Adapting IP for New Media

Narrative storytelling is no longer confined to traditional media. For writers, directors, and producers, some of the most exciting opportunities now exist in emerging and newly established media formats—from audio storytelling and video games to interactive film, virtual reality, and live participatory experiences. As the entertainment landscape continues to expand, so too must our understanding of how to adapt, reimagine, and translate stories across media. 

In this workshop-driven course, students will explore the art and craft of adaptation, learning to distill a story’s core essence, independent of its format. We will analyze how original creators communicate this essence through their chosen media and engage in hands-on exercises to reimagine well-known stories in new media formats—examining how each format’s unique strengths and limitations shape adaptation choices. 

Through real world case studies, we will dissect successful (and failed) adaptations of popular intellectual properties (IP) across different formats, gaining insight into the narrative techniques, audience engagement strategies, and creative challenges that arise when translating stories beyond conventional mediums. Additionally, we will explore the fundamentals of pitch presentation, including structure, performance, and visual design—essential skills for articulating and selling adaptation concepts. By the end of the course, each student will develop and present a final pitch for a new media adaptation of a classic work, selected from a curated list or approved by the instructor. This project will synthesize the analytical and creative skills built throughout the course, preparing students to navigate and contribute to the evolving world of multi-platform storytelling.