Great project here, Aaron… I’m reminded of a talk given by Debra Journet at OSU while she was here as a Visiting Scholar in Digital Media and Composition last year. She similarly looked at LOST as a transmedia narrative, and I bet she’d be interested in this thesis (not only because of content, but the innovative form as well). Here’s a link to her contact information: http://louisville.edu/english/facultyandstaff/department-of-english/debra-journet
I’ve been perusing your thesis and just wanted to say I find the work exceptional for an undergraduate project. Very nice work. I also work with senior students on theses and I would have been quite proud to have this one produced by one of my students (as Jason clearly is proud of you, promoting it on his blog the way he has).
Do you plan to go on to graduate work in Media Studies? I’ll keep an eye out for your work. 😉
Justin Pepperney
Hi Aaron,
Really enjoyed reading your thesis! I learned a lot about the transmedia concept.
I think your work complements that being done in English departments in both digital media studies and narrative theory. Have you thought of delving into the aesthetic/critical side? It would be interesting to see more close readings of particular themes, characters, or episodes in Lost, with analysis of how the transmedia texts reinforce or create tensions with such readings.
Also, I feel that Lost relies more extensively on previous genres (such as the serial) than your argument suggests. I think that by looking at Lost’s continuities with previous genres rather than focusing on its innovations, you might have more to build on in your argument about the importance of transmedia. Just a couple of ideas to think about if/when you start working this into an article.
Speaking of which, have you applied to graduate programs yet? I’m looking forward to reading more of your work in the future!
Best,
Justin Pepperney
Aaron Smith
Thanks to everyone who commented, tweeted, or emailed me about the thesis. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with people from all over the world and hearing about some amazing academic and professional transmedia projects on the horizon. Please feel free to continue contacting me about anything transmedia related! I also welcome graduate school suggestions with regards to media studies, though for now, I’m hoping to dive into a career somewhere at the intersection between television and new media.
Ben: Thanks for visiting and passing on the contact info—should be a great conversation.
Brett: I appreciate the kinds words—I’ve been enjoying the thoughts on your blog as well!
Justin: I like your idea about analyzing specific Lost episodes, themes, or characters and examining the extent to which secondary texts capture their aesthetic properties and meanings. In order to determine how transmedia storytelling might enhance our overall experience of a narrative, it will be important to explore how transmedia extensions can reinforce the show’s aesthetic value, despite being so different in terms of production, form, and style.
Also, the fact that Lost incorporates so many intertextual references and conventions from a variety of genres is partly why I think it is so innovative as a television show. From George Lucas to Charles Dickens, this is a show heavily influenced by masterful storytellers. In particular, I originally wanted to build on the work of Steven Jones and David Lavery, who draw comparisons between Lost and Dickens’ serialized fiction, exploring how both texts capitalize on many characters, interweaving narrative threads, paratextual crossings, and an interactive relationship with the audience. Although I couldn’t fit this into my thesis, I’ll definitely mention it when I condense the piece into an article. Thanks for the excellent comment!
Great project here, Aaron… I’m reminded of a talk given by Debra Journet at OSU while she was here as a Visiting Scholar in Digital Media and Composition last year. She similarly looked at LOST as a transmedia narrative, and I bet she’d be interested in this thesis (not only because of content, but the innovative form as well). Here’s a link to her contact information:
http://louisville.edu/english/facultyandstaff/department-of-english/debra-journet
I’ve been perusing your thesis and just wanted to say I find the work exceptional for an undergraduate project. Very nice work. I also work with senior students on theses and I would have been quite proud to have this one produced by one of my students (as Jason clearly is proud of you, promoting it on his blog the way he has).
Do you plan to go on to graduate work in Media Studies? I’ll keep an eye out for your work. 😉
Hi Aaron,
Really enjoyed reading your thesis! I learned a lot about the transmedia concept.
I think your work complements that being done in English departments in both digital media studies and narrative theory. Have you thought of delving into the aesthetic/critical side? It would be interesting to see more close readings of particular themes, characters, or episodes in Lost, with analysis of how the transmedia texts reinforce or create tensions with such readings.
Also, I feel that Lost relies more extensively on previous genres (such as the serial) than your argument suggests. I think that by looking at Lost’s continuities with previous genres rather than focusing on its innovations, you might have more to build on in your argument about the importance of transmedia. Just a couple of ideas to think about if/when you start working this into an article.
Speaking of which, have you applied to graduate programs yet? I’m looking forward to reading more of your work in the future!
Best,
Justin Pepperney
Thanks to everyone who commented, tweeted, or emailed me about the thesis. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with people from all over the world and hearing about some amazing academic and professional transmedia projects on the horizon. Please feel free to continue contacting me about anything transmedia related! I also welcome graduate school suggestions with regards to media studies, though for now, I’m hoping to dive into a career somewhere at the intersection between television and new media.
Ben: Thanks for visiting and passing on the contact info—should be a great conversation.
Brett: I appreciate the kinds words—I’ve been enjoying the thoughts on your blog as well!
Justin: I like your idea about analyzing specific Lost episodes, themes, or characters and examining the extent to which secondary texts capture their aesthetic properties and meanings. In order to determine how transmedia storytelling might enhance our overall experience of a narrative, it will be important to explore how transmedia extensions can reinforce the show’s aesthetic value, despite being so different in terms of production, form, and style.
Also, the fact that Lost incorporates so many intertextual references and conventions from a variety of genres is partly why I think it is so innovative as a television show. From George Lucas to Charles Dickens, this is a show heavily influenced by masterful storytellers. In particular, I originally wanted to build on the work of Steven Jones and David Lavery, who draw comparisons between Lost and Dickens’ serialized fiction, exploring how both texts capitalize on many characters, interweaving narrative threads, paratextual crossings, and an interactive relationship with the audience. Although I couldn’t fit this into my thesis, I’ll definitely mention it when I condense the piece into an article. Thanks for the excellent comment!