Transmedia

I found this reading to be very interesting because the author gave many great different examples that helped better understand what transmedia is. In the opening paragraphs she discusses that there are multiple definitions to transmedia, partly due to where you are physically. She brings up the West coast and East coast. West coast is very Hollywood, movies are created in Hollywood, video games and so on. Where as East coast creates many independent films, more web-centric, and theater. This is an interesting notion to think about, when I first read this paragraph I was taken back because I truly had never thought of transmedia this way, let alone fully understand what transmedia is. It is interesting to think about, because big cities such as New York are known for artistic abilities, and Broadway shows, not so much big time movies. These are still considered transmedia, but in different ways. The author explains, “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 its own unique contribution to the unfolding of the story”. This relates directly back to the East coast versus West coast, each are using transmedia story telling, but in their own way.

            When thinking about the different transmedia that are used in different parts of the country, I thought directly about Disney, specifically their Pixar movies. Disney is well known and very creditable for all of their Pixar movies, they are able to share the stories in so many ways. Beginning with movies, and even having their own rides at amusement parks, as well as watching a show on Broadway, such as the lion king. Not only are these stories told through so many mediums they are shared and promoted through many ways as well. Such as dolls, stuffed animals, as well as video games. When a story is successful through a specific medium, it gets recreated through other mediums, to make available for their audiences.