Concept bible for transmedia Ideas

Nov 2023
Concept Bible
C h a p t e r 2 : F r o m I d e a t o S t o r y
fictional crime
“Unleash your inner detective with CaseCloser, the
groundbreaking podcast experience invites you to crack the
case alongside our fictional investigators."
CASE
CLOSER
by Dudette Entertainment

CONTENTS
3
C o n c e p t I d e a
4 B a c k S t o r y
5 S y n o p s i s
8 P l o t P o i n t s
9 C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s
10 U s e r - c e n t r i c s c e n a r i o s
12 I n s p i r a t i o n
14 I n v e s t o r s
15 W h a t C h a n g e d
16 a p p e n d i x
CASE
CLOSER

Concept Idea
CaseCloser (CC) is a bi-monthly fictional investigation podcast, that presents a
new case each season. Hosted by fictional detectives, it offers an immersive
experience for listeners who become part of the investigation team.
Subscribers gain access to digital clues, and can along with non-subscribers
follow characters on social media for extra clues and details and a more
immersive look into the story. Future plans include physical case documents,
board games, and in-person events to enhance the transmedia experience.

Back Story
B a c k g r o u n d C h e c k
As CaseCloser is still in its early conception stages we decided the context and
backstory given should be irrevocably related to the research behind our
reasoning for conceiving this idea.
In response to global mental health challenges, CaseCloser offers a unique
escape through a fiction crime podcast, recognizing the decline in traditional
reading, Pir (2022), our company leverages the podcast format, known for its
emotional connections with listeners, Sperber (2021).
Choosing the Genre:
The deliberate choice of the "fiction crime" genre caters to a predominantly
female audience, aligning with research showing women's affinity for true
crime,(Boling & Hull, 2019).
Ethical Approach:
Acknowledging critiques of the genre, CaseCloser commits to an engaging and
ethical fiction crime podcast, aiming to balance entertainment with
responsible storytelling.
Transmedia Storytelling as by Henry Jenkin’s principles:
By adopting transmedia storytelling, CaseCloser enriches the narrative,
encourages audience participation, and builds a vibrant community around
the podcast.
Community-Centric:
CaseCloser isn't just a podcast; it's an immersive experience inviting listeners
to be detectives, fostering connections within a community bound by a love for
storytelling,(Pratten, 2015).

Synopsis
C o n n e c t i n g t h e D o t s
CaseCloser, as the transmedia product that it is, is divided into 3 main
elements. Podcast, social media, and document subscription. Each of these has
its own main function and unfolds in different but also interconnected ways.
Engagement with all elements at the same time is recommended for a better
and more immersive experience but is not mandatory in order to understand
the product as a whole.
Social
Media
TRANSMEDIA
Podcast
Subscription
Documents

Podcast
main story
Suspect??
two times
a month
Without this, the game can
still be played but the hosts'
story and perspective will be
missing alongside the
personal element
They interact with each
other in a casual way and
update the audience to their
investigation process
Two hosts
“detectives”
amateurs
friends
Social
Media
Posts for major
host
announcements
and visualizations
Small clues
embedded for
attentive
listeners
24/7
"live" updates
Insights into
characters and faces
to names will be
missing without it
Stories as
teasers for
podcast
content

Subscription
Documents
Enhances involvement
Without it, the audience will
be missing the main
involvement in solving the
cases as well as the reward
system
Subscribers can
guess the killer
before hosts, the
top 5 get a goodie
box
Clues provided:
autopsy reports,
call transcripts,
crime pics, etc.

Plot Points
O n g o i n g I n v e s t i g a t i o n
Active phase:
In the podcast's initial three-month phase, six episodes are released biweekly,
accompanied by crime documents aiding subscribers in solving the case. The
finale honors the most dedicated subscribers who cracked the case before the
hosts, reflecting a strategic and engaging approach.
social media episode 1 documents 1 episode 2
documents 2
episode 3 documents 3 episode 4 documents 4 episode 5
documents 5
episode 6
documents 6
social media - the whole time
finale celebration
sending out the rewards
finale celebration
rewards
Passive phase:
New episodes are temporarily suspended as the podcast transitions into a
passive period, but the archives continue to be a wealth of publicly available
secrets. Enthusiasts looking for a more immersive experience can purchase a
combined package that includes every hidden clue, enabling them to solve the
case in a single, captivating sitting.
Even if the podcast may go silent for a while, social media updates keep the
digital world active. These posts, while less frequent than the busy active
period, still create a subtle undercurrent of anticipation by providing glimpses
into the podcast's future or new products.

