In Part 1 of this post I was talking about transmedia storytelling and about how, at least in its current form, it isn't really reaching its full potential.
Here in Part 2 I'm going to try and tackle my issues with current transmedia properties by giving an overview of my own idea for a Harry Potter themed transmedia project.
Firstly, why Harry Potter?
Well; it's a huge franchise already, is built upon a universe which gives great opportunity for expansion and has already crossed over into different mediums: three key points that allow for a new transmedia entity to be successful. (This isn't to say that a new franchise can't attempt the same thing of course, but we're still in relatively early days as far as transmedia storytelling is concerned, and so established franchises are in a better starting position).
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| Humble beginnings for the 'Harry Potter' film franchise |
So, how would my Harry Potter transmedia property work?
It's based upon the idea of combining a video game, a website and a television show to create a cross-platform storytelling experience. Not exactly the idea of telling one story across different mediums, but rather using different mediums to tell multiple stories that all relate to the same world, the same parent property.
It begins with the video game: An MMO game (massively multiplayer online game) set at Hogwarts Castle and the surrounding areas. Each player creates and takes control of a Hogwarts student who can then freely explore the game-world, take part in quests and activities and can interact with other player characters who are all roaming the grounds simultaneously. The game is designed to encourage player to player interaction and offers the players the necessary tools to create their own adventures.
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| Previous 'Harry Potter' video games have fallen short of fan expectations |
The most important feature however, would be the game's 'replay editor'. Similar to previous games who have used the technology (Grand Theft Auto 4, Driver 3 etc.) the game would allow players to view their previous game-play, and use editing tools to cut together a short movie created from their in-game activities. A player could, for example, have a duel with another character and then use the replay editor to turn it into a Harry Potter/Western duel mash-up. The possibilities are limited only by each player's imagination.
That's just the first stage though.
In stage two players would be able to upload their video creations to a specialised website where other players (and people interested in the website only) can watch, comment on and vote for their favourite movies. The system would work much like Lego Cuusoo, whereby popular creations are voted into a review stage, and here's where it gets exciting.
In stage two players would be able to upload their video creations to a specialised website where other players (and people interested in the website only) can watch, comment on and vote for their favourite movies. The system would work much like Lego Cuusoo, whereby popular creations are voted into a review stage, and here's where it gets exciting.
The third stage takes this to another level. The most popular video creations will be judged by a team consisting of creators of the video game and of the Harry Potter franchise. The videos deemed good enough will then be taken and transformed into short cartoons by a dedicated animation team, ready to be broadcast on children's TV networks.
From video game to children's TV show this process takes one property and expands it beyond traditional media platform boundaries. It puts creativity in the hands of the consumer whilst retaining enough company control to ensure quality content.
Though admittedly ambitious, it is a promising transmedia platform. Not only does it engage and involve audiences through the creation and selection processes, but it also combines the audiences from video games, the internet and television: players can become viewers; viewers can become creators; creators can become judges. The system allows for a level of involvement not yet seen within a transmedia property.
It might not, in this brief overview, be perfect, but what it does is answers some of the problems regarding current transmedia stories. Of course, Harry Potter is just one example, this method could be applied to multiple properties as well as new creations. The important aspects are the combination of video games, the internet and video content to engage and unite audiences.
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| A look at how this 'Harry Potter' transmedia franchise could cross multiple platforms |
From video game to children's TV show this process takes one property and expands it beyond traditional media platform boundaries. It puts creativity in the hands of the consumer whilst retaining enough company control to ensure quality content.
Though admittedly ambitious, it is a promising transmedia platform. Not only does it engage and involve audiences through the creation and selection processes, but it also combines the audiences from video games, the internet and television: players can become viewers; viewers can become creators; creators can become judges. The system allows for a level of involvement not yet seen within a transmedia property.
It might not, in this brief overview, be perfect, but what it does is answers some of the problems regarding current transmedia stories. Of course, Harry Potter is just one example, this method could be applied to multiple properties as well as new creations. The important aspects are the combination of video games, the internet and video content to engage and unite audiences.
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