Convergence Media Teamwork

A new year, a new media area of interest and a new module to delve in to! 

We recently had the introductory session of 'Convergence Media Teamwork'. This module is all about transmedia - media which is across a range of different platforms, such as viral videos, apps, websites and social networking. Jenkins (2007) said, "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". These are often used in 2 different ways: firstly in transmedia storytelling which can be a standalone project or used to promote a famous tv show or film, such as Game of Thrones; or they can be used in campaigns as this enables them to get the message spread wider across the world as it is using many platforms. 

We were shown a few examples of both kinds and I've linked below a few of my favourite ones:
http://www.ryman-novel.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOOJl5lWNfM


Our task is to either create a transmedia story or transmedia campaign and produce a presentation on our chosen idea in groups of 3. After being initially confused about the task, I asked fellow students for a clearer explanation which I received and now I'm really excited about the task ahead. I love to experiment with different types of media and the idea of bringing them all together to make a bigger piece appeals to my interests. 

Multiplatform stories are going to become bigger and better in the future and why shouldn't they - as more media users own more media players such as the traditional tv and computer, but now also the use of smartphones and tablets are the increase, the need for media to be accessible everywhere is becoming a necessity. Smart media creators will embrace this and use this as, not only an outlet for their creation, but also use them as a method of advertisement because it will reach a far great number of people.