Transmedia and the Olson twins?

Transmedia Storytelling 101 focuses on the concept that “represents a process where integral elements of fiction get dispersed systematically across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a unified and coordinated entertainment experience.” Transmedia coordinates across different media sectors therefore touching on a wider group of people. Using the example of the Matrix explains this very well. After reading the article and discussing in class all the various ways that the Matrix creators have dispersed their product I realized how interesting this concept really is. I think it’s very remarkable to get clues or understand different characters through such movies like matrix through video games and magazines. I have never been exposed to transmedia storytelling but I find it very fascinating.
I was very impressed by the presentation given by the student in class over Cloverfield. This again is an example of transmedia. I have never even heard of Cloverfield but after seeing the presentation I have a new found interest in the creators and even the fans of this theory of transmedia. I am intrigued on the way that they presented this movie and all the innovative and imaginative ways that they got their fans hooked. I like the idea of when doing transmedia they have a, “set of roles and goals,” they abide by. This makes it more believable and fans know that they will be able to get more information and will not be sent into a dead end. I also found it interesting about the Slushis that they marketed in the clues and websites before the movie even came out. In the article it talked about providing a, “back-story which enhances the viewer’s experience of the film even as they also help to publicize the forthcoming release (thus blurring the line between marketing and entertainment).” The Slushis in Cloverfield is this exact concept. Cloverfield’s marketing schemes made their sales skyrocket.
After discussing in class the concept of transmedia I thought of the actresses Mary Kate and Ashley Olson. Though their tactics would not be classified as transmedia storytelling they are an example of being horizontally integrated which is something the article talked about as well. They were characters in the hit TV show, Full House back in the 90’s, and since the show has been off the air they have continued their career through other medias and also different industries. First they chose to do multiple children’s videos which were very popular to young girls. Once they saw the popularity they chose to go into the market of making Mary Kate and Ashley dolls. They then continued to expand even more by designing clothes and make-up that would be sold at Walmart. This is all an example of how they have horizontally integrated themselves.
Again I would like to say that I enjoyed learning about the concept of transmedia and find it very interesting how they choose to expand over the various medias.