemble of experts and industry leaders leading the cast, the poignant series accomplishes what it set out to do: to reveal the secrets of big data.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Secrets of Big Data, you can stream all six parts of the series on the Super Channel network (external link, opens in new window) , either through Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime.
About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.