OTT & Transmedia

Maurice, the way you think about expansion actually aligns with a framework I’ve been developing for creators who want to protect and structure their worlds for multi‑format growth. If it’s helpful, I can share a short note that shows how writers can signal that structure inside their pitch materials without making things overly technical. Let me know — happy to pass it along.

Yeah, that sounds great, Baron Rothschild.

Great, Maurice — here’s the short version creators have been using. It’s a simple note you can drop into your pitch materials to signal structure without getting technical:

“This project has been structured with multi‑format expansion in mind.

All underlying intellectual property is organized under a framework that protects format rights, maps expansion pathways, and supports long‑term value across potential adaptations.”

If you ever want a deeper version — rights map, lifecycle model, or expansion tiers — I’m happy to share that too.

Thank you, Baron Rothschild. This version is fine for now. If I need the deeper version, I'll definitely let you know.

Glad it helps, Maurice. That note is meant to give creators a simple way to signal structure without slowing down the creative flow. Whenever you’re ready for the deeper version — rights map, lifecycle model, or expansion tiers — I’ve got you.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg totally agree it’s not a fit for purpose, in my example I am looking for a clearer term that CAN be used across generations as well as media.

I totally understand the term as it sits currently doesn’t intend to disengage for example, older adults, but in my experience as a writer, producer and academic researcher, Transmedia producers, productions companies, broadcasters etc don’t include them as part of the audience, it’s as if they are invisible!!

so what I’m hoping to start a conversation. about, which is great as it’s happening, is exactly what what we mean and what alternatives are there.

For me Transmedia, doesn’t include (typically I hasten to add!) formats such as theatre, audio dramas (radio plays) art installations etc, for focus is more on the digital and newer technologies.

maybe it’s something that one term will also be insufficient for, but I like the fact that people are willing to discuss.

Dwayne Williams 2 hi thanks for traditional definition, it’s something I’m aware of, but my question was relating to it not being fit for purpose or already dated may be a better way of phrasing it.

Holly Fouche thanks, I like the simplicity of this choice.

Hi Mandi, one term I mentioned earlier that may be useful in this context is “Super Story.”

It’s used in education and development to describe a story world designed to naturally extend across generations and mediums (including theatre, audio drama, art installations, film, TV, and interactive), without being tied specifically to digital-first assumptions.

I’ve found it helpful as language when “transmedia” feels dated or too narrowly defined.

Mandi Allen Why not just "adaptation" - that's the actual term used in industry and it's descriptive.

Thanks for sharing the video, Geoff Hall. I think a three company town would be terrible for the industry and indie producers, writers, etc. Less jobs and less original movies, shows, and more.

Maurice Vaughan thanks Maurice, how would the distribution strategy for indie films change if this did happen?

You're welcome, Geoff Hall. I'm not sure. Hopefully it doesn't make things worse for indie films.

Well it's only a 4 company town now...

Happy holidays and IYW, Dwayne Williams 2! Introduce Yourself Weekend is already going great! Yeah, let’s finish this year on a positive, collaborative note and head into 2026 with stronger connections and momentum!

Thank you, Maurice Vaughan. Same to you. I agree, it’s been a really solid year creatively and within the community. What’s one screenwriting lesson that stood out to you this year?

You're welcome, Dwayne Williams 2. I watched a movie this year where one character did something early in the film and his adult son did the same thing later on. It showed how the son was becoming like his dad.

That sounds interesting, Elle Bolan. I like it! I'm looking forward to watching your verticals and shorts! Stage 32 put out a blog a few months ago called "Stretching Your Story: Transmedia Storytelling For Creatives Who Think Bigger." www.stage32.com/blog/stretching-your-story-transmedia-storytelling-for-c...

Ooooh! Thanks, Maurice!

You're welcome, Elle Bolan. Let me know when your verticals and shorts come out. I'll help promote them if you like.

Elle Bolan Verticals are trending as an idea but not known to advance story EXCEPT that they are proven effective in attracting audience to your longer form installments. If you are going to do verticals, be aware that the format is it's own thing and you must keep the aspect ratio in mind. It truly works different in view, but also in timing, from standard 16:9.

