Transmedia Storytelling
From Australian Children's Transmedia Storytelling
Transmedia storytelling is not necessarily a new phenomenon. The concept in its simplest form can be seen in things like games, merchandise, store appearances, theme parks and any other kind of media product which is an extension of a storyline. Star Wars and the early Jim Henson films are good examples of early forms of transmedia storytelling. Extra parts (which were often woven into the narrative of the original text on purpose) were made outside the scripted 2 hours of movie time to enhance the viewer’s engagement and understanding of the text. However, digital media and technology have given the concept of transmedia storytelling a more sophisticated definition (see transmedia storytelling defined). Online platforms, mobile phones, podcasts, vodcasts and other digital media channels have enhanced the potential for producers to create stories extending beyond their original medium. As Geoffrey Long states in Transmedia Storytelling - Business, Aesthetics and Production at the Jim Henson Company,
- “the technology is in place – the key, I believe, is in how the content is crafted to take advantage of the opportunities that the technology affords”
the opportunities he recognises as being the increased integration between extensions …
- “if trends continue on their current course, digital delivery is likely to become the primary mode of media consumption and management. If this occurs, then greater integration of each component of a transmedia franchise becomes much, much easier. If each extension is delivered as digital media, then each extension can have digital links built into them … even if only a little digital technology is introduced into a transmedia franchise, we begin to see greatly increased integration between the extensions and a much improved digital experience”.
Defining Transmedia Storytelling Our exploration into transmedia storytelling begins with developing a more complex understanding of the concept, in order to identify the key factors which make up a transmedia story.
Children’s Transmedia Stories It is important to understand transmedia storytelling in the context of Australian children, in terms of the way transmedia storytelling is, in part, a reaction to Changing Media Literacies, and audience expectations. Here we will look at examples of what could be defined as children’s transmedia stories, in order to negotiate issues of Adaptation vs transmediation, additive comprehension, and the creation of a fictional world.
