Transmedia

Transmedia is like telling story through different types of media.  A lot of the DC Comics like Batman and Superman they all started with comics books and newspaper comic strips. Over the years as technology has evolved, so have our favourite characters using the latest media applications. Movies, Television shows, You Tube video’s, video games and Lego characters, just to name a few.
“Like a giant puzzle, each piece also contributes to a larger narrative. The process is cumulative and each piece adds richness and detail to the story world, such as character backstories and secondary plotlines.” (Rutledge, 2015)  Dr Pamela Rutledge also explains that transmedia allows the audience to be creatively involved in the characters stories. Following the characters through their stories and also creating new stories for them with the use of videogames, fan blog pages and social media.

Transmedia storytelling can attract all types of people to connect with their favourite characters through different types of media. Not only the main story but also the back story of the co characters. For example, The Harry Potter series of movies, a book was mentioned in one of the movies called the Tales of Beedle the Bard. JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, published this book after the last book was published. There are also websites related to the series. One that I quite liked was “Beyond Hogwarts” (this website is not affiliated with or approved by Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros., or J.K. Rowling).  It has stories regarding the movies, about some of the spells and also has a discussion page where like mined Harry Potter fans can chat and discuss the story and characters.

Transmedia has transformed how we can tell stories in the the 21st Century. If we love and connect to a character, we can follow their stories like they were real life.

References

Dr Rutledge, P. (2015) What is transmedia story telling. Retrieved from http://athinklab.com/transmedia-storytelling/what-is-transmedia-storytelling/

Warner Bro. Entertainment. (2015) DC Comics. Retrieved from http://www.dccomics.com

Haber, D. (2006-2010). Beyond Hogwarts. Retrieved from http://www.beyondhogwarts.com/harry-potter/topics/beedle-the-bard.html

Rowling, JK. (2012) JK Rowling. Retrieved from http://www.jkrowling.com/en_GB/#/timeline/beedle-the-bard/