How to Turn a Domino Build into a Multi-Format IP (Comics, Minis, Short Films)

Turn one killer domino concept into a transmedia machine — comics, minis, and short films

Hook: You built a jaw‑dropping domino run and your viewers want more than a clip — they want a world. But how do you stretch a single domino build into comics, collectible minis, and short films without burning your budget or your team? This step‑by‑step guide shows creators exactly how to convert a domino concept into a multi‑format IP in 2026, with practical product, kit and crowdfunding recommendations.

Quick preview — what you'll walk away with

• A proven roadmap from concept to comic, mini, and short film
• Concrete product and tooling options for prototypes and small runs
• A crowdfunding & merch playbook for pre‑sales and fulfillment
• Legal, team and production checklists so your build scales safely

Why now? 2026 trends that make transmedia expansion realistic

In late 2025 and early 2026, the indie transmedia landscape got more creator‑friendly. Agencies and aggregators like The Orangery — which in January 2026 signed with WME for its graphic‑novel IP — proved that small, concept‑driven studios can spark cross‑format franchises. At the same time, affordable tech for prototyping (desktop SLA printers), print‑on‑demand, and creator‑centered distribution platforms make it cheaper than ever to iterate physical collectibles and short films. Crowdfunding remains the de‑facto way to validate demand and fund tooling.

Step 1 — Frame your domino build as an IP: character, world, and mechanics

Before you commercialize, treat your domino run like a story seed. IP succeeds across media when it has distinct characters, a repeatable visual language, and a core mechanic that translates between formats.

1. Identify the core metaphor of your build. Is it a cityscape where toppling represents change? A chain reaction powered by tiny creatures? Your metaphor guides visuals and story arcs.
2. Create a one‑page IP bible. Include: main characters (even if they're animated dominoes or props), tone, signature colors/patterns, and the mechanical gimmick (magnetic tiles, glow paint, moving platforms).
3. Define the franchise hooks: collectible potential (mini characters), episodic comic beats, and short‑film emotional beats (surprise, humor, spectacle).

Practical deliverable:

• One‑page IP bible PDF
• 3 thumbnail scripts: comic issue, 60–90s short, and a shop‑front product description

Step 2 — Design the comic adaptation: beats, art direction, and production

Comics are the cheapest narrative format to expand a domino concept because they lean on visual design — the same strength as domino builds.

From run to page

1. Pick an entry story: the build's origin, the rival crew trying to replicate the run, or a “day of the build” slice‑of‑life.
2. Create a 6–8 page proof‑of‑concept (PoC) before committing to a full issue. Use the domino run imagery as splash pages.
3. Lock art direction — color palette and panel rhythm should echo the physical build's pacing and colors.

Tools, suppliers & production

• Software: Clip Studio Paint and Procreate for artists, Affinity or Photoshop for layout.
• Lettering: hire a letterer or use Comicraft style fonts. Keep word balloons minimal for visual impact.
• Printing & distribution: Mixam for short runs, Print‑on‑demand services for store sales, and digital platforms (Webtoon, Tapas, or storefront PDFs) for discoverability.

Tip: Use the comic PoC as a Kickstarter reward tier (signed limited print) to test demand before mass printing.

Step 3 — Turn your domino aesthetic into collectible minis

Collectible minis are tactile proof the world exists in three dimensions. They’re also high‑margin merch that fans love.

Prototype to production workflow

1. Create concept sculpts (2–3 variants) that map to key pieces in your run — protagonists, mascots, or notable props.
2. Prototype using desktop SLA resin printing for fine details. Recommended entry options in 2026: Formlabs Form 3+ for professional studios and Elegoo Mars/SATURN series for budget prototyping.
3. For small preorders (under 1,000 units), use low‑run resin casting or small batch injection molding. For larger runs, partner with suppliers like Protolabs or Xometry for tooling and injection molds.
4. Consider modular pins or magnetic bases so minis can be posed on a domino baseplate — a built‑in use case that ties product to the original build.

Materials & finishes

• Resin: best for detail and small batches.
• PVC or ABS via injection molding: cheaper at scale.
• Finishes: matte paint, weathering, metallic accents, glow‑in‑the‑dark paint for night builds.

Supplier notes: Start with prototype houses and finishers in your region to speed turnarounds; outsourcing overseas for final production is cost‑efficient for larger MOQ runs, but factor shipping and customs into your timeline and pricing.