Characteristics
and attitude
D e t e c t i v e s i n C h a r g e
The two recurrent characters of CaseCloser are the fictional detectives that the
listeners are helping solve the cases, these are also the hosts of the podcast.
These two characters, which are representatives of the target audience,
international gen Z and millennials,in order to aid easier parasocial
relationships and will have their own social media platforms such as
Instagram,TikTok, Goodreads and Letterboxd to show their personalities and
traits. Throughout the various platforms in which CaseCloser’s storyworld
takes place, podcast and social media, the detectives will be represented as
focused on their task to investigate the case but also with a fun atmosphere
when regarding each other. Their relationship will be characterised by a
constant humours dynamic with banter added to the mix, but always in a
respectful view.
over
thinker
respectful
goaloriented
sarcastic
compassionate
humorous
careful
movie lover
alexithymia
gen z/millenial
drawing
math
science
reading

User-centric
scenarios
T h e S u s p e c t s
ARRESTMENT REQUEST
SUSPECT
RE: EVENTS OF
26/11/23
FILE058-ENTREPRENEURSHIPAPPLICATION1989
Suspect A The fandom enthusiast
Searching for a sense of community/fandom
CaseCloser was a friend's recommendation
Has free time
extroverted
They seem to have grown up fast and just want to hold onto the joy of childhood
things.
Enjoys collecting merchandise and seeing the worth of gathering and
showcasing items linked to their favorite cases.
Cosplaying is a passion of theirs, open to attending in-person events related to
CaseCloser, such as live shows, meet-and-greets with the fictional detectives, or
immersive experiences.
Likely to adopt new features or products introduced by CaseCloser, such as
interactive apps or augmented reality experiences.
who are our users and how
do they benefit from case
closer?
Suspect B The one searching for connections
Wants to meet people through shared interests
Subscribed after learning about CaseCloser on social media
A lot of free time
Looking to change their introverted personality
Loves puzzles and problem-solving, Has a keen eye for detail, and enjoys
analyzing information to draw conclusions.
Values self-directed learning and sees the investigation process as an
opportunity to enhance their analytical and deductive skills.
Likely to adopt new features or products introduced by CaseCloser, such as
interactive apps or augmented reality experiences.
Views entertainment as a catalyst for forming meaningful connections and
friendships.
Uses the podcast and other interests as a conversation starter in social
situations..

User-centric
scenarios
T h e S u s p e c t s
ARRESTMENT REQUEST
SUSPECT
RE: EVENTS OF
26/11/23
FILE058-ENTREPRENEURSHIPAPPLICATION1989
Suspect C The social user
Looking for a fun activity/hobby to do with friends a few times a month
Found CaseCloser while searching for games to play with friends at home
Limited free time so the twice-a-month format is preferred
Extroverted
Appreciates opportunities to provide feedback on the podcast and associated
products.
Likely to organize listening parties or game nights centered around CaseCloser
episodes.
Finds excitement in friendly competition, Appreciates the opportunity to
compare theories and investigative skills with friends
Enjoys expanding the social circle through a shared interest in the podcast.
Enjoys the digital extension of the podcast as a way to keep friends engaged
between episodes.
Suspect D The independent detective
The main goal is escapism and roleplaying by themselves
Purchased the documents and binge-listened to the entire podcast once the full
season was released.
Limited free time and value experiences that can be consumed at their own pace.
Loves reading and consuming stories in any way, wants to learn everything
possible about the story universe
Introverted
Values entertainment that breaks the fourth wall and enjoys platforms that blur
the lines between fiction and reality, making them active participants in the
storytelling process.
Enjoys being emotionally invested in the characters and the overarching plot.
Once invested in a case, this consumer is likely to stay engaged throughout the
season, eagerly awaiting the resolution.
Appreciates well-crafted narratives and storytelling techniques.

Inspiration
O t h e r C r i m e L o r d s
There are a few inspirations our group took for the different parts of this
transmedia concept. These inspirations helped us guide the concept in a more
complex direction and help the audience to have a more immersive experience
with the product.
Only Murderers in the building:
Is a TV show which seamlessly intertwines mystery, comedy, and drama,
featuring three central characters. Their dynamic, marked by an informal and
humor-centric approach, adds a unique charm to the show as they navigate a
murder mystery in their upscale apartment building.
Emulating this dynamic, our podcast hosts aim to strike a balance between
informality and humor in order to create an engaging and enjoyable
atmosphere for listeners. Inspired by the comedic charm of "Only Murders in
the Building," our approach not only enhances audience engagement but also
contributes to the distinctiveness of our content.

Inspiration
O t h e r C r i m e L o r d s
Skam & Gossip Girl:
Both of these television shows distinguished themselves through an innovative
concept—establishing social media profiles for their respective characters
within the storyline. These characters actively shared their daily lives and
engaged in interactions on these platforms, elevating the complexity of the
narratives and providing fans with a more immersive experience. In alignment
with this approach, our product aims to adopt a similar strategy.
Specifically, we plan to create social media accounts, primarily on TikTok and
Instagram, for the characters involved in the crime case. Regular updates
showcasing their daily activities will contribute to a heightened sense of
immersion for our audience. Moreover, these updates will incorporate subtle
clues, encouraging podcast followers to actively participate in solving the case.
This approach not only enhances the overall richness of the listener experience
but also fosters a sense of community as followers can interact in the comment
sections of these social media profiles.

