Transmedia and multimedia are very similar but have its
differences. Transmedia storytelling is the
technique of telling a story or stories across multiple platforms and formats
using current digital technologies. Multimedia refers to content that uses a combination
of different content forms. Examples of multimedia are text, animation, still
images, video footage, interactivity, and audio. It is normally accessed by
electronic devices. An example of transmedia storytelling is the Blair Witch
Project franchise.
The Blair Witch
Project was a documentary horror film directed by Eduardu Sanchez and Daniel
Myrick released in 1999. The film centered on three teenagers filmmakers,
Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael Williams, who journeyed into
Burkittsville, Maryland in October 1994 in search of a witch. The students
disappeared and their footage was found a year later. The film received was a
critical and commercial success received positive review from critics as well
as grossing $248 million worldwide. It
is one of the most successful independent movies of all time.
The success and
popularity of the film led to its large franchise. In addition to a sequel to
the film, many books were also written about it. In 1999, the book The Blair
Witch Project: A Dossier was released
followed by Blair Witch: The Secret Confessions of Rustin Parr in 2000
and Blair Witch: Graveyard Shift in 2004. A series of eight young
adult books called The Blair Witch Files were released a year after the
film. Independent comic book publisher
Oni Press released a comic book titled The Blair Witch Project in 1999.
Texas-based PC and video games publishing company Gathering of Developers released
a trilogy of computer games based on the film in 2000. Each game centered on
different aspects the Blair Witch mythology.
The benefit of
transmedia is the fact that it covers all bases so to speak. Those who do not
watch movies as much as they read book can simply read can the film. Those who
do not read as much as they play video games can indulge a heart-racing,
action-packed game. Either way, the consumers are educated on the topic. Engaging in transmedia is the smartest decision any film or music corporation The Blair Witch Files can make becasue they will be expanding their audience, therefore generating more profit.
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