Morgan Rosenblum, a Hofstra graduate from the class of 2008, returned to campus on Oct. 13 to discuss the success of his best-selling, award-winning graphic novel series “Treadwater” in Studio B of the School of Communication.
Alongside his business partner Nat Prinzi, Rosenblum helped those in the audience explore the concept of transmedia storytelling. Instead of using one platform to tell a story, transmedia storytelling allows readers to choose from multiple options to immerse themselves in the sci-fi action drama; including a graphic novel, phone apps, websites, a possible live-action TV show that is in the works and a video game currently in development.
Rosenblum and Prinzi, the founders of Darkrose Studios, discussed the experience of creating their own franchise and company, as well as how the idea of “Treadwater” came to life. It was an idea that Rosenblum had since high school, and after spending years in sales – working for both the New York Jets and Phreesia, a healthcare software company – he dropped everything in 2013 to pursue his creative passion.
“Anybody can talk about an idea,” Rosenblum said. “But to show and execute an idea makes you different from the rest.”
He and Prinzi had gone through multiple pitches and were repeatedly shut down before finding a spark.
Of this rejection, Rosenblum said, “I always say, ‘don’t get sad, get mad.’ You can use anger and frustration from rejection to drive you. When you get depressed, that’s not going to help you.”
Prinzi has been a part of multiple business ventures over his career. Finding a business teammate in Rosenblum, Prinzi stressed how important it is to have people by your side in trying to make a name for yourself and becoming successful.
“It’s all about the people you surround yourself with. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. [It’s about] being able to position yourself with people that share the same goal, same passions and being able to identify certain people to fill in the gaps that you can’t fill yourself,” Prinzi said.
Though Prinzi and Rosenblum have their differences, they came together to make their dream a reality.
Prinzi said, “We’re both very similar, but both very different in how we approach the creative process as well as our overall business style sensibilities. But at the end of the day, he and I both share the same goal and aspiration that we look to achieve.”
Michael Mannino, a sophomore marketing minor, was intrigued by what both Rosenblum and Prinzi had to say about their experiences out in the business world.
“The small steps are what ultimately led Morgan to his goal,” Mannino said. “He never talked about the end result or what the last step would be. He was talking about how important each step is and how it takes time for an idea to develop.”
Rosenblum assured the audience that success often does not come fast and easy, but instead takes patience and dedication.
“It’s just a matter of one step at a time,” Rosenblum said. “We’re not a massive success yet; it takes a while to get there. Right now, it’s all about getting the name out there and making sure people see and hear what we’re all about.”
While mainstream success is something that may come along further down the road, the development of a cult following is a huge start in the path to a favorable outcome.
“I think the term ‘unrealistic’ is just a term that scared people throw around because they’re too afraid to take a chance on themselves,” Rosenblum said. “It may be more difficult, but a lot of the best things in life are difficult.”
