Transmedia: A Series of Unfortunate Events

     Over the years it has become extremely simple to spread ideas and continue stories onto various platforms through multimedia and the use of transmedia. Multimedia is a system of relaying information or entertainment that includes many different forms of communication. For example, it may include video recordings, audio clips and photographs. Transmedia is the technique of telling stories or experiences across multiple platforms and formats using digital technology. It allows different audiences to experience several types of media through film, television, video games, etc.

     One of my favorite books growing up was A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. The series is made up of 13 novels which follow the chaotic lives of three orphans after their parents perish in a fire. Due to its success among children, a series of games based on the books were distributed by Mattel titled The Perilous Parlor Game and The Catastrophic Card Game. They were used to expand the series and tell different stories depending on the players’ outcome. Although this was inspired from the novels, it contained new narratives from outside participants under a different format.

   

            

     Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a film adaptation of the first three books in the series. It was released in 2004, around five years after the release of its novels.  The movie mixed various events and characters into one consistent story, adding newfound humor and dialogue in order to appeal to a broader audience than those of the books. The film’s popularity led to a video game by Adrenium Games and Activision for the Play Station 2, Game Cube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance and PC. It included many plot elements, neither seen in the movie nor the series.

    Nearly 12 years after the release of the novel series and film, Paramount Television announced its plans to adapt the books into an original television show. The first four books in the series will be adapted into two episodes in the first season. Unfortunate Events will initially consist of eight episodes, set to be released through Netflix on January 13, 2017. The use of transmedia has allowed this series to live on and grow into the digital era through streaming. It will also bring on a new audience, including a younger generation of viewers.

     

 

     In Henry Jenkins’ Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide, Jenkins states, “Transmedia storytelling refers to a new aesthetic that has emerged in response to media convergence-one that places new demands on consumers and depends on the active participation of knowledge communities.” (20) Technology has allowed various members of a story to continue sharing their ideas in different ways. Authors and producers have been able to franchise their work with the help of fans’ opinions and continuing support. The use of newly created platforms grants consumers the power to reshape and recreate media.

     This strategy urges people to become involved in their interests and ideas. It inspires them to participate in something they believe in or helped become popular. In the article “Transmedia Defined” by Christine Weitbrecht, she states, “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.” (1) The use of diverse media has turned storytelling into a key element that brings multiple members of a community together for bigger and greater entertainment.

     The use of various platforms benefits all sides of those involved. It keeps the creator and their works relevant while appealing to consumers’ happiness from extended material. In his article “Is Transmedia Storytelling the New Digital Marketing?” Jason Thibeault states, “It’s all about engagement now; it’s about digital presence and storytelling. The need for a consistent experience seems like a no-brainer.” (1) This goes to show that storytelling can go above and beyond in the world of media.

Jenkins, Henry. Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York, NY. University Press. 2006. eBook.

Weitbrecht, Christine. Transmedia Defined. Thoughts on the T. 2011. Web.

http://christineweitbrecht.com/transmediadefined/

Thibeault, Jason. Is Transmedia Storytelling the New Digital Marketing? 17 Oct 2013. Web.

http://jasonthibeault.com/2013/10/17/is-transmedia-storytelling-the-new-digital-marketing/