Transmedia Narratives

As most of you have probably grasped at this point, I love narratives. And, once again, I'm going to blog about them.

I know I've blogged about the "Lizzie Bennet Diaries" and "Emma Approved" (which, if you've not watched one or both, do yourself a favor and start). This time, I want to discuss "Green Gables Fables" and "Classic Alice".

First, "Green Gables Fables".

When I was in elementary school, we had reading programs that were based on "reading levels" and I hated them. I liked reading OK but the idea of having to take a quiz after reading a book was stupid. Who cares what Character A did in chapter 4 when it has no bearing on the meaning of the book? Part of my problem, I realized, was my reading level was above grade level, and eventually, higher than the books in the library. In short, I was bored. Then, in sixth grade, my mom introduced my to "Anne of Green Gables" and the other six books in the series. And I was hooked. (In hindsight, most of the books I read prior to Anne were about boys, and, really, how was I supposed to be interested?) In the last decade, I've learned a lot of people have read the first book, but not the rest. And the last one is amazing.

As you might be able to guess, "Green Gables Fables" is a modern-day retelling. The transmedia aspects are extremely well done. The second season is starting soon--but the Twitter accounts are still tweeting. I love how they've taken the characters from the late 19th Century and put them in the 21st Century. I'm looking forward to the upcoming videos.

Second, "Classic Alice".

As opposed to the other three series I've mentioned, "Classic Alice" is a completely different take on classic novels. In the series, Alice is a college student who wants to be a writer. In order to write more realistic stories, she reads books and lives according to the stories. Which is more difficult than you might imagine. Like the other series, the creators of "Classic Alice" have made Twitter accounts and such for the characters. The accounts keep the story going in between the videos. Of course, following them on Twitter isn't necessary to understand the story arcs, but it doesn't hurt.

One of the things I like best about "Classic Alice" is the commitment to the fans, and the fans commitment to the series. Both the series I've written about this time have had fundraiser campaigns to be able to fund further "seasons", and while I'm not in a place where I can support them (I hope to be eventually), a lot of people are. And I love that. People see something, like the thing, and, when the thing needs support, support it because they want more of the thing.

"Classic Alice" recently passed a follower milestone and decided to offer a free transmedia experience to anyone who signed up. Of course I was intrigued. So I filled out the form, including the character I want to learn more about (Cara, if you're wondering). The transmedia experience is diary entries--the first of which was mailed to me, the rest will be email.

And this is why I'm excited. New ways of telling stories are always exciting. Instead of just reading about the characters, or seeing them in a vlog, transmedia series allow the "viewer" to see more of the characters. With the twist in "Classic Alice" we can see how a fictional character interprets classic literature and how the lessons/ideas in those books can be translated into modern times.

Of course, I'm not making any original points here. I just want to share how cool it is. There is an excellent TEDx talk on the topic, and how it relates to our lives available here. So, go forth friends, and watch some vlogs!