Step 4 — Produce a short film that sells the world (not just the trick)

A short film is your emotional hook. Unlike a pure demo reel, a short film should dramatize your IP's stakes so viewers want to own the tie‑in comic or mini.

Format & length

• 60–180 seconds for social platforms and festivals — short enough to share, long enough to tell a beat.
• One extended 5–12 minute short works for festival circuits and to qualify for grants.

Production checklist

1. Storyboard the domino sequence as narrative beats (setup, inciting topple, escalation, payoff).
2. Shoot plates of the build with high frame rates for slow‑motion cutaways; use macro lenses for tactile detail.
3. Capture practical elements — sound of tiles, ambient mechanical noises — to layer in sound design. Use a Zoom H6 or better for field audio.
4. Edit with Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve and add VFX in After Effects or Blender for polish (particle dust, light flares tied to story magic).
5. Color grade to match your comic palette for brand consistency.

Distribution in 2026

• Short film festivals and genre festivals that accept micro‑shorts.
• Social platforms: vertical versions for TikTok/Instagram Reels plus a director’s cut for YouTube.
• Use the short as a Kickstarter pitch video — it's the single most effective way to convert visitors into backers.

Step 5 — Productize into kits and accessory lines

Kits are your bridge from spectacle to purchase. Fans want a way to replicate the magic at home.

Kit types

• Starter kit: branded domino tiles (1" or 2"), a mini, stickers, and a 6‑page mini comic.
• Creator kit: specialty tiles (magnetic, translucent, glow), custom ramps, stabilizers, and a planning template.
• Collector kit: limited minis, signed print, numbered certificate, and behind‑the‑scenes short film download code.

Supplies & vendors

• Tiles: source from established domino manufacturers that offer consistent weight and edge tolerances. Ask for sample tolerance sheets.
• Specialty tiles: acrylic, glow‑pigmented tiles and magnetic tiles are produced by boutique suppliers — start with 100–500 piece MOQ runs.
• Packaging: use modular boxes for tiered inserts; work with packaging houses that offer sustainable options (recycled cardboard, compostable trays) — 2026 buyers care about sustainability.

Step 6 — Crowdfunding & pre‑launch strategy

Crowdfunding validates demand, funds tooling, and builds an early community. Use it to collect emails, gauge product interest, and lock in preorders.

Kickstarter checklist (what to include)

1. Compelling pitch video (your 60–90s social short works here).
2. Clear backer tiers: digital comic, physical comic, starter kit, limited mini, VIP collector editions.
3. Stretch goals that add value (extra mini variant, enamel pins, alternate comic covers) rather than vague promises.
4. Realistic fulfillment timeline with contingency (tooling and overseas production often add 3–6 months).
5. Use BackerKit or CrowdOx for post‑campaign surveys, preorders, and pledge management.

Marketing playbook: run a pre‑launch page to collect 1,000+ emails, seed exclusive clips to micro‑influencers in the domino and toy communities, and host live build streams as campaign countdown events.

Step 7 — Merch & post‑sales distribution

After fulfillment, convert backers into long‑term customers with merch ecosystems.

• Print‑on‑demand (Printful, Printify) for apparel and posters to avoid inventory risk.
• Limited edition drops for minis and signed comics distributed via a webstore with tiered VIP access.
• Bundle digital content: give buyers a high‑res comic PDF, BTS short film, and a pack of behind‑the‑scenes photos for ULTRA fans.

Step 8 — Monetization beyond sales: licensing, partnerships & content revenue

Think beyond direct sales. Licensing your domino IP opens doors to partnerships (toy makers, board game adaptations, ad campaigns) and larger media deals.

• Offer a licensing‑ready IP pack: character designs, color keys, music stems, and a one‑page usage guide.
• Pitch your short film to streaming platforms and anthology channels; festivals increase licensing leverage.
• Consider micro‑licensing for educational kits — schools and STEM programs buy tactile builds tied to curricula.

Step 9 — Team, legal and IP protection

Don’t wing the legal side. Protecting ownership and defining rights up front prevents costly disputes.

Core legal steps

1. Copyright your comic and film scripts; register trademark candidates for the brand and product names.
2. Use clear contracts for collaborators: work‑for‑hire vs licensing, royalties, and crediting. Keep an entertainment attorney on retainer for deals.
3. Document provenance for limited minis (serial numbers, COAs) to increase collector confidence.

