Jeff Gomez: Transmedia Visionary
I was lucky enough to meet Jeff Gomez back in the day. We were both part of a Henry Jenkins-sponsored symposium at MIT about transmedia storytelling. Jeff was and is way ahead of me regarding the ways to build relatable and relevant stories across the new media landscape. In some recent interviews promoting his work on Ultraman, he’s been dropping some killer storytelling science. Let's peruse Jeff’s insights and consider how we might find ways to incorporate his wisdom into our own work.
As CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, Jeff has worked on some of the most iconic franchises, from Avatar to Pirates of the Caribbean, while pioneering the art of transmedia storytelling. But his mission goes beyond creating epic worlds; it’s about using stories to inspire connection, reconciliation, and even societal change.
Stories That Connect
Jeff Gomez grew up immersed in stories that treated their audiences with respect and intelligence. Early influences like Gigantor and Kimba the White Lion ignited his imagination with serialized, serious-minded narratives that didn’t insult the viewer’s intelligence. These formative experiences planted the seeds for Jeff’s lifelong fascination with storytelling.
As a child in Hawaii, Jeff’s world expanded further with exposure to Japanese tokusatsu (live-action superhero shows) like Kikaider and Ultraseven. Watching these shows in their authentic form sparked a desire to build and protect narrative worlds of his own. “In 1975, I said, ‘I have to do this,’” Jeff recalls. Decades later, he’s shaping these worlds and inspiring others to do the same.
Transmedia Storytelling
This is at the core of Jeff’s approach. It’s the art of expanding a story world across multiple media platforms in a cohesive and meaningful way.
“Your story world should function as a system,” Jeff explains. “It’s not just about defeating a villain; it’s about addressing a systemic problem that affects the entire world.” For example:
Video Games: Focus on action and dynamic environments.
Novels: Explore internal struggles and character development.
Films: Bring visual spectacle and emotional resonance.
One of Jeff’s most challenging projects was organizing the sprawling Halo universe into a 2,000-page document for 343 Industries. Similarly, with Pirates of the Caribbean, he worked to ensure narrative coherence across Disney’s global divisions. These endeavors highlight the precision and creativity required to build stories that resonate.
Lessons from Ultraman
One of Jeff’s standout projects is his work with Ultraman. The franchise’s enduring appeal lies in its layered storytelling—kaiju (monsters) often symbolize humanity’s flaws, and Ultraman’s mission is to inspire us to “fix it.” As Jeff puts it, “Ultraman doesn’t just reset the world. He’s saying, ‘You have to deal with the consequences of your actions. Fix it, and I’ll help when you can’t.’”
In projects like the super rad Ultraman Rising, Jeff ensured the story’s central message, harmony and reconciliation, remained intact. The result? A global hit that showcased the franchise’s timeless themes.
The Collective Journey: A New Storytelling Paradigm
While the Hero’s Journey has long dominated Western storytelling, Jeff champions a new framework: the Collective Journey.
“The Collective Journey explores how a group navigates shared challenges,” Jeff explains. “It’s about understanding that every character’s perspective holds some validity, even if it’s flawed.”
This approach fosters empathy and reflects real-world complexities, where solutions often require collaboration rather than conflict. It’s a framework for Gen-Z audiences, who crave richer, more nuanced narratives.
Innovations and Inspirations
Jeff’s vision for storytelling extends into emerging trends and technologies.
Third Spaces: Teens and young adults will seek out communal spaces like shopping malls and coffee shops to connect around shared interests.
Audio Innovations: Podcasts, audiobooks, and immersive audio installations will continue to grow in popularity.
AI-Driven Creativity: Young artists will leverage AI tools to create fluid, innovative films worth a second look.
Stories That Heal
Jeff’s work isn’t limited to the entertainment industry. He’s consulted with governments and NGOs to craft narratives that foster understanding and address global challenges. “Mythology contains code,” Jeff says. “It’s a tool to live our lives as best we can, to take on challenges that are very difficult.”
By blending his expertise in world-building with a social commitment, Jeff proves stories can be a force for reconciliation, peace, and collective action.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
To be more like Jeff:
Master Your Craft: Commit to excellence in your chosen medium.
Be Authentic: Your unique perspective is your greatest asset.
Think Systemically: Build interconnected story worlds that offer multiple entry points for cross-platform audiences.
Mythologies for a Modern World
Jeff’s ultimate goal is to create modern mythologies that address today’s challenges, from technological anxiety to environmental crises. “We need new code written into our myths,” he says. “Stories that prepare us for what’s coming while reminding us of our humanity.”
Whether he’s working on blockbuster franchises, consulting governments, or mentoring creators, Jeff Gomez demonstrates the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and transform.
For more Jeff-bombs, visit Starlight Runner or follow him on LinkedIN. You should check out the animated flick Ultraman: Rising on Netflix. I loved it. And remember, you’re never facing that blank page alone. You have your scribbler’s toolbox. So, ABW. Always. Be. Writing.
