Comparative Analysis of Transmedia Pieces

Today’s focus will be on transmedia storytelling and how the world has taken hold of it. The three videos chosen today—Jeff Gomez’s “Transmedia Storytelling – interview” and Henry Jenkins’ two interviews (“Henry Jenkins Interview Short” and “Henry Jenkins on transmedia”)—all examine transmedia storytelling, but from distinct angles. Jenkins’ videos focus primarily on the theoretical and conceptual dimensions, defining transmedia as the expansion of narrative across multiple platforms while emphasizing participatory culture, audience engagement, and the ways narratives evolve through cross-media interaction. The short Jenkins interview condenses these ideas into a concise overview, ideal for newcomers, whereas the longer interview provides greater nuance, including multiple illustrative examples, counterpoints, and deeper discussion of challenges such as narrative coherence and the complexities of media convergence.

In contrast, Gomez’s interview emphasizes practical application. He explores the strategies and logistics of creating transmedia projects, including managing cross-platform narratives, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and maintaining narrative consistency. While informed by theory, his presentation is grounded in industry experience, from talking about Transformers to Harry Potter, making it more accessible to practitioners seeking applicable insights rather than purely academic analysis.

Stylistically, Jenkins’ interviews maintain a scholarly, reflective tone with deliberate pacing and careful explanations, whereas Gomez uses concrete examples and applied storytelling to illustrate key points more dynamically. Together, the three videos provide a comprehensive spectrum of understanding—from foundational theory and conceptual depth to practical, real-world implementation—allowing viewers to grasp both what transmedia is and how it functions effectively in practice.