OTT & Transmedia : Transmedia Innovation Think Tank members sought by Jonathan Kramer

is Chris Milk on Stage32 yet? :)

I don't see him in the database.. Not familiar with the name either.. where is he located?

he's in your neck of the wood's. LA. He's the CEO at Vrse who are dedicated to the production of VR content. http://vrse.works/chris-milk/

Thanks for the information. What you'll notice is there are few if any company leaders in the various platform technologies that have joined this community as YET. This is why I think it's important to educate the Stage 32 community about the change that's occurring as we speak.

I am totally your wingman to make that happen Jonathan!

Glad to hear it Tanya..I've sent you a couple of emails to find a time where we can plan it out via Skype or however you choose :) I'm also grateful for your presence, knowledge and breadth of experience in the "Digital Wild West"

Curious if you're familiar with Daniel Burwen, Dir of Experience at Jaunt VR, or Josh Rose, CEO, Robot Sea Monster Games. They're both speaking at a Transmedia SF event I'm going to tonight along with an interactive documentary filmmaker, Cathy R Fisher.

Hi Jonathan, I don't have a ton of experience in this area, but I've written about it a bit in the past (http://www.amesmedia.org/category/cbook21-project/). I'm looking to get active in the area again. I'll be happy to line up along with Tanya and help get this rolling. It's a great concept.

Todd.. thanks for your interest. Tanya's comment about being my wingman was on another project we had discussed, just so you know. But I'm excited to see you have interest and knowledge which is rare here in the community. Will shoot you a PM once you accept the network connection and we'll go from there :)

Thanks, Jonathan. Great to connect. Full disclosure, most of my knowledge is just informed speculation! But it's an incredible time to be working on this stuff. Thanks for creating the opportunity.

Hello Todd, welcome to the mix! What are your platforms of focus?

Hello Tanya, great to connect. I've mainly been trying to figure out how to apply film story pacing and image-driven stories to the book platform. (I guess that's the right thing to call it. Forgive my neophyte's vocabulary!) I'm fascinated by emerging methods for telling stories and engaging audiences. Glad to be tuned in to your work and Jonathan's.

Jonathan, I would love to be involved! As you know, I'm still learning- but I learn by DOING!

Hi Jonathan, I'm developing an e-book trans or immersive (is there a difference?) media novel with my publisher. It would be interesting to know your thoughts on the potential of audience engagement for storytellers? I guess at this stage I feel that a paperback would've been easier(!), but we wanted to do something different and find a more creative and interactive way of engaging with our readers. (BTW - My publisher is also a UX Designer). Great to read this thread. Best, Geoff

Goeff.. good to hear from you and your projects sound exciting. I sent you a PM to further the chat along. Tanya would be of tremendous assistance as well and is also in the UK :) Looking forward to seeing how we can collaborate and innovate.

hi Geoff, nice to meet you. I'm working at Comic Con this weekend if you'll be around....

Hi Tanya, sadly not at Comic Con this weekend, but maybe we can talk transmedia some time? I'm working up for an appearance at Comic Con in the future, if I can find someone to help get the TV pilot made. The novel is in the hands of the publisher, so I'm awaiting the start of editing. The whole concept was to design a multi-media story which had a two-way interaction with the story, the writer and also appealing to collector with what my publisher calls Easter eggs. We also discussed talking to one of the characters via email, but also covering music, video and other media. My imagination was in overdrive during this process. I think the publisher was a little bit frightened! Have a great time at Comic Con. Best Wishes, Geoff

Hello Jonathan, I would love to be involved. I was just reading about creating a Transmedia Playbook. I will include this in writing my screenplays from now on. Thank you for initiating this adventure! Warm regards, Linda Scarlett

Hey Linda..glad to have you involved as well. I sent you a PM so we can communicate directly. Good to have someone in the US showing interest in next generation storytelling. You'll find the whole concept of storyworld very expansive rather than restrictive.

Sounds like a fantastic project @Geoff. Blending characters into the "real" world (or whatever this thing is we inhabit) may be exactly what it takes to create true cross-media experiences. Thanks for the update.

