Transmedia StorytellingHenry Jenkinspresented by Julie Katz

Types of Transmedia

narrative

branding

spectacle

storytelling

performance

games

Transmedia Storytellinghas the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience

In other words...a story gets taken across a bunch of different mediums. Like a movie, you start with a pitch, then a script, then its all over the place. The narrative of the film is represented in each of these places.

Each medium makes its own contribution the the story

Franchises- more mediums better than story?

Storytelling vs. BrandingStorytelling can provide a backstory, new insights, different character developments to an existing fictional universe

example: a bunch of sequels like American Pie

Branding refers to franchise merchandising, doesn’t deep experience of the fictional universe

example: Sugary Sweet StormTroopers

Interaction with stuff=interaction with the story

Action Figures: use narrative as dialogue in play

Adaptation vs. Extension

Adaptation reproduces a narrative to a new medium with minimum changes

example: Harry Potter Movies

Extension expands our understanding of the original story by introducing new elements

example: Spamalot

Spreadability vs. Drillability

Spreadability is the capacity of the public to engage in circulation of a media thereby making it more valuable

In other words, it means a narrative has the potential to be talked about and spread like wildfire which means people want it.

example: Youtube Phenomenons

Spreadability vs. Drillability

Drillability is a characteristic of media that encourages “forensic fandom”

In other words, its a narrative that people are not just going to talk about, they’re going to be obsessed with it and dig deeper to understand the fictional universe beyond what is given to them

example: Star Wars, Star Trek

Spreadability vs. Drillability

Spreadability means more viewers, less digging

Drillability means less viewers, more digging

Both equal some form of profit.

We’re living in a world where we can search for new narratives to be interested in and once we find one, have the ability to find multiple mediums to get deeply involved in it.

examples?

Continuity vs. MultiplicityContinuity is keeping the same narrative across all mediums it is involved in. This is a payoff for fans’ investment in the story, it doesn’t change.

Multiplicity offers alternative versions of fiction, new character developments

Fans can find pleasure in the retelling of stories and new perspectives

But, this can be a threat to the original story

Good continuity and multiplicity or bad?

FUNNY HOW THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME

Good continuity and multiplicity or bad?

ATTACK OF THE DISNEY SEQUEL

BAMBI II: TEENAGE ANGST?

Credits

http://ourenclave.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/batman_begins-poster.jpg

http://www.firstshowing.net/img/incredible-hulk-poster-big.jpg

http://www.impawards.com/1991/posters/hook_ver2.jpg

http://www.thecinemasource.com/moviesdb/images/news/News_Lion_King_Disney_Sequel.jpg

cinderella2dreamsmp.jpg

Henry Jenkins Blog

http://www.henryjenkins.org/2009/12/the_revenge_of_the_origami_uni.html