Enlightening and Storytelling Functions in Transmedia Narratives (Audiovisual Project "Deception Theater")

The thesis on the transmedia project "Theatre of Deception" analyses the educational functions of various media channels united by a common theme - fraud and its social consequences. The paper emphasises the key role of the flagship element - the documentary film - due to its emotional potential and its ability to influence the audience at a deep level. The film combines elements of reconstruction and expert interviews to provide the viewer with a structured understanding of fraud. The project website is a standalone media product, featuring interactive elements such as a bingo game and animations that allow users to actively explore the topic. The direct 'you' approach forms a closer bond with the young audience, breaking down formal barriers and encouraging self-education. Podcasts, as an additional element, provide in-depth analysis of the topic through the stories of experts and victims, closing the information gaps left by the film and website. The combination of these media formats creates a comprehensive system of educational features, allowing the project to reach audiences in their 20s and 30s. The thesis also considers the competitive environment in which the project operates and emphasises the importance of the user pathway in a media project. The construction of this pathway ensures consistent viewer engagement and creates narrative coherence, which enhances the effectiveness of the educational outreach. The study draws on the theoretical and practical work of authors such as Henry Jenkins, Bill Nichols and Andrea Phillips, who describe the role of flagship products, multimedia integration and expert opinion in shaping transmedia experiences. Theatre of Deception is thus seen as an effective teaching and information tool that uses emotional and practical impact to sensitise young people to the issue of fraud.