Stone Kite: A New Paradigm for Transmedia World-Building
The landscape of entertainment is shifting as industry veterans Jason Jones-the visionary behind the Halo and Destiny sagas-and acclaimed author Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures) unveil their latest venture: Stone Kite. Unlike traditional production houses that prioritize a single medium before branching out, this Los Angeles-based studio is built on the philosophy of simultaneous, multi-disciplinary creation.
“Rather than beginning in one silo and adapting outward, we bring global creators from different disciplines to shape the world together,” explains CEO Margaret Stohl.
The Architects Behind the Vision
The leadership team at Stone Kite brings a wealth of experience from the highest echelons of gaming and media. Stohl, who previously co-founded 7 Studios (later acquired by Activision), serves as CEO. She is joined by a powerhouse executive team, including:
- Lewis Peterson, President
- Stephen Wacker, former SVP of Media
- Matt Johnson, VP of Film and TV
- Jeanine Schaefer, Narrative Creative Director
Introducing One Zero One: The Debut IP
Stone Kite is positioning itself as a “world-building studio,” a strategy that emphasizes deep lore and expansive universes over standalone products. Their inaugural project, One Zero One, is derived from an original manuscript penned by Jones. The narrative explores a high-stakes global confrontation between mankind and a rebellious faction of AI-controlled robotic combatants.
The studio is opting for a digital-first rollout, launching the story as a four-part comic book series. Fans can expect the first installments to arrive online at no cost in early 2027, serving as the foundation for a broader roadmap of multimedia adaptations.
A Collaborative Ecosystem
The studio’s ambition is supported by a massive network of talent. Stone Kite is currently coordinating with a collective of over 250 creators spanning the film, television, and gaming sectors. This collaborative model reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry, where cross-platform synergy is becoming essential; according to recent market analysis, transmedia franchises-those that span games, streaming, and print-often see a 30% higher engagement rate compared to single-medium properties.
By integrating diverse creative voices from the outset, Stone Kite aims to ensure that its intellectual properties feel cohesive, regardless of whether the audience encounters them on a screen, a page, or through an interactive experience.
