Lots of Bang2writers are interested in Transmedia, but have no clue where to start – so here’s Luke with a short but sweet “step by step” guide to getting started. Thanks Luke! So, no excuses people … what are you waiting for?!
There’s so much information out there on the internet, it’s hard to know what’s relevant and what isn’t. Particularly with Transmedia. It’s such a broad term that it invites chaos when trying to find out how to start in Transmedia yourself. So I wanted to create a small list of resources – inspiration, tools, books, blogs, etc, to help get you started in Transmedia.
You may want to purely write for Transmedia projects, which is okay, but I wanted to give you an insight into the making of Transmedia.
First and foremost, here’s the key takeaway.
It’s Only As Complicated As You Want To Be
That’s the secret. You could create something as complex and as code heavy as CLOUDS, or you could start with something simple, like an interactive short film. It’s up to you. You don’t need to be a computer genius to make Transmedia (but if you do need one, find one to collaborate with!).
Inspiration
If you were to ask what was possible with Transmedia, I’d tell you the world is possible, then you’d cry and shout ‘What do you mean?’ and break down into a puddle on the floor. So instead, let’s have a look at what some other people are creating:
i) PHRENIC – Mike Vogel wanted to create a “Choose Your Own Adventure Book” for the mobile phone generation, so he created Phrenic. It combines the use of an interactive video narrative, games and interactive literature. You can experience the story on your desktop, but he’s also packaged it all into a cool little app.
ii) LOVES OF A CYCLOPS – We’ve featured Nathan Punwar’s immersive short film on Bang2Write before (ICYMI, catch up HERE). He embellished his short film project with a slew of archive material that will keep you reading, listening, and watching for hours.
iii) CLOUDS – This is on the heavier side of it Transmedia. CLOUDS is an interactive documentary. The team created a whole new cinema format called RGBD and used it to capture interviews with various curators, designers, and critics, to create this documentary. I’m not saying that this is what you should be trying to do in your back garden, but I just want to demonstrate how wide the term Transmedia truly is.
Remember – ‘USE THE TOOLS AVAILABLE TO FURTHER THE STORY’!!
On that note … here’s some:
Tools
iv) Youtube – Here’s a lesson on how to make an interactive YouTube video.
v) Free Interactive Video Tools:
vi) Not sure what a “Shared Story World” is? Click HERE.
Advanced:
vii) Finally, if you’re looking to outsource any techie jobs that you just don’t want to do yourself, try these websites:
MORE LINKS TO HELP:
5 Ways Transmedia Can Help Scriptwriters By Nuno Bernardo
5 Transmedia Lessons Learned from “Loves Of A Cyclops” by Luke Kondor
5 Reasons Writers Should Consider A Transmedia Project by Dylan Spicer
Story2OH by Jill Golick
Starting out in transmedia – 5 points of advice
Here Are the 5 Things That Make a Good Transmedia Project
5 Steps For Successful Transmedia Storytelling
Top Ten Choose Your Own Adventure Style Youtube Videos
BOOKS
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BIO: Luke Kondor writes stories and make films and stuff. Underdog style. When he’s not interviewing storytellers on his podcast, he’s working on his book of short stories. He blogs. He tumbles. He tweets at @lukeofkondor. Join his super special mailing list and he will consider you a true friend for the rest of time.