@Shadow great point to highlight. I don't intend to use them to actually advance the story, so I'm in good shape there. More just to compliment. They won't tie into the plot at all... Sort of like collateral damage stories. Townsfolk that are effected by the Scale, but don't tie into Bect and his story in The Regal Scale main series.

I'll keep this in mind as I plan. Thank you!

Hi, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh. I haven't seen Neon Genesis Evangelion, so I skipped to the last paragraph. I wrote a short script that has potential to be a feature film, a TV series, etc., including spin-off shows of important characters. I mentioned it in the one-sheet I made for the short script.

That's great Maurice Vaughan, definitely a lot of room to play with there :) and I definitely recommend you watch Neon Genesis Evangelion, it's a classic.

It's on Netflix, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh. I'll check it out.

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh So are you considering to the theatrical reboot as a different medium from the series? Or are you referring to partial the use of digital process in Rebuild when you say different media?

Not necessarily Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg, I meant the manga vs the anime, though Rebuild does indeed breathe totally new life into the story with the partial use of digital process (Ramiel is much, MUCH more terrifying in Rebuild). I read the manga before watching the anime and then I watched Rebuild, the continuity is different every time.

Great share @Dwayne Williams! I would never have considered multi-media avenues if I hadn't written The Regal Scale pilot first. Transmedia had never occurred to me until the rise in popularity of verticals.

Thanks! I needed to see this one!

You’re very welcome, Elle Bolan. I’m always here if you ever need tips or want to talk through ideas.

I'm considering making The Regal Scale my first attempt at transmedia storytelling. The premise would absolutely support it.

I'm mulling it over - and I may pick your brain at some point!

That’s a great way to tell! Thanks for sharing Maurice Vaughan. How do you usually go about getting feedback on a script?

Thanks, Dwayne Williams 2. You're welcome. I get feedback from script readers I've gotten notes from before. I also ordered a Feature Script Read + 30 Minute Talk with an Executive on Stage 32. The feedback helped me fix a huge issue in my script. I'm definitely thinking about ordering another one. And I plan on ordering Stage 32's Script Coverage for a feature script I'm working on.

I have a bad, bad, bad habit of not knowing when to stop touching the script. I could mess around forever and not be "done". So, I tend to just go with "it's as good as I can get it without breaking it".

As long as I figure it out before I've already broken it.

That’s great Maurice Vaughan. Feedback from Stage 32 really helped me catch and fix important issues in my scripts as well! I'll definitely use those techniques as well to know when a script is ready. It sounds like a perfect way to finalize.

I hear you, Elle Bolan. Knowing when to step away can be as tricky as writing the script itself.

It's going to be an incredible Open House like always, Dwayne Williams 2!

Absolutely, Maurice Vaughan! Always a great chance to connect and get clear on next steps. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Meriem Bouziani agreed, they are hard to pull off but so rewarding when you do it well.

yeah of course Banafsheh Esmailzadeh

Love this post Banafsheh Esmailzadeh! I’m always interested in figuring out which medium a story wants to live in, especially when the same core idea can reach totally different audiences and fan bases depending on how it’s told.

Do you usually know the right medium at the start of your project, or does it reveal itself once you’re already creating? Or is it more of a mix of both?

Thanks Dwayne Williams 2! I agree, it’s lots of fun figuring it out :D I usually know before I start, and it depends how much control I want over what the reader sees. If I want them to use their imagination to see it, novel. If I want to actual show things (and still leave some imagination room for the reader), comic. And now if I want to give a third party some control so the reader can see AND hear the story, screenplay. Right now though, some of my older ideas that were going to be novels by default (because I didn’t even know I was going to seriously do comics, let alone screenwriting) are becoming wildcards that can work as screenplays, like Lunar Window. But right now Petal as a series is going to be a multimedia project for sure since the story is quite big and sticking to one medium will make it chaotic indeed ^^; especially since my plan from the start is that you don’t have to necessarily read every entry, but you’ll be rewarded if you do.

Excellent point Banafsheh Esmailzadeh. “You don’t have to necessarily read every entry, but you’ll be rewarded if you do” is a brilliant way to approach transmedia and respect the audience while still rewarding deeper engagement.

Looking forward to this event, Dwayne Williams 2! See you there.