Better Your Storytelling - 5 Quick Tips

Mark Bone

28 Mar 202207:15

Summary

TLDRIn this enlightening video, the host shares valuable insights on enhancing storytelling skills in filmmaking, straight from a hotel room in LA while wrapping up a feature-length film. Sponsored by Professional Photographers of America, the video presents five pivotal tips: starting with the ending to guide the narrative, the power of showing over telling, the importance of a central question driving the film, exploring characters' deeper emotional quests beyond their physical goals, and the compelling nature of underdog stories. Additionally, the host emphasizes the significance of concise storytelling, highlighting that brevity can often lead to a stronger impact.

Takeaways

🎥 Storytelling is foundational to good filmmaking, with the video aiming to offer fresh, actionable tips.
💻 The video is sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America, emphasizing the importance of community and professional resources for photographers.
✅ Finding the ending first is crucial for storytelling, allowing filmmakers to create a cohesive narrative that leads purposefully to a strong conclusion.
📽 Showing rather than telling is emphasized, urging filmmakers to create more engaging and immersive experiences by letting the audience see events unfold.
❓ Incorporating a central question in the film is vital, as it drives the narrative forward and introduces tension and conflict.
🚗 The use of a Tesla for transportation hints at modern filmmaking practices and the lifestyle of the filmmaker.
💼 PPA membership benefits, including equipment insurance and business resources, highlight the practical aspects of filmmaking and photography.
📚 The dual quest concept, involving both a physical and an emotional journey, is highlighted as a key storytelling technique.
🐾 The inclusion of a pet assistant editor adds a personal touch and relatability to the filmmaking process.
👥 Emphasizing underdog stories is recommended for creating compelling narratives that audiences can root for.
⏱️ Brevity in storytelling is advised, stressing that longer does not necessarily mean better and that focus should be on what's most impactful.

Q & A

Why does the video creator emphasize finding the ending of the story first?
-The creator emphasizes finding the ending first to ensure the story progresses naturally towards a strong conclusion, making the entire narrative feel cohesive and directed towards that ending, rather than meandering aimlessly.
What is the significance of showing rather than telling in filmmaking, according to the script?
-Showing rather than telling is significant because it allows the audience to experience moments directly, making the story more interesting and engaging by visualizing experiences and emotions instead of merely describing them.
What is the role of a central question in a film's narrative?
-A central question creates tension and conflict by setting a goal or challenge the film seeks to address or answer throughout its narrative, providing direction and purpose to the story.
How does the video creator view the ending of a film in terms of storytelling?
-The creator views the ending as the most crucial part of a film, advising that it should be the strongest part and receive significant attention during the storytelling process to ensure a satisfying and impactful conclusion.
What benefits does the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) offer to its members, as mentioned in the video?
-PPA offers benefits such as equipment insurance, data recovery services, and business resources including contracts, copyright transfers, and model releases to help photographers manage their businesses more effectively.
How does the creator suggest handling stories about past events in documentaries?
-The creator suggests recreating past events rather than just having subjects talk about them, to allow the audience to relive these moments and better connect with the experiences and emotions being conveyed.
What are the two types of quests mentioned in the script and their significance?
-The script mentions physical and emotional/metaphysical quests. The physical quest is what the characters overtly seek to achieve, while the emotional quest delves into deeper desires and motivations, adding depth to the narrative.
Why is it important for characters to have flaws or challenges, according to the video?
-Characters with flaws or challenges are more interesting and relatable. They allow the audience to root for the underdog, creating a more engaging and emotionally resonant story.
What is the creator's advice regarding the length of a film?
-The creator advises that longer isn't necessarily better and emphasizes the importance of concise storytelling. Effective storytelling often involves cutting unnecessary parts to keep the narrative focused and engaging.
How does the creator relate their editing process to their budget constraints?
-The creator mentions editing out of their editor's living or dining room due to budget constraints, highlighting the challenges of working within financial limits while still striving to complete the film effectively.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Essential Storytelling Tips for Filmmakers

In this segment, the speaker shares valuable storytelling tips for filmmakers while working on a feature-length film in LA. The emphasis is on the significance of storytelling as the core of filmmaking. The first tip advises starting with the end of the story to ensure a strong and purposeful narrative direction. The second tip encourages showing rather than telling to engage the audience more effectively. The speaker also highlights the importance of framing the film around a central question to add tension and focus. The segment includes a sponsorship mention for the Professional Photographers of America, highlighting benefits like equipment insurance and business resources. Additionally, the practical challenges of working on a tight budget and the creative solutions employed are shared, including editing in unconventional spaces.

