We
live in a era where people are becoming emotionally invested in shows. and when
the show ends, we don't want to let go. Fans use transmedia storytelling to
continue the life of a show. Jenkins defines transmedia
storytelling as “…a process where integral elements of a fiction get dispersed
systematically across multiple delivery channels for the purpose of creating a
unified and coordinated entertainment experience” Fans use parody, blogs,
books, comics, and fan fiction. these channels extend the story line,
adding details and further look into characters that relate back to the
original show.
FX’s Sons of Anarchy, a
television show about a motorcycle club, uses transmedia story telling in many
ways. One of the ways that they used TMS was when Appisodes were created, these
were short mini episodes. they used these 3 minute episodes to show what might have
gone on during big gaps in the original story line. at the end of
season 3 the boys of SAMCRO were sent to prison. the first episode of season 4
is the day they are released. In one of the appisodes you get to
watch them during incarceration, something viewers were not able to see
in the actual show. This goes in hand with Jenkins’s idea that
“…transmedia stories are based not on individual characters or specific plots
but rather complex fictional worlds which can sustain multiple interrelated
characters and their stories…”. This addition to the story plot gives us more
detail.
Hi Emily! I thought this post was really interesting, especially as someone who has yet to get around to watching this show! I have definitely gotten the same sense about the show, though, as it seems to have amassed a significant following online. I can't seem to scroll through my newsfeed on Facebook without finding at least one post about the show, even now that it has ended. I wonder what it is about shows like Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad, or other crime dramas that seem to attract a larger transmedia presence. Anyway, great post!
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