Transmediality

Transmediality refers to the circulation of a story or narrative across multiple media platforms. This is not simply about adapting a story from one medium to another, such as a book becoming a film. Instead, transmediality emphasizes how the narrative is expanded and enriched through the interplay of different media. Each medium contributes uniquely to the overall story, and the audience often engages with the narrative across several of these platforms.

The concept suggests that a transmedia narrative is a deliberate design, where different media are used to tell a cohesive, yet often fragmented, story. For example, a film might introduce characters and plot points, while a related video game could delve into the backstory of a secondary character, and a comic book series might explore events happening concurrently with the film. The audience's experience is thus cumulative, with understanding and enjoyment deepening through engagement with various media.

Key to transmediality is the idea of synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Each medium offers a distinct perspective or narrative possibility, and their integration creates a richer and more immersive experience. This approach is often employed in franchise building, allowing for extended world-building and sustained audience engagement. The audience is encouraged to actively seek out and piece together the narrative across different platforms, becoming active participants in the story's unfolding.