OTT & Transmedia : Definition? by Mandi Allen

Hey, Mandi Allen! GREAT question! I full anticipate unpacking it for a while before I give my direct response, but in the meantime, I'd recommend reaching out directly to some of the past contributors to this lounge. I definitely think you should message Ian Buchanan (https://www.stage32.com/profile/807025/about), Stephano Pavone (https://www.stage32.com/profile/673482/about), Debbie Croysdale (https://www.stage32.com/profile/248912/about), and Kacee DeMasi (https://www.stage32.com/KaceetheAmazing).

I'm going to invite some from the Screenwriting Lounge and Authoring & Playwriting Lounge to jump in! BRB!

I think a lot of people easily confuse Transmedia with a franchise or adaptation of their which, of course it might include but is not specifically that.

Hi Mandi, this is a great question. For me, the answer is largely in the inception of the project. As you note, there can be adaptations of media which would not necessarily be “transmedia” in a pure sense. So to me, an authentic transmedia project would incorporate multiple mediums from the offset of the project, to the degree that additional mediums can be clearly defined as a part of the wider strategy rather than just “we could make a game to go with the film”. I also think the better examples of transmedia will show examples of narrative variance between media. An example of this could be the Matrix computer game which focuses on the same world of the films but features unique characters and plot, which are later woven into the larger narrative. Actually, I’d say The Matrix is a definitive expression of a transmedia project. Film, animation, video games, all working in unity to bring about a single vision.

Houston Howard rocks on the subject, I did zoom on line but I think he's got some public domain blogs ETC on web. I did Transmedia at London Film School years back and only recently found Howard.

@Mandi I'm in the process of turning three rough books of notes into one succinct PDF about Transmedia in today's world, which combines many masterclasses. Message me if you want me to email it around end of month. @Ian Excellent example of Transmedia The Matrix, they had twenty animated shorts and in one a question was raised where audience had to find answer in one of the main films. Some have gone further with audience participation EG Dark Knight. Make up classes to look like Joker took place in Central Park, planes with banners flew in sky and phone boxes rang out, who picked up phone got a clue where to find an envelope with a clue to solve a riddle. Transmedia is an Eco System of content on multiple platforms, each layer offering up new and unique information that cannot be found in the story elsewhere on other platforms.

Transmedia is about several stories/media that are all linked to a unique storyworld. Each of these stories expands the storyworld by exploring different aspects of the world or characters, and sometimes it can even form a bigger story once all the stories are connected. The best example is what the Wachowskis have done with The Matrix or more recently the MCU with how the movies and TV shows are connected. I hope it helps.

I think what the new Star Wars venture is becoming is another great example, and one I’m paying close attention to. They have been taking parts of the old property, novels and previously regarded non-canonical works and assimilating them into the “main canon” in various ways (The Knights of Ren for example). I think transmedia could offer a creative space, a sandbox for fans and if handled correctly the property could draw inspiration from that sandbox - it’s a concept I’m looking to develop in my own project.

Hi Mandy, There is a great book out there https://youtu.be/n_2OLiQWfbM and a YouTube vlog about Transmedia https://www.superstory.works/ by Houston Howard He’s got a brilliant way of viewing it and also addresses many of the dangers of pitching Transmedia when you haven’t sold your first tent pole project which causes people to enter the world you are selling. I highly recommend his materials

I love that we're still ruminating about this in other lounges as well! I just made this comment for authors interested in adapting before they publish: "It's an interesting idea, distilling a concept down to a core so that it can be made in multiple mediums. Kind of like beginning with the ends in mind. I feel like three mediums is the most you can move forward with and everything else is either marketing or adaptation (or reiteration). Otherwise, it gets too messy in the development process, which is already pretty elusive.' Checking out those links, Tracy Elise! Thanks for sharing!

Currenlty producing a series that will span TikTok, Intsa, Twitter, FB, Youtube and more... it's being produced like a short film that will play out in short clips over 6 months. (it's not like Quibi I promise ;) Does this count as Transmedia !?

If the story doesn't repeat and instead expands through the different social media, then YES, it's transmedia. ;)

I think the definition of transmedia includes at least two types of media.

I ran across something interesting a while back, Johnny Carson did a senior thesis for his broadcasting professor, “How to Write Comedy for Radio,” which he recorded on a reel-to-reel tape.

Karen "Kay" Ross Sorry for delay in replying, Can't believe 5 months have gone so fast! I'm interested you comment about after 3 it becomes and adaptation, what if you are you are doing different mediums to entice different generations, so they can have a shared conversation? Then the number becomes irrelevant.

Ian Buchanan Love your replay, and yes I agree it has to be from the moment of conception otherwise it becomes an add-on, and The Matrix is a classic example of this in action. I have to admit not watching any of the new Star Wars and related projects, but my (adult) kids have certainly bought into the whole storyline (and way too many lightsabers) with gusto.

Tracy Elise Thank you so much for that video and book recommendation, I'm looking for a copy now.

Hi Mandi, I'm working on some blog posts and articles about transmedia and I'd love to learn more about you and your doctorate research and maybe even write about you! Would you be interested in chatting? And anyone else reading this thread who wants to share info in an article, please let me know!

If your still doing research on this, definitely check out the work of Jeff Gomez and Starlight Runner. They are absolute pioneers of Transmedia. Check out this blog here: https://blog.collectivejourney.com/

Wow Frank, that blog is amazing! Jeff is a genius. Thanks for sharing about Collective Journey :)

@Frank Yes, I have already been following Jeff and his work, and Alison Norrington and the others over at Story Central too.http://www.storycentral.com/storyworld-3