Team roles to hire or contract: concept artist, sculptor/3D modeler, resin/injection manufacturer liaison, director/editor, crowd‑fulfillment manager, and an attorney familiar with transmedia IP.

Step 10 — Logistics, safety, and scaling large builds

Scaling a build for events or film sets requires safety, insurance and a supply chain plan.

• Use insurance for public events; vendors who facilitate pop‑ups often require liability coverage.
• Have a staging plan: spare tiles, replacement magnets, stabilizing putty, and an emergency kit (tweezers, micro‑glue, clamps).
• Document build steps for repeatability — checklists, time estimates, and a parts BOM (bill of materials).

Case study inspiration: what The Orangery signals for creators

In January 2026, Variety reported that The Orangery — a European transmedia studio behind hit graphic novels like Traveling to Mars — signed with WME. That deal underscores a modern model: build a strong graphic identity, then scale via agency deals and cross‑format licensing. For solo creators and small teams, the lesson is clear: focus on a vivid visual identity and a modular IP bible. Agencies will look for projects with a ready‑made fanbase, polished proof‑of‑concept work, and clear productization strategies.

“The William Morris Endeavor Agency has signed recently formed European transmedia outfit The Orangery,” Variety, Jan 2026.

Advanced strategies & future predictions for 2026–2028

Here are trends and strategic moves to plan for now.

• AI as a co‑creator: Generative tools speed concept art and scripting. Use AI to iterate designs, but keep human oversight for voice and legal clearance.
• Hybrid physical/digital collectibles: Limited minis with paired digital twins (AR markers or NFTs with utility) will remain attractive. Buyers increasingly expect digital perks (exclusive short cuts, behind‑the‑scenes files).
• Subscription models: Monthly kit drops or episodic mini releases will help smooth revenue and deepen community engagement.
• Community co‑creation: Invite fans to submit design ideas and vote on variants — a proven way to increase backer conversion during campaigns.

Product & supplier cheat sheet (ready to use)

• Domino tiles: order consistent tolerance tiles from established manufacturers; request samples and tolerance sheets.
• Prototype printing: Formlabs Form 3+ (pro) or Elegoo Saturn 2 (budget) for SLA resin prints.
• Small batch casting: local prototyping houses or Shapeways for initial runs.
• Injection molds & tooling: Protolabs, Xometry for mid to large runs.
• Packaging: Mixam for book printing; regional packaging houses for kit boxes with eco options.
• Audio gear: Zoom H6; camera: Sony A7 series or equivalent mirrorless; editing: DaVinci Resolve (free & pro) and Premiere Pro.
• Crowdfunding tools: Kickstarter for campaigns; BackerKit for fulfillment; Gumroad or Shopify for post‑campaign sales.

Actionable 30‑60‑90 day plan

Days 1–30: Document & prototype

• Create your IP one‑page bible and three thumbnail scripts.
• Build a 6–8 page comic PoC and a resin prototype mini.
• Produce a 60–90s short rough cut from existing footage or a staged micro‑shoot.

Days 31–60: Validate & pre‑launch

• Run a landing page to collect 1,000 pre‑launch emails.
• Seed PoC comic pages and short film clips to niche influencers and communities.
• Refine crowdfunding tiers and production timelines.

Days 61–90: Campaign & tooling

• Launch Kickstarter with the short film as the pitch video.
• Secure prototype manufacturer quotes and confirm MOQ and tooling lead times.
• Plan fulfillment and post‑campaign store setup with BackerKit.

Wrap: the single most important thing

Make the world tangible and repeatable. Whether through a comic panel, a pocketable mini, or a short film beat, every format should feel like a doorway back into the same world. That coherence is what turns a one‑off domino run into an expandable, licensable IP.

Inspired by studios like The Orangery and armed with 2026 tools for prototyping and distribution, creators can now follow a practical path from viral clip to multi‑format franchise — if they plan, prototype, and protect their work.

Next steps (call to action)

Ready to turn your domino build into a franchise? Download our free one‑page IP bible template and a supplier checklist customized for domino creators. Start your pre‑launch page today and get feedback from our creator community — submit your concept to our next mentor review and get tailored product recommendations.

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