Source: Digital Book World
The past two weeks have been huge for us. For one thing, we launched our newest app, My Little Pony: Twilight Sparkle, Teacher for a Day. For another, we announced our partnership with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company to produce an innovative children’s trans-media imprint. There was a lot of media coverage and speculation across the web and social media, so I asked our CEO, Rick Richter, what he could share about the partnership and transmedia. Here’s what he had to say:
Can you please define “transmedia”?
With a transmedia project we “begin with the end in mind”. What this means is that at the very start of each project, we imagine what the interactive story book will look like, what the printed book will look like and any other iteration of the project. The goal is to have the sum of the parts be greater from a storytelling standpoint than each of the individual project. It’s a tall order and a great challenge. Kids love to enjoy stories in lots of ways, and this is our way of paying respect to this interest and giving parent and kids lots of choices.
How did this relationship develop and evolve?
Our partnership evolved during discussions over the last nine months. It is truly a leap of faith for two terrific companies to come together for kids in this way.
Why did you choose Scholastic as your partner?
They speak to 28 million kids every month via book fairs and trade efforts, so this alone makes them a great partner. Additionally, we have a real chemistry with the top folks at Scholastic – they understand what we’ve set out to do at Ruckus.
What does a “homerun” look like with this kind of project?
Well, that’s a good question. For us, it would mean a kid could enjoy a book, an interactive storybook with gaming, a stand alone game, web interaction, and perhaps, ultimately, a TV show or feature film. I guess that would be a grand slam!
More importantly, a homerun would be to create a story that leaves a life long impression on a child and entertains them in lots of different ways.
If an author or illustrator is interested in working in this imprint, how do they go about submitting an idea?
To submit new original content, just visit our web site at http://www.ruckusmediagroup.com/submissions.
