Transmedia

Transmedia Storytelling is telling a story, or multiple stories, that are not contained in one single medium. These stories can span over, TV, websites, blogs and even merge into the real world in the form of ARGs (Alternate Reality Games).
This method creates multiple points of entry for audiences, while also creating a diverse world that fans will be more likely to engage with.


Firstly we must know the difference between Transmedia and Crossmedia.

Transmedia is when a multiple stories are told over multiple platforms, all separately adding their unique part to the narrative.
An example of this would be Batman, in which there are a vast amount of comics, movies and games all with their own unique story.

Crossmedia is one story repeated over multiple platforms that do not supply any additional information towards the narrative other than the original story.
An example of this being Harry Potter, which is a story told across books, movies and games but maintains the same story on each platform.

On a side note, Transmedia Branding also exists, in which an unrelated product, such as a poster or snack which carries branding like characters or logos. These items add no understanding of the narrative but do increase awareness of the brand.

Henry Jenkin's 5 Transmedia Logics

• Logic of Entertainment - People want to be entertained by stories.
• Logic of Social Connection - People will participate in discussions on social networking sites with other fans.
• Logic of Experts - Fans will collectively gather information for the purpose of creation, production and discussion.
• Logic of Immersion - People who are immersed, will be more encourage to participate.
• Logic of Identification - Fans are able to establish an identity dependant on what they watch.

Henry Jenkin's 7 Key Principles

• Spreadability vs Drillability

Spreadable media is media that can be shared, such as a YouTube video. However, spreadable media does not participate with the audience.

Drillability encourage audience to become more involved and engage at a high level. The Dark Knight "Why So Serious?" Campaign is a good example of this.

• Continuity vs Multiplicity

Continuity is when a show maintains a consistent story, often known as "canon."

This story is also not bound to one platform.

Multiplicity is in which a show will have multiple and varying storylines that form no coherent story. Allowing fans to enjoy seeing the characters in ever-changing situations.

• Immersion vs Extractibility

Immersion is the act of allowing audiences to enter the fictional worlds and get abosrbed into the experience.

Extractability is allowing the audience to take aspects of the story away with them, such as merchandise.

• World Building

Creating a world that can hold many stories over multiple platforms.

• Seriality

Encompasses the story and plot, delivering them across multiple instalments over one or more media platforms.

• Subjectivity

• Performance