Questions for the article “Transmedia Storytelling 101”

1. Why is transmedia storytelling important in digital convergence communication?

Transmedia storytelling represents a progression in which integral elements of a narrative get distributed accordingly across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a single and ‘coordinated’ entertainment experience. Transmedia storytelling is important in digital convergence communication because it unifies different forms of media through one television show, movie franchise, book series, etc.

2. Why can the media business be beneficial more from transmedia storytelling in distributing their productions?

Transmedia storytelling shares the idea of ‘synergy’ – meaning they hold a wide range of interests across several notable media industries. Transmedia storytelling spreads its franchise across multiple different media platforms. Another notable factor is the fact that transmedia stories are sometimes not based on solely individual characters or specific plots, but instead on distinct fictional worlds which can contain interrelated characters and their stories. Take the Disney/Pixar franchise for example: they always somehow find a way to include factors from future or past films in other films they create, leading audiences to believe they are all in the same universe.

3. How can transmedia storytelling be beneficial for different bodies of audience in consuming productions?

Transmedia storytelling works within different franchises by writers or producers trying to make products that will please different audiences. Take the Spiderman franchise for example; to attract the interest of more female consumers, they created a love interest for their main character (in addition, a completely unique romantic comic called Mary Jane Loves Spiderman) in the comic book series. They also did things like create coloring books to draw the attention of younger audiences.

­

4. How can transmedia storytelling be worked out in terms of collective intelligence in the process of production?

‘Collective intelligence’ refers to the new social structures that enable production and circulation or knowledge within a networked society. In other words, people work together in order to solve problems. This is found very often on online blogging sites – this is because fans of television shows, movies, comics, etc. all work together to debunk spoilers or promos to the next part of their series.

5. How does transmedia storytelling encourage the interactivity with the audience?

Transmedia storytelling promotes interactivity with its audience by creating products that provide a set of goals or roles consumers assume in everyday life. For instance – in the use of action figures or costumes – this encourages children to create their own stories about their fictional heroes.