The "real illusion", @Todd? Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's interesting to see how things (technology) has developed over the last four years, since I talked with my publisher about this concept. We then filled a whole Basecamp app with ideas and concepts, but at that time had no idea of how to realise the adventure. Then I come along to Stage 32 and find there's a transmedia thread, which was kind of cool. I'd seen stuff around Twitter about immersive media, but it all looked high-end and very expensive to participate in the joy of immersive reality. I'm trusting that good things can come from this group. Best Wishes, Geoff

@Todd.. grateful for the interest and response. @Geoff.. yes the rapid development of technologies allows for innovation and creative storytelling which is what the Digital Wild West is all about. Would be interested in knowing what is meant by Basecamp app as well. The purpose for this discussion is to uncover new ideas, platforms and methods that broaden storyworlds being created. As you all know, storyworld is much like a jigsaw puzzle where individual platform narratives can stand on their own, but when combined bring an immersive experience only transmedia can offer.

Hi Jonathan, Basecamp is an App which my publisher introduced me to at the start of the novel project. Whilst I was writing I would open discussions, project files, collected design concept, plot ideas etc. It was a great way of keeping track of all the aspects of the book.

Geoff.. thanks.. I have to think that this is the app you refer to: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.basecamp.bc3 Seems like a good tool to keep organized . Since you're already looked at Conducttr, you know how powerful this tool is for transmedia production and more. Keep up the good work!

What do you all think about Periscope? https://www.periscope.tv/about Have any of you used this in your storytelling adventure?

Yes Jonathan, that's the one. We found it really helpful. I've emailed my publisher with the Conducttr details and await his response. He's busy in Phuket at the moment!

Thanks for the tip @Linda. I'm now following them on Medium.com App.

Geoff, your works sounds interesting. I read that your mind is spinning from all the ways we can use different platforms for our stories. I understand! It is so exciting. I am going to check out Medium.com App. Have you worked with Steller for your projects? https://steller.co

Hi Linda, not so much spinning as more needing to scope the right channels for the story. Steller looks interesting and may work for the more discreet and compact packages for some of the backstories, but not sure. Thanks for sharing.

If you will take the time to study Mike Jones blog (mikejones.tv) , follow Lance Weiler, Jeff Gomez, Rob Pratten and Kirsh Stott (@bellyfeel), you'll learn much. The one thing they all agree on is not to let platforms dictate storyworld. @Linda, Periscope is a very cool tool as is Vine as long as it's being used to deepen the audience experience through interactivity. Blab.im is another multi-video window platform that could be used for character interaction and back story since it's tied to Twitter as well. Again, understanding the essence of the storyworld jigsaw puzzle and putting story/experience ahead of platforms we can create franchises that engage audiences deeply.

Geoff.. this latest blog post by Krish Stott might tingle your creative juices since it's focused on adapting novel to transmedia: http://goo.gl/7uvmM2 Hope this helps.. Krish is in your backyard also my friend!

Hi All, sorry for the radio silence, Comic Con kept me busy. In response to some of the comments above. Its worth reiterating that story and characters have to be at the heart of any Transmedia Universe. Pulling in platforms should be somewhere much further down the process pipeline than some people may think it should be. I'll also throw out the phrase ARG which is where I think Geoff was going with some of this comments. ARG and Transmedia are two different processes which are focused on different objectives. Jonathan, perhaps a collaborative post/live session would be of use for this group?

General question for the group. I'm about to publish a few different podcasts that focus on VR and AR. Are there any members of the group who have an interest in VR and want to discuss this as a separate post/thread within the lounge?

Hi @Tanya, greta to hear back form you. Yes, for the ebook there are transmedia concept for the readers to connect and interact with the narrative, including character back-stories, crime scene investigations photography giving clues to add different layers of knowledge to the 1st world, but also our thoughts considered ARG elements for perhaps a video game, as a later development, depending on how successful we are with the novl! Yes, this would be along the lines of an ARG. So in our minds it would be a multi-layered story with ARG potential. I would also be interested investigating VR.

Hi Geoff, perhaps we're not thinking of ARG in exactly the same terms, since ARG is not confined to the games related platforms but can be executed effectively across any storytelling platform.

