Transmedia Storytelling is very similar to distributed narratives in that the narrative is distributed not through authorship, but across networks. It differs in that transmedia storytelling can be portrayed though several networks rather than just one medium such as one website that is used to tell a specific distributive narrative story. “Transmedia storytelling represents a process where integral elements of a fiction get dispersed systematically across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience. Ideally, each medium makes it own unique contribution to the unfolding of the story” (Jenkins, Transmedia Storytelling 101). Some examples of the multiple delivery mediums that can be used to portray a certain story are through films, comics, by having viewers interact with characters on websites, video games, by following leads on Twitter or a Facebook page, or even through the display of action figures, which can encourage children to construct their own stories about the fictional characters or costumes and role playing games which invite us to immerse ourselves in the world of the fiction.
Examples of storylines that use transmedia can be the Matrix, where key bits of the story are unfolded through several different networks, such as live action films, a series of animated shorts, comic books, and video games. Another example can be other movies such as Batman Begins or Superman Returns where there were comic books released in advance before the actual films that provided back-story and key bits of information of the stories, which hyped up the release of the films as well as enhanced the viewer’s experience of the story or film.
“Transmedia Storytelling engages consumers through different means, shifting from the traditional linear story, to a more complex, multi-dimensional “story world.” These characters and “story worlds” can exist and develop outside of their initial film timeline, and this integration will allow consumers to enjoy the entertainment on a number of levels” (Vitter, Transmedia Storytelling). Therefore, by using these several different platforms of deliveries, it allows the story to be unfolded in several different ways, allowing the audience to create a story of their own, get more involved with the characters personalities, use their imagination and fill in the gaps themselves.
Like distributed narratives, many stories are told perfectly well within a single medium, and the audience leaves satisfied, ready for something else. “Transmedia represents a strategy for telling stories where there is a particularly diverse set of characters, where the world is richly realized, and where there is a strong back-story or mythology that can extend beyond the specific episodes being depicted in the film or television series. Transmedia represents a creative opportunity, but it should never be a mandate for all entertainment” (Jenkins, Severn Myths About Transmedia Storytelling Debunked).
My example of a story that is told across various networks and medias is the classic story of Madeline. The well-known story of Madeline uses plenty of forms of transmedia. For example, the story of Madeline uses many different mediums to present the story to their audience through storybooks, dolls that children can play with that are made to be Madeline, several movies about the story of Madeline, as well as several Madeline board games, and even a Madeline Monopoly game, which even include Madeline figurines. There are also puzzles that create out a scene from the story of Madeline as well as card games, computer games, and video games about the story. I remember reading all of the books, watching the movies, playing several of these computer games, and even doing the Madeline puzzles when I was younger. Even though the story of Madeline is old and the latest movie that was filmed was over thirteen years ago, it is still a classic story that every child learns and every adult remembers. The story is still being kept up and extended onto currently in our world today. “The extension may add a greater sense of realism to the fiction as a whole” (Jenkins, Transmedia Storytelling 101). There are even Madeline fan clubs online as well as a Madeline Facebook page. “Transmedia allows gifted storytellers to expand their canvas and share more of their vision with their most dedicated fans” (Jenkins, Seven Myths About Transmedia Storytelling Debunked). Since Madeline uses transmedia, it has expanded their canvas of their story and allows the audience to engage more with the characters and use their imagination to continue adding on to the story of Madeline.
“In transmedia, elements of a story are dispersed systematically across multiple media platforms, each making their own unique contribution to the whole. Each medium does what it does best--comics might provide back-story, games might allow you to explore the world, and the television series offers unfolding episodes.” (Jenkins, Seven Myths About Transmedia Storytelling Debunked). Transmedia storytelling is very effective because it allows the audience to drill deeper into the stories that they love.
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