Monday, February 16th, 2015

Transmedia: Platforms that speak to one another?

Jonathan Blum

The line separating the various content distribution platforms is become increasingly fine. Every day there are more platforms from which we can access the same content. Audiences want content sources to complement each other rather than be the same, so that they can have a greater number of improved experiences.

This is precisely what transmedia seeks to do: intentionally tell a story “in parts” through the various platforms which connect to one another and which speak to one another across different mediums and channels. The unspoken rule dictates that television is the primary screen which is complemented by computers, cellular phones and tablets. No only that, the screens “speak with one another” to attract viewers’ attention throughout different stages of the story.

But it is not just about dividing up a story. This content hands over the reins to audiences and lets them become the protagonists. They can now create their own stories and even help the protagonists make decisions. Some examples are Miss Venezuela, “My Ex Wants Me“ and “Young Widow“.

For example, at Cisneros Media our strategy is to unify and consolidate our Pay-TV channels with our distribution system. All of our programming has digital extensions such as photo galleries and social network activities. Each new format has a digital producer in charge of designing content to complement the various platforms.

We seek to offer added value across all of our platforms. Rather than competing with the TV, they are our great new ally.