Investors
T h e M o n e y B e h i n d
T h e O p e r a t i o n
Investing in a transmedia project that combines a fictional crime podcast with
a subscription-based investigation game holds promising financial prospects.
Our cost and benefit analysis indicates that the initial cost of 6,370 euros for
the first active year can be justified by the projected benefit of 14,850 euros for
the same period. The podcast component serves as a captivating storytelling
platform, drawing in a dedicated audience through immersive narratives. With
a subscription-based investigation game, investors can tap into the lucrative
gaming market, providing users with an interactive experience that
complements the podcast storyline. This approach combined with the social
media aspect of the story not only diversifies revenue streams but also fosters
a sense of community among subscribers, enhancing brand loyalty.
Furthermore, the transmedia format allows for strategic partnerships and
cross-promotions, maximising exposure and attracting a broader audience.
Overall, CaseCloser creates a unique and monetizable entertainment
experience, making it a sound investment opportunity for forward-thinking
investors.

What Changed
Year one/ semester one:
A casual conversation about the podcast
The foundational concept for a crime podcast was conceived
Start of the journey
Year one/ semester two:
Idea evolved
The name we decided on was ´Case Closer´
Belief in our idea was reinforced
Start of year two:
Start of our journey as entrepreneurs
Dudette Entertainment formed Company behind our → product
The early stages of developing Case Closer in more depth started
Coaches and Experts play a big role as a support system to enhance our
concept
Refining Logo, Podcast plot, and subscription documents development in
the process
After receiving Feedback on our Concept / Now:
The writing style has been changed with the intent of being more clear and
specific when showing our ideas
All the concept choices are now backed up with additional desk research
and reflected in our creative process
Our storyline and research are connected and related
The bibliography was edited according to the APA rules
The initial ideas and how this concept started have been properly
showcased

Appendix
Link of co-creation research:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:97c0c3b8-f762-4a7e-b982-
533bc68058d9
Justification:
The choice of using social media as another entry point for our concept is the
result of co-creation that indicates the audience will feel less overwhelmed and
more engaged if the information is spread out through social media and they
are able to dig for these clues in multiple platforms. This goes along with the
principle of Spreadability and Drillability.
The necessity for constant updates on the storyworld yet a more slow paced
resolution of the actual crime was one of the insights that resulted from the co
creation session. Therefore it was decided that 24/7 updates on the characters
would be provided through social media to continue the engagement with the
storyworld however the podcast and documents would be released on a bi
monthly basis in order to give time to the user to solve the investigation
without feeling rushed. This way the product strategically provides
information regarding the past, present, and future elements of the story,
which aligns with the multiplicity principle.
The choice of document clues stems from the sense of visual examination of
the crime scene, which piques participants’ interest and engages them in an
active search for hidden clues, as we were able to conclude from our cocreation
sessions. The emphasis on a balanced distribution of different
documents and clues was mentioned by our participants and we listened by
implementing small clues on social media, distributing in a way the storyworld
through all platforms. This allows the consumer to feel the immersion
mentioned in the 3rd principle of jenkins.

Appendix
Derived from the findings of our co-creation research, when exploring the
impact of character backstory on audience connection, our participants
emphasized the natural tendency for individuals to form stronger bonds when
familiar with each other's backgrounds (Worldbuilding). Consequently, to
enhance audience engagement, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive
portrayal of the characters, particularly through social media channels. In
light of this, we propose the implementation of regular posts for significant
host announcements and visualizations, offering insights into the characters.
This strategy aims to bridge the gap between the audience and the characters,
ensuring that the audience not only knows the names but also associates faces
with those names. The absence of such posts would result in a missed
opportunity for audiences to establish a deeper connection with the
characters, consequently diminishing the overall engagement experience.
Building upon the insights gleaned from our co-creation research, it became
evident that a unanimous preference emerged during our collaborative
sessions. Participants expressed a collective inclination toward narrating the
story in the third person, extending this inclination to their desire for the
podcast to adopt a third-person storytelling approach. Consequently, the
proposed format involves two hosts—detectives by role, yet amateurs and
friends of victims—sharing the narrative through the podcast in a collaborative
effort to engage the audience with the story.
Utilizing insights derived from our co-creation research, we aim to foster
active participation from fans in shaping the storyworld and meeting the
expectations of our target audience (Performance). In pursuit of this goal, we
propose the development of a subscription-based interactive gaming
document. This document will serve as a crucial link between
players/audiences and the narrative, enhancing their engagement by involving
them in solving cases and experiencing a reward system. Not only does it
enrich the overall experience, but it also ensures that subscribers play a pivotal
role in deducing the identity of the perpetrator before the hosts do. To
incentivize and acknowledge their astuteness, the top 5 subscribers who
successfully identify the killer will be rewarded with an exclusive goodie box.

Appendix
Pratten, R. (2015). Getting Started with Transmedia Storytelling: A
Practical Guide for Beginners. Createspace Independent Publishing
Platform.
Sperber, J. (2021). The political economy of the podcast and the rise of the
left entrepreneur. Ephemera: Theory & Politics in Organization. Retrieved
November 3, 2022, from
https://ephemerajournal.org/contribution/political-economy-podcastand-rise-left-entrepreneur
Pir, A. (2022, February 7). The number of reading books in the world is
declining! Medium. https://ralfapir.medium.com/the-number-of-readingbooks-in-the-world-is-declining-433bbafc2806