Averno - How a TikTok Became a Transmedia Universe

Explore the creation and evolution of Averno, an innovative transmedia universe, in this 51-minute SXSW 2021 conference talk. Discover how theatre artist Morgan Smith and a global team of 60 artists transformed a TikTok concept into a thriving online phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about the principles of transmedia design, world-building techniques, and community engagement strategies that led to Averno's success. Gain insights into the creative process behind developing interlocking musicals, comics, novels, and virtual reality experiences centered around a single fictional town. Understand how this project adapted to the changing entertainment landscape, embracing connectivity and reckless creation to build a dedicated following of over 200,000 fans. Delve into topics such as aesthetics, themes, lore writing, community events, and marketing strategies that contributed to Averno's explosive growth and millions of streams.

Intro
What is Transmedia Design
Page World Building
Aesthetics
Questions
Themes
Idea
History
Averno as a God
The Forest
Franchise Ideas
Writing Lore
Writing Evernote
Community Events
Content
Constant Creation
Transmedia in Action
The Podcast
The ARG
The Find a Verno ARG
Puzzles
Story
Why Transmedia
Accessing a Huge Vocabulary
Howard Shore
Inside Joke Phenomenon
The Language of Theme
The Snowball Effect
Marketing
Conclusion