This is compulsory viewing for all film, doco and tv producers, writers, directors: The future is here - and it's called Transmedia.
Although US based Transmedia luminary Jeff Gomez, has worked on 'blockbuster universes' such as Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean, Microsoft's Halo and James Cameron's Avatar, he will be presenting his acclaimed six hour seminar, Creating Blockbuster Worlds: The Power of Transmedia Storytelling with NZ budgets in mind. He is appearing as part of ASDCS & WIFT (NZ)'s Transmedia Storytelling Event on July 30 - 31, 2013 at Unitec's Te Noho Kotahitanga marae. See below for some of his thoughts and advice....
So why is Transmedia important?
With media becoming pervasive and every one of us capable of making some degree of noise, how do you cut through a 'chaotic storm of omni-casting for many' to reach your target audience?
How does Transmedia work?
Gomez says you need a system to navigate through the storm and reach your target audience no matter what screen they're spending time on.
"For me, transmedia storytelling is the technique of sharing messages, concepts or narratives with a mass audience through the artful and well-planned use of multiple media platforms."
So what will NZ audiences learn from Gomez?
"During my Transmedia Master Class talks in New Zealand I'll be talking about criteria for a successful transmedia story world. The primary one, I think, is that the world is a rich one with lots of characters, locations and plot threads. It certainly doesn't have to be science fiction or fantasy, but the narrative should almost feel like it could bubble over the edges of the screen and keep going in any direction: past, present, future."
How can I make money from using Transmedia techniques?
Gomez says that Transmedia technique enhances and expands the revenue model, because we are no longer selling a main product (like a movie) and then a bunch of ancillary products that are not terribly consequential.
"Instead, each product in the rollout is a complete and vital story unto itself, and at the same time is an intrinsic piece of a greater puzzle. This promotes collection, it spurs loyalty, and hence generates more cash."
Want to know more? Go to Transmedia Storytelling Event for details and tickets.
Click here to read more from Jeff Gomez from Fiona Milburn's interview on The Big Idea Creating blockbuster worlds
About TransmediaNZ :
Transmedia NZ supports the ongoing development of New Zealand's Transmedia production community, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation, and the sharing of knowledge and ideas. This blog, by co-directors Anna Jackson and Fiona Milburn, will share examples of outstanding Transmedia projects, examine what Transmedia means in the New Zealand context and look at what the # Transmedia is.