05:02

🧩 Emotional Depth in Filmmaking

This part focuses on the deeper, emotional layers of storytelling in filmmaking. The speaker illustrates how a film's physical quest, such as completing an album, serves as a vehicle to explore more profound metaphysical and emotional quests, using an example related to autism. Emphasis is placed on the significance of the emotional journey in enriching the narrative and making it more compelling. The speaker also touches on the importance of flawed or underdog characters, suggesting that their struggles and triumphs make for more engaging and relatable stories. The segment ends with a reminder that brevity can enhance a story's impact, urging filmmakers to be concise. The speaker reiterates the value of the Professional Photographers of America for filmmakers and concludes with an invitation to follow for more tips.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Storytelling

Storytelling refers to the art of conveying stories, experiences, or events through narrative. In the context of the video, storytelling is highlighted as the foundational skill for effective filmmaking. The speaker emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling narrative to engage the audience and make the film memorable. The entire video is structured around providing tips to improve storytelling, particularly in filmmaking, demonstrating its critical role in connecting with viewers and delivering a powerful message.

💡Ending

The term 'ending' in filmmaking refers to the conclusion or final part of a story or film. In the video, the speaker advises filmmakers to find their story's ending first and then work backwards. This approach helps in structuring the narrative to build towards a cohesive and impactful finale. By focusing on the ending, filmmakers can ensure that every part of the story contributes to a satisfying resolution, enhancing the overall storytelling.

💡Show, don't tell

The principle of 'show, don't tell' is a foundational technique in storytelling and filmmaking. It suggests that instead of simply describing actions or feelings, storytellers should use visuals and actions to convey them. In the video, the creator emphasizes the importance of showing events and emotions through scenes and actions rather than relying on dialogue or exposition. This approach engages the audience more deeply and makes the story more vivid and immersive.

💡Documentary

A documentary is a type of film that primarily documents reality, aiming to inform, educate, or maintain a historical record. In the video, the speaker shares experiences from documentary filmmaking, specifically discussing how to handle storytelling elements such as the portrayal of real events and people. The advice to 'show, don't tell' is particularly highlighted, suggesting that documentaries should let viewers experience events rather than just hearing about them.

💡Question

In the context of the video, a 'question' refers to the central inquiry or theme that drives the narrative of a film. The speaker suggests that every film should pose a fundamental question that the story seeks to answer. This approach provides direction and purpose, creating a narrative tension that keeps the audience engaged. Examples given include exploring personal challenges or societal issues. The question becomes the thread that guides the storytelling and gives it meaning.

💡Physical quest

The 'physical quest' in a film refers to the external journey or objective that the characters aim to achieve. In the video, this is distinguished from the 'emotional quest,' which represents the internal journey of characters. The speaker advises that while the physical quest is important for driving the plot, the emotional quest provides depth and meaning to the narrative. By balancing both, filmmakers can create richer, more engaging stories.

💡Emotional quest

The 'emotional quest' is the internal journey that characters undergo in a story, often reflecting their desires, struggles, and growth. The video highlights this concept as crucial for deepening the audience's connection to the characters and the story. By focusing on the emotional quest, filmmakers can explore themes of personal development and human experience, making the film more relatable and impactful.

💡Underdog

An 'underdog' is a character or group that is at a disadvantage or facing significant challenges, making their success unlikely. The video points out that audiences often root for underdog characters because they embody perseverance and resilience. By highlighting characters who overcome obstacles, filmmakers can create compelling narratives that inspire and resonate with viewers.

💡Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

PPA is mentioned in the video as the sponsor and is described as a community offering resources such as equipment insurance and business tools for photographers. This context illustrates the importance of professional networks and support systems for creative professionals, providing them with resources and services that help manage the practical aspects of their work and careers.

💡Editing

Editing in filmmaking is the process of selecting, arranging, and assembling the various shots and scenes into a final film. In the video, the creator discusses being in the editing phase of a film project, emphasizing the role of editing in shaping the narrative, pacing, and overall impact of the final product. The discussion includes the challenges and constraints of editing, such as budget limitations and time pressures, highlighting its critical role in storytelling.

Highlights

Introduction to five tips for improving storytelling in filmmaking.

The importance of storytelling as the foundation of good filmmaking.

Tip 1: Find your ending first to make the story cohesive.

The significance of focusing on the film's ending.

Tip 2: Show, don't tell - the power of visual storytelling.

Example of 'showing' in a documentary film.

The need for a central question in your film.

The concept of tension and conflict in storytelling.

Tip 3: Your film should pose a question and attempt to answer it.

The role of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) in supporting filmmakers.

Tip 4: The dual quests - physical and emotional - in storytelling.

The importance of the emotional quest in films.

Tip 5: Rooting for the underdog and showcasing character challenges.

The impact of overcoming adversity in storytelling.

Bonus Tip: Longer isn't necessarily better in storytelling.

Encouragement to revisit PPA for filmmaking support.