Thanks, @Jonathan I shall check out Krish's blog. Thanks @Tanya, I wasn't thinking of confining ARG to video games, it was just in terms of my story, this is the channel we wanted to use to engage readers in a different journey, or experience. Having looked at other options this seemed consistent with the narrative element of 'visions'. Our story is written, so exploring media which is in line with character and plot is important to us.

hi Geoff, have you done any games development previously? you're using the phrase video game and I'm wondering what your attached budget is?

Hi @Tanya, we are not there yet. We are just considering options at the moment and it will depend on what the publisher wants to do and thinks is feasible.

@Tanya. Regarding a separate discussion on VR and AR it would appear that most of the group is 'getting up to speed' on the comprehension of transmedia as a format. Of course VR and AR are important platforms for storyworlds that will benefit. The episodic blog project we messaged about could serve the purpose you mention don't you think? Both Shannon and RB are waiting to hear more about it as well.

sounds like a plan. Lets start with a blog on VR then?

Have any of you read Nuno Bernardo's book, Transmedia 2.0?

Yes along with the first one Nuno wrote. To be frank Rob Pratten's books, Getting Started in Transmedia Storytelling both editions are far better. Also John Truby's The Anatomy of story is terrific and Digital Storytelling is valuable as well.

Yes, Jonathan, i agree. Truby's book would offer some great inspiration for transmedia with his organic storytelling and character web.

This popped into my inbox a few days ago from Krishna Stott. I think it sums up why I love the transmedia concept: So... just to recap, we're looking at a new storytelling technique for the 21st century - Transmedia. Have you heard of the TV show Heroes? A slick modern drama that ran for 4 seasons a few years back. A mass global audience gathered around the show and its characters for the duration of its run. Heroes had some great Transmedia work set around the TV show that the audience could not get enough of. When asked, the show's creator Tim Kring described his thoughts on Transmedia as, "it's like using the whole Buffalo". He means that when you produce a story there is always background to that story that viewers don't normally see. It's like you only get the good cuts of meat onscreen. But Transmedia allows you to use the entire backstory - the meat, the hooves, the tail and everything else. Heroes had extra Transmedia content in the form of: Web Games Print Comics Mobile ARG Fan Content Toys All of this extra content was infused with story content relevant to the main show and characters. Modern audiences LOVE to explore this extra content.

I'm just really learning and understanding how to use transmedia in storytelling and would love to help however I can.

Geoff.. all true which is why I recommended you receive the updates from Krish at Bellyfeel. When/if you read Rob Pratten's book, "Getting Started in Transmedia Storytelling, 2nd edition", it will open up further ideas and principles needed to be explored. Storyworld, or the jigsaw puzzle of individual platform narratives, offers an immersive experience a single platform simply can't achieve. In it's most simplistic stage, social TV/film opens the door to interactivity which can then be moved to other platforms for discovery of content not available in the linear story. @Abigail.. welcome to the discussion group/think tank. The more differing ideas, platform uses and storyworld ideas the better. The goal for this group is innovation while we explore new territory in the Digital Wild West!

Alessa.. thanks for joining the discussion. Since you're new to transmedia you owe it to yourself to do some research and study in order that you connect with the various things being discussed here. Transmedia is not synonymous with cross media which is re-purposing story for a different platform. It's about creating storyworld that's interactive, expansive and innovative in how it's produced.

Thank you, Jonathan! I will get the recommended books! How fun. : ) Love this discussion, and everyone's input! Thank you !

Most welcome Linda.. feel free to communicate directly as well.. this is about taking the group discussion to new levels along with collaborating on ideas we all come up with. Innovation is the key

@Geoff I've been thinking all week about some of the concepts you mentioned - like emailing with the characters. The sense of breaking the infamous "4th wall" in storyworld is so compelling. I imagine sitting up late, reading a gripping mystery ... the villian texts the helpless victim ... and my text alert goes off! Technically tough to pull off, but I'm sure the "wow" moments are rich and just waiting to happen.

Hi @Todd, I think this site means the technology is already here. Take a look at this: http://www.conducttr.com/training/be-inspired/immersive-reader-the-book-...

