FIRST SESSION 1-31
Introduction: technology in relation to audience experiences with stories; funding, production and distribution – old (TV, film, etc), and new models: cross-media, trans-media, multi-platform storytelling, interactive media, user-generated media etc. Basic models: 1. Brand extension and marketing, 2. ‘made for web or mobile apps’- webisodes & mobisodes, 3. Transmedia as franchise, 4. Organic Transmedia. Why transmedia?
Case Study # 1
SECOND SESSION 2-7
Storytelling aspects: the use of media should grow out of the story, not vice-versa – focus on the experience, not the device! Which stories could work for Transmedia and why? Story Development, concept and realization – the planning stage, Pt 1.
Case Study #2
THIRD SESSION 2-14
The Planning Stage, Pt 2 – Define your Expectations! Who is the Audience? The Process: Development, Funding, Production, Distribution – how does it apply to production across multiple media platforms.
ASSIGNMENT #1: Multi-platform project analysis and in class presentation – due on 2/16: identify a project that applies one or more aspects of storytelling across various media, research its approach in terms of storytelling technique(s), platforms and audience engagement.
FOURTH SESSION 2-21
In-class Presentations of multi-platform project examples.
ASSIGNMENT #2: Develop Your Transmedia Project Pitch – due 2/23: Questions to consider: what is it about, who are the characters, who is the audience, which media platforms would you use and why – and why is it suitable as a transmedia project/which kind of transmedia?
FIFTH SESSION 2-28
First in-class pitch session, comments and discussion.
Developing the “Bible” – script and strategy: the premise, the story-world, tone, characters, timeline & plot.
SIXTH SESSION 3-7
Brainstorming and Project Development – the “Think Tank.”
SEVENTH SESSION 3-15
Project Development Pt 2: Funding, Production timelines, and distribution options.
ASSIGNMENT #3: Develop your Project – due 3/22:
Project outline, including story synopsis, funding options, timeline, production and distribution.
EIGHTH SESSION 3-22
In-class project presentations; comments and discussion.
NO CLASS 3-28: SPRING BREAK – 3-25 – 3-31
NINTH SESSION 4-4
Breaking into groups – each group picks one project to develop a prototype.
Blog and website creation – basics; where to start; video – shoot, encode, upload- youtube, vimeo and other channels – how many platforms; don’t over-extend yourself! Creating a fluid/flexible strategy that can be adjusted as you go along.
TENTH SESSION 4-11
Content Development & Production; Case studies & examples; building a work-in-progess; audience expectations; the content curve & dramatic elements in a multi-platform environment.
ASSIGNMENT #4: Prepare A work-in-progress report – due 4-12: each group will present where they are with their project at this point.
ELEVENTH SESSION 4-18
In-class wip-project presentations; comments and discussion.
Uses of Social Media: crowd-sourcing, building the core audience/participants through social media; the function of live events; gaming; various apps- gps, maps, on-demand, etc – experts and “experts.” Interactivity – benefits and potential pitfalls.
TWELFTH CLASS 4-25
Distribution Models: Old World vs New World; hybrid distribution; keeping your audience engaged- social media, part 2; international and global channels.
FINAL ASSIGNMENT: Final Project presentations – Groups 1-3 on 4/26 and Groups 4&5 on 5/3
THIRTEENTH CLASS 5-2
In-class final project presentations – GROUPS 1-3; comments and discussion.
FOURTEENTH CLASS 5-9
In-class final project presentations – GROUPS 4&5; comments and discussion.
FIFTEENTH CLASS 5-16
Wrap-up; what does the future hold – transmedia is not a fixed concept! Opportunities and challenges; taking the next steps.
The Producer’s Guide to Transmedia: How to Develop, Fund, Produce and Distribute Compelling Stories Across Multiple Platforms, Nuno Bernardo; Publisher: Beactive Books (April 5, 2011)
The Art of Immersion: How the Digital Generation Is Remaking Hollywood, Madison Avenue, and the Way We Tell Stories, Frank Rose , Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; (February, 2011)
Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide, Henry Jenkins, Publisher: NYU Press; Revised edition (September,, 2008)
**** An extensive list of online resources and articles will be given in class***
GRADES: 60% Class participation and discussion, 40% Assignments.
NO MORE THAN THREE ABSENCES.