Thoughts on Transmedia
Transmedia according to Jenkins (2011) is storytelling that
“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
Weitbrecht (2011) adds to Jenkins’ definition of transmedia by stating that
“True transmedia narratives deliberately use the unique properties of each media platform to help the consumer experience the different parts and perspectives of a story in the most meaningful way possible
While Murray (1998) refers to the rubric of hyperserial to describe the convergence of emerging media. Murray (2012) rejects Jenkins’ rhetoric of transmedia claiming the term is additive. Murray (2012) states that television, video games and websites are not separate and fixed entities. Hyper serial does not look at what a given medium has to offer but rather looks to identify the core human purposes and pleasures of the medium being used.
While all three perspectives on transmedia have something different to add, they can be all connected in how there is a more centralised focus on the audiences’ experience in contrast to traditional methods of storytelling. Transmedia or hyper serial looks to tailor media experience for individual exploration with no set hierarchal bias place on the platforms used to deliver the narrative. The users/audience is placed in charge of their own experience and therefore dictate how much they engage and benefit from a text
Methodology
Parallels can be made between the pacific research approach of talanoa and transmedia. Talanoa (chat, critical discussion) is intrinsic to the way Pasifika people share stories, interact with one another and relate to each other (Vaioleti, 2011). Talanoa is how knowledge is shared among Pasifika people. In a research context talanoa is used to converse in interviews. Talanoa and transmedia erase the distinction between content creator and audience. Co-creation and participatory themes are present in both concepts. While transmedia empowers the audience as creators Talanoa allows participants to (be more than subjects) and be integral contributors.
Method
Using the platform of FB chat allowed me to connect to participants when and where they more comfortable. This allowed the interviewees to feel more relaxed and engage more in the discussion. This aligns with transmedia not only through the multiple platforms that were used but also through the interactivity of video chat. This enabled real time input and interaction. Every discussion and interactions would eventually end up influencing the outcome of the project.
Outcomes
In the context of my research the concept of transmedia is present in the interactive platform/delivery of my study. By using an interactive video platform the audience can create their own meaning to the study. Discovery is enabled by allowing the audience to create their own journey through the video/interviews.
Murray, J.H. (1998). Building Coherent Plots in Interactive Fiction. IEEE Intelligent Systems, 13(6). Retrieved from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=735997
Vaioleti, T.M. (2006). Talanoa Research Methodology: A developing position on Pacific research. Retrieved April 28, 2016, from http://whanauoraresearch.co.nz/files/formidable/Vaioleti-Talanoa.pdf
Jenkins, H. (2011). Transmedia 202: Further Reflections. Retrieved from http://henryjenkins.org/2011/08/defining_transmedia_further_re.html
Weitbrecht, C (2011). Transmedia Definied. Retrieved from http://christineweitbrecht.com/transmediadefined/