Hello all!
I’m currently developing original IPs that I approach as transmedia, some begin as comics, others are written as TV or film scripts. My latest project, Ethereal Grove: Pranky Wolf, already has short animated clips (like The Legend of Karate Pig) that I’ve shared on my profile here.
I’m very interested in exploring how stories can expand across different formats, and I’d love to hear about your own experiences with transmedia development. What challenges have you run into when moving a story from one medium to another?
2 people like this
The only proven way to go is to develop a following in one media first. That's the reason a book with no audience doesn't get a movie deal, for instance. Because each media is a different business and a different project. There is no property that becomes what is labeled a transmedia property that started out in more than one medium at a time. The only exceptions are in Japanese anime, and there are literally two of them which tried it, and neither was successful. Why should be clear to anyone who assesses the actual task they are creating. Consider that each medium has it's own distinct audience, distinct distribution pipeline and set of distributors, it's own distinct tropes and preferences, as well as it's own distinct preference on consuming the media. Each is of course it's own completely different creative task (or rather set of creative tasks). Consider now what your business plan might be and how marketing costs are going to blossom in trying to develop a specific audience in each added media.
2 people like this
Thank you, Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg, I really appreciate your insight! I completely agree with your perspective. Some stories are created with comics in mind, while others are meant for film or television. In the end, what really matters is how successful the story is with the right audience and knowing exactly who we’re speaking to.
2 people like this
Great question, Daniel Nedyalkov. Your project sounds like a blast. Ethereal Grove: Pranky Wolf and The Legend of Karate Pig already show you're thinking in dynamic, audience-friendly ways.
One challenge I often run into with transmedia storytelling is adapting tone and interactivity across formats. For example, when I develop a game version of a story originally written for film, I have to rethink pacing, agency, and how the player engages with the world. The game might lean more into exploration or combat mechanics, while the film focuses on emotional arcs or cinematic tension. That shift means the story isn't just ported. It's reimagined.
Transmedia from the start is powerful because it lets you target different audience segments with tailored experiences. If you're planning to pitch to gaming platforms or build an app around your world, having a clear transmedia architecture like character arcs that evolve differently in each format or lore that deepens through side stories can really elevate your IP.
Curious to know if you're planning to keep Pranky Wolf's core story consistent across formats, or if each medium will offer a unique adaptation or perspective shift.
2 people like this
Thank you, Dwayne Williams 2! To put it briefly, Pranky Wolf and Karate Pig share the same world, they’re similar in spirit to Looney Tunes, but created with human traits and problems from the modern world. Each character reflects something relatable that people can see in themselves.
I started developing the project as a comic book, and for now that’s the medium I want to focus on. But if there’s interest, the natural next step would be animation, something I’d be genuinely thrilled to see happen.
The project originally started in 2017 as part of my personal vlogs, where I created motion-drawing episodes with voice-over. Over the years I tested these stories with Bulgarian audiences on YouTube, and even produced two translated episodes in English, which are now available on my Stage32 profile. Over time, the characters and stories grew into a full universe, which I later developed into the graphic novel Ethereal Grove: Pranky Wolf. So the comic is a natural continuation of something I’ve been building and refining for years.
2 people like this
This sounds fun Daniel Nedyalkov! I love that feeling when a project evolves into a full universe; it really shows your dedication to the outcome and the heart behind the work. Pranky Wolf actually reminds me a bit of Kung Fu Panda in spirit, quirky, heartfelt characters with real-world traits and challenges. I could totally see it working as a mobile game too, kind of like how Angry Birds started and then expanded into animation and film.
You mentioned doing voice-over in your early motion-drawing episodes—has the concept developed a theme song yet? That could be a great transmedia asset, whether for marketing, animation intros, or even in-game cues. A catchy theme can really help anchor the brand across formats and make the world even more memorable.
2 people like this
Thank you so much, Dwayne Williams 2 ! I really like your Angry Birds comparison, it’s inspiring to think about Pranky Wolf in that way. I actually had an idea for a game some time ago, something in the spirit of the old Duck Hunt with the ducks and the laughing dog. Hopefully one day I’ll bring it to life. By the way, what kind of projects are you currently working on?
2 people like this
You're welcome, Daniel Nedyalkov! That Duck Hunt-inspired idea sounds like a lot of fun. I usually imagine my stories as anime or games first, and I think adult animation can be a strong target too. Do you feel like Pranky Wolf could also work as an adult animated series?
I'm usually working on three or more projects at a time, but my main focus right now is The 11 Doors—a martial arts paranormal fantasy that blends elements of 47 Ronin, Afro Samurai, and Kill Bill. It's packed with layered myth, intense action, and interactive storytelling.
2 people like this
You’re absolutely right, Dwayne Williams 2 , Pranky Wolf is definitely meant for a more mature audience, it’s not exactly aimed at little kids. What you’re working on with The 11 Doors sounds truly fascinating and inspiring.
2 people like this
Thank you, Daniel Nedyalkov that means a lot! I really appreciate your energy and the creative spirit behind Pranky Wolf. It’s exciting to see how you’re building something playful yet layered, especially with mature themes woven in. Looking forward to seeing where you take it next!
2 people like this
Dwayne Williams 2 The next chapter I’m considering will focus on Karate Pig, Lil Pig & XXL Pig. Right now though, my main task is to find a publisher for Pranky Wolf. Thanks so much for your interest, it truly makes me happy and keeps me inspired! :)
2 people like this
You’re welcome, Daniel Nedyalkov! I’ll be here anytime you have more questions or want to share updates.