Hi. I wanted to share two quick examples of what we're experiencing in 2021 with transmedia productions.
1) Comics to Movies - It might not seem like it now, but there was a time where executives seriously doubted if shooting superhero theme movies would be something to invest in. Besides Superman and Batman (both high and flopped at the box in the later years), the "super hero saves the damsel" theme was far stretched in the '80s-'90s. But as history has shown, Marvel comics at a very difficult time, financially speaking, sold the Spiderman rights to be produced by Sony. Sam Raimi directed the 3 classic Spiderman movies with Tobey McGuire that proved (and almost paved the way) to get Marvel Studios to the successful Avenger's EndGame. Marvel's phase 4 of their cinematic universe is literally re-writing how TV and Movie screen superhero series can be shown in a new light.
2) Videogames to Movies - It's clear that the '80s and 90's comics and videogames were enjoyed in their own native formats, but carrying them to the big screen has always been a difficult challenge. This is because video games are based on a single sustaining point: the game mechanic. Whether is fighting, platforming, or shooting monsters, movies produced after a few videogames from 2010 onward come with much richer characters (many relatable conflicts and emotions) with a blockbuster formula. Resident Evil (Capcom), Angry Birds (Rovio), Detective Pikachu (Nintendo), and Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega/Walt Disney) have been franchises that stood the test of time in regards to game innovation mechanics and adapted movie plots.
In addition, no matter what you want to build a transmedia product around, you'll need:
1. Solid story
2. Audience
3. Market team constantly bombarding social media.
Takeaways: Specialize in one thing, become good enough to find partners, and scale your transmedia product.
I still can't believe people's opinions on Twitter changed the course of movie history, by switching a humanoid child-like Sonic with blue pajamas into the blue CG hero we finally saw at the premiere. This was never before heard and it's the power of Transmedia.
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Agreed, although from a writing standpoint, I feel like comic books is a leg up to take a screenplay into a several different forms - tabletop TPG, podcast, even interactive screenings.
"I still can't believe people's opinions on Twitter changed the course of movie history, by switching a humanoid child-like Sonic with blue pajamas into the blue CG hero we finally saw at the premiere." I feel like we need to unpack this - what happened here?
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When the first Sonic the hedgehog poster was announced, people on Twitter were severely warning the producers they will not watch the movie with a character like that. So the producers delayed VFX and re-built from the ground up the 3d characters, compositing, and new takes to adapt the "original sonic design". : https://twitter.com/fowltown/status/1124056098925944832?lang=en
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https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/the-sonic-the-hedgehog-controversy-and-r...
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It cost Paramount around $5 million to implement the redesign. RIP those poor animators that had to do it all over again. Should have used the original design in the first place...
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I am working on my transmedia project and did the comic book series, the did a proof of concept film that won the HBO short film contest and then I am almost finished with the video game that will be release on Nintendo Switch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2HnQIjWHDQ
That's fantastic, congratulations, Owen Ratliff! Any advice on pursuing a transmedia project from your experience?
Congratulations, Owen Ratliff !!! I'm always glad to meet other transmedia creators.
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Karen I have leveraged one transmedia piece to help me with the other. Once I got the comic book, the comic book help me raise money on a crowdfunding campaign for the proof of concept film. Once I got a licensing deal from HBO, I use that to help me raise funding for the video game. While we are finishing up the video game, I am starting to package the feature film using using the other pieces in the pitch deck. I will see how far that takes me.
Owen Ratliff That is so frickin' cool! Any chance you could explain what a licensing deal entails? Congrats on such a major win with HBO!
Man, if you're up for it, I think your transmedia journey would make an excellent blog post for Stage 32. If you're interested, definitely reach out to Taylor C. Baker, who coordinates our blog: Taylor@stage32.com
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Yes Karen, I entered my 30-minute proof of concept film in the Urban Action Showcase and the winner got money and a licensing deal with HBO for 18 months. I won first place out of 350 films and the licensing deal. Here is one of the trailers for the proof of concept film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFGiqmKouKQ I would be interested in the blog post with C. Baker, I will reach out to her.
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What's up Owen Ratliff. Man, you've been on this transmedia train for awhile and you know I've supported you. Love your work. Kay, video games have always had potential for going to the screen. They have all kinds of storylines.
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How have you been Martin? My mother got sick so I had to put the project down for 2 years and take care of her. So now I am back to finish.
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Karen, I talked to Taylor and sent her a first draft on my blog post. Thanks!
YAY! So excited to read your blog, @Owen! And I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but I'm so excited that you're still moving forward with your journey. Sometimes the victory is that much richer because of the hardships we endure along the way. Keep at it, and keep us posted!
Thanks for those Kind words Karen!
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Hey Karen, I have something else I will be sharing with you guys very soon. I am also a consultant for a company named VerseBooks, an entertainment NFT marketplaces, leveraging the power of blockchain technology. The platform will launch next month. I will use my Black Salt transmedia project as an experiment to raise funding through cryptocurrency NFTs on the platform. This new technology could revolutionize film funding and then I can help other indie filmmakers fund their projects.
First promo video for the Black Salt Cryptocurrency NFT: https://youtu.be/8q2ZeJAmprE
Wow, super cool trailer, Owen Ratliff! I definitely have heard about NFTs, but I'm not sure I totally understand it. Actually, if you have a moment, would you be willing to do a post in the Financing Lounge? https://www.stage32.com/lounge/fundraising
Yes Karen I will do a post in the Financing Lounge.
I finish my Movie IG account, https://www.instagram.com/thekleroterion/ hope you enjoy all the story