MP6041 - Film Across Media - Transmedia Storytelling

What will I learn on this module?

In a landscape of abundant media platforms and fragmented viewing habits, how can traditional media content be reconfigured to take advantage of the potentials offered by transmedia storytelling? The 360-degree commissioning process is part of the media production landscape, meaning traditional forms of film and TV routinely extend their range and interact with audiences across multiple platforms, screens and formats. Although transmedia storytelling plays an important part in film marketing, it also allows filmmakers to expand the core content of their narratives, offering opportunities to create resonant and 'deep' (Rose) media experiences that engages audiences and adds value to the traditional standalone filmic content. In this module, you will learn how to develop your own transmedia portfolio, as well as critically evaluating the potentials of expanded storytelling via (for example) web and mobile content. You will learn techniques for expanding the narrative universe of your core film content across wider platforms. Working from Henry Jenkins’s (2010) idea that the non-repeating spreadability of transmedia entertainment, means that it “is increasingly prominent in our conversations about how media operates in a digital era", in the taught sessions we will critically examine the power of mythmaking, the importance of fan-cultures, and the pleasures of digital archival research, all of which are key to telling stories across media.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the subject by attending lectures and seminars, which will help you understand the advantages of leveraging the opportunities offered by storytelling across multiple media platforms. The lectures will enable the tutor to outline the key components of transmedia storytelling in this context, critically reflecting upon the core issues and themes such as mythmaking, engaging audiences, the importance of fan-cultures, the pleasures of digital foraging, and film marketing strategies. The seminars will allow you to develop your understanding of the module’s themes and concerns by applying those critical concepts to existing transmedia examples and reflecting on the transmedia potentials of your own films. You will then carry these ideas forward into the assessment by creating a prototype that practically demonstrates transmedia storytelling, and a critical contextualisation that rationalises your approach. The taught sessions will help to guide you through the development of that work by offering formative feedback. Outside of the taught sessions, you will be expected to engage with module-relevant reading in preparation for the sessions. An electronic reading list is supplied via the e-Learning Portal, which will guide you towards appropriate resources, although you are encouraged to explore the wider library catalogue to engage with additional sources too. During your independent working time, it is also expected that you will apply the ideas raised in the reading and the taught content to film examples of your own choosing (reflecting your individual interests), and to your own practice.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Formative feedback will be supplied during the module’s taught sessions and summative assignments will receive written feedback within 20 working days of assignment submission. These feedback mechanisms will provide support throughout and after the module, encouraging you to reflect on your progress as the module develops, and to carry the feedback forward as part of you professional and academic development after you have completed the module. The seminars will allow you to engage in group discussion and problem-solving with the module tutor and your peers, thus developing a constructive support network. The delivery of the module will be supported with learning materials and module information, which will be accessible via the e-Learning portal. The module tutor has weekly office hours during which you can drop in for academic support and advice. All students are also provided with an academic personal tutor who also has hours to support student learning and progress. Where appropriate you may also be directed to engage with our Skills Plus or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• KU1: Demonstrate an understanding of the key components that make up transmedia storytelling and the principles used to create spreadable ‘storyworlds’

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• IPSA1: Demonstrate how the creative and critical contexts underpin practice in the production of the transmedia project
• IPSA2: Evidence creativity and imagination in the deployment of your storyworld, with appropriate use of multiple platforms

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• PVA: Demonstrate awareness of the ethical differences between creating traditional single screen content and transmedia content, given the multiple ways users engage with those creations

How will I be assessed?

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.

Summative assessment: You will be summatively assessed by producing an individual transmedia storytelling portfolio that will be equivalent to 3000 words. This portfolio is worth 100% of the module grade and will address all MLOs.

This portfolio assignment is comprised of two elements: a platform prototype and a critical contextualisation (2000 words)

• A platform prototype (1000 words equiv.): a practical example of transmedia storytelling (such as a piece of prose, web content, or a live event) that extends from one of your recent film projects.

• A critical contextualisation (2000 words): a critical explanation of your plans for expanding the core story from a narrative film to other media platforms. You are required to rationalise your choices by comparing your approach to other existing examples of transmedia storytelling, using scholarship to articulate the principles that govern transmedia storytelling.

You will receive formative feedback during the seminars throughout the module as you conduct analysis of case studies, allowing you to understand how your analytical skills and grasp of the subject are developing. You will also receive feedback on your ability to conduct analysis of transmedia storytelling during the seminars. This will test your ability to critically engage with the principles of effective multi-platform production in an academic and practical fashion, and this will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the theoretical concepts raised in the lectures and the readings. Class debates in seminars will also be used to assess your understanding of the week’s topic.

Under normal circumstances, you will receive written feedback on your summative submissions within 20 working days. The feedback will normally be supplied electronically as part of the ESAF process. This feedback will provide a detailed account of your research/methodological skills, critical engagement and communicative ability, as well as supporting future learning by indicating areas for development. You can also request additional verbal feedback on your submissions by arranging a meeting with the module tutor.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

“Film Across Media: Transmedia Storytelling” offers new ways of expanding your creative content across multiple platforms, in a media landscape characterised by ubiquitous screens and fragmented viewing habits. Stories do not just exist in traditional film contexts; audiences interact with stories across multiple platforms. This module will explore that landscape, and its implications for filmmaking practice. In a subject driven by the tutor’s own research interests and practice, you’ll learn about the place of modern mythmaking, the pleasures of new media, and the importance of fan cultures. You will deliver a transmedia storytelling project, creatively expanding on your core film content by reconstructing those stories into new, innovative shapes. The module will equip you with a sophisticated understanding film marketing from the content-creator’s perspective, concentrating on engaging audiences via expanded forms of storytelling.

Course info

UCAS Code P315

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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