This document discusses transmedia storytelling through the Transformers franchise. It defines transmedia storytelling as stories distributed across multiple platforms such as books, films, television shows, video games and more to create a unified narrative experience. It provides examples of how the Transformers story has unfolded across different mediums and regions. Specifically, it outlines the order to watch the American and Japanese animated series and films. It also discusses the franchise's production strategies, emotional resonance, longevity, and complexity that have contributed to its success across generations.

1. Ye Wang 3275908
Azura Erizal 3323631
Transformers
media Analysis

2. Transmedia Storytelling
• According to Henry Jenkins
• "A process where integral elements of a
fiction get dispersed systematically across
multiple delivery channels for the purpose of
creating a unified and co-ordinated
entertainment experience. Ideally, each
medium makes it own unique contribution to
the unfolding of the story"

4. Platforms
• Print Publications: Books, Comics, Comic
strips
• Films and Television: Films, Animated series
• Video Games
• Soundtracks

7. Always New Toys!
AND…

8. For instance…
The right order to watch The Transformer
Generation 1 in American version:
Season1&2 – Transformers The Movie – Season3 –
Beast Wars – Beast Machines
For the Japanese version:
Season1&2 – Scramble City – Season2 (Ep.65) -
Transformers The Movie – Season3 – Rebirth –
Headmaster – Masterforce - Victory
Non-official result

9. Production Strategies
•Take what you have and bring an age relevant message
•Marvel brought the Autobots VS Decepticons concept that is
still familiar today
•Transformers: The Movie 1986 provides an epic sweep to the
story. Death of Optimus Prime and Megatron transformation
into Gavaltron
•This film also provides perhaps the biggest single example of
how canny marketing decisions can give rise to complex
transmedia narratives, for the narrative of this 1986 film
literally killed off characters from the 1984 - 1985 toy lines as
these toys were being phased out of retails assortments in four
of all new characters

10. • Strong sense of emotional resonance across
generations
• Different generations may have different entry
points to the story
• No one is too young or to old to play with a
Transformers robot, watch the TV show or play the
video game
• Longevity and complexity are the two strongest
characteristics of the franchise.

11. References
• http://www.tandfonline.com.ezproxy.lib.rmit.edu.au/doi/full/
10.1080/10304312.2010.510592
• http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/02/business/hasbro-
expands-transformers-brand-into-new-media.html?
pagewanted=all&_r=0
• http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/transformers_timeline_1984_
present/
• http://tfarchive.com/community//showthread.php?t=29812
• http://henryjenkins.org/2007/03/transmedia_storytelling_10
1.html