@Geoff and @Todd.. you will both benefit by reading Rob Pratten's books, "Getting Started in Transmedia Storytelling".. Rob is the founder of Conducttr in case you didn't know. There's another similar platform in beta right now called Horizon Factory which has similarity but isn't as mature. Nuno Bernardo is also very knowledgeable due to being one of the true transmedia pundits for years now. "Transmedia 2.0" is his latest book though there are lots of YouTube videos with him as well.

Thank you for the information Jonathan. I am going to check all this out. Happy Halloween everyone! : )

Fantastic piece of technology. Thanks, @Geoff. And thanks, @Jonathan, for the insights and direction.

I've just enjoyed reading this from Krishna Stott's article on storyworlds: http://www.bellyfeel.co.uk/2014/09/transmedia-storyworlds-fact-or-fiction/

Geoff.. glad you're finding the resources I've suggested of value. You might also find this article of value which was written by Nuno Bernardo, one of the first to succeed in transmedia: http://blog.mipworld.com/2014/06/nuno-bernardo-build-exciting-convincing... Perhaps we can collaborate and share ideas and interpretations some time? That's what Think Tanks are all about :) I also hope you find the time to read the books suggested since they will no doubt open up more creative ideas.

Hi Jonathan, I've just purchased Pratten's book and have started reading it today on Kindle. I've also started conversing with Krish. After only a few pages I thought about transmedia in connection with the pilot script I've written for TV and am beginning to think about it in terms of transmedia rather than just visually transmitted media, if that makes sense. I shall continue to read Pratten's book and yes to sharing ideas. Will be in touch.

Great Geoff... If you got Krish's email today about Mobile, this article is of particular interest for me since the goal of the project that keeps changing is to optimally be lead by the mobile platform: http://www.saydaily.com/2014/01/2014-is-the-year-of-mobile-storytelling Silent History and the iOS app from Tumbleweed are in my eyes, very innovative and as you will see completely different. Geo location is something I want to incorporate in storytelling along with use of objects to be found along with phone calls that will open the door to more content and stories. Also character back stories much be rich in order that other platform narratives can branch from them. Are we having fun yet?

I am having fun just reading these last two comments!!! I will go check this stuff out! : )

@Jonathan, oh yes, having lots of fun. Geo location is something we talked about, of having a map on a website to show where the readers of the novel were dispersed/clustered and in the light of one of the story threads to show them as 'seeds of hope'. This would mean activating a geolocation service when you bought the ebook, not please note as live tracking which my publisher thought may be illegal, but then our smart phones will do that anyway, won't they? Geolocation would also help with local/specific advertising and for events based activity, of course.

@Geoff.. very cool my friend. I have all sorts of bookmarks saved of which I was studying this one from Mike Jones yesterday focused on types of interactivity: http://goo.gl/KiS4ax When we decide on the method(s) to incorporate by platform and then realize mobile offers all of them, it's a no brainer. What Krish states about web video is true in that it's a crowded space. We're focused on uncovering an innovative/interactive mobile storytelling direction

@Jonathan. Yes, I've read Mike Jones' article on Interactive Narrative. Very interesting. I think in terms of what I've written so far with the first novel, that it is more in the line of "reflexive" narrative, but I'm wondering if as it's meant as a series and not a standalone novel, whether it could develop into a different mode and that of the "progressive" narrative and embrace a more reader led experience?

@Mike Leins.. not sure who you're addressing this message to :) @Geoff glad you found Mike's blog article informative. Mike is a major proponent of episodic storytelling since it's a good fit for a storyworld due to its expansive nature and also idea for change due to interactivity. I think the Wrap format would work well since you've written the novels. As far as moving from progressive to reflexive it would depend on the platform; gamifying story is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk sometime shall we?

Hi @Jonathan, I'll disappearing later this week to my Mum's home. Sadly she doesn't have internet and at 85 years of age she said she won't be getting it. I will check in when I can from the airports, but will be back on Wednesday 18th. So, I'll continue to read Pratten's book and keep my imagination flowing with ideas. At least Evernote will work off line!

Geoff.. great and I know about Mum's though I lost mine almost exactly a year ago. Similar to yours she DID have the Internet but never used it :) Yes read Rob's book, make notes and let's circle back when you return.

Will do, Jonathan.

Got it Mike.. sent you a PM :)