Transmedia vs. Multimedia | Part 3

Ankh is an interactive rock opera that combines music, fashion, and technology while telling the story of two people involved in a very personal civil rights battle.

Transmedia vs. Multimedia

From the beginning, Ankh was designed to tell the story through Multimedia–specifically through its live performances, encompassing |

Character

Dialog

Music

Video

Fashion

Unique scenic design

But Ankh also takes the leap to Transmedia–expanding on the live show’s story through the use of multiple media channels.  That’s a fancy way of saying:   I’ll be telling the live show’s story through music released in advance of the show’s performance, photography, and video vignettes.

Meta

In Part 2 of this series, I described what Meta means and how it can be used to further storytelling.

What’s the Meta twist in Ankh?

An important character from Null Paradox plays a role in Ankh.

All too often a Meta character is simply a deus ex machina in disguise–sometimes not very well disguised.

Tip | When developing a Meta character, the critical thing is to not make the character seem like they’re simply being dropped into another story for the sake of Meta.  Instead, create a plot in which they’re an integral part of the story.

I’ve spent a lot of time mapping out how the Null Paradox character and their story seamlessly fits within the world of Ankh and vice versa.  Then it came time to write the plot that combines the primary Ankh characters of Traction and Splinter with the character from Null Paradox.

The key to making this a success is ensuring that the Null Paradox character doesn’t lose any of their Null Paradox-ness while adding an important part to the story of Ankh.  Then going a step further and integrating a bit of the character’s Ankh-ness back into Null Paradox.

 

This story is an excerpt from Concept, my upcoming photography book.  To learn more about my books and classes and to receive a discount, you’re invited to subscribe to my List by clicking HERE.