The Storytelling Lab

"Variation is the first key to keeping people engaged. Visual variation, tonal variation, variation in shots, variation in speed and pace and tempo, and all of that. When you become monotonous, you become boring. When your story becomes boring, people will tune out."In episode 176 of The Storytelling Lab, Rain delves into the art of storytelling, highlighting the crucial role of tension in captivating audiences. Drawing parallels to a roller coaster ride, Bennett emphasizes the necessity of changing the positive/negative "charges" of each scene with polarity shifts.He explores the application of the "but/therefore" model and provides insightful analyses of real-life examples and the movie "Braveheart" to illustrate the ebb and flow of shifting energy in storytelling. This episode serves as a resource for aspiring storytellers, content creators, and marketers looking for help understanding the rhythm of storytelling. Rain's practical guidance and emphasis on avoiding monotony offer valuable insights for creators seeking to enhance their storytelling skills. In this episode, you will learn to:Uncover the FOUR types of polarity shiftsUse Positive & Negative "charges" to increase tension in your storyIdentify the "turning point" of each scene.Discover the Value that is the top priority for your protagonist.Break down your story into little pieces — "micro stories" — that present significants changes to the narrative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Yes, it is about you, but it's always about you through the lens of your audience. So think about that as you're crafting the Our Story section." In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett delves into the critical role of storytelling in branding and marketing. Through a thorough analysis of various brand stories, including those of a bourbon company, coffee bean company, cooler company, cheese shop, farm, and waste management company, Rain highlights the significance of effectively communicating the brand's unique value proposition in the "Our Story" section of websites and product packaging.He offers valuable insights into how businesses can leverage storytelling to connect with their audience, communicate essential information, and differentiate themselves in the market. This episode is a valuable resource for small business owners looking to enhance their branding, packaging, or overall storytelling strategy. In this episode, you will learn to:Craft compelling product story sections to captivate your audience and drive sales.Uncover other examples of effective brand storytelling that will inspire and guide your own storytelling efforts.Elevate your marketing materials by leveraging the power of storytelling to create a deeper connection with your customers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I refuse to listen to the 'I need $25,000 to go make something.' You might need $25,000 to make that thing that you're talking about, but go make something else, you know?" - Luke BarnettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, filmmaker Luke Barnett shares valuable insights on the art of storytelling and the practicalities of bringing creative visions to life. He challenges the misconception that a significant budget is necessary to produce a short film, emphasizing the value of taking action and creating with the resources at hand. Barnett also highlights the importance of building relationships in the creative industry, discussing how supportive networks of collaborators are essential for bringing projects to life. His personal experiences, from the success of his film 'The Crossing Over Express' to his upcoming project 'Epilogue,' offer practical guidance and encouragement for aspiring storytellers and creatives. Barnett's emphasis on authenticity, emotional depth, and relatability in storytelling provides valuable lessons for individuals navigating the creative industry. If you're looking to gain insights into overcoming creative barriers, taking control of your career, and bringing meaningful stories to life, this episode is a must-listen!In this episode, you will learn to:Discover the secrets to creating impactful films on a shoestring budget.Overcome creative blocks in filmmaking and unlock your artistic potential.Build lasting relationships in the film industry and open doors to new opportunities.Understand the profound impact of personal narratives on filmmaking and audience engagement.Uncover effective strategies to promote indie films and reach niche audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The labyrinth, while it may be a metaphor for sociocultural conflicts, the choices you have to make at home in your culture in order to succeed, which have consequences. While that works there, it also works as psychologically, because it's an inward journey." - Douglas BurtonGrowing up in the 80s, Douglas Burton was immersed in a world of iconic films that ignited his imagination. From Star Wars to Raiders of the Lost Ark, these stories captured his attention and left an indelible mark on his storytelling journey. However, it wasn't until the late 90s that Douglas stumbled upon the concept of the Hero's Journey, and it was like finding fire. Intrigued by the idea of a single narrative pattern that repeats in some of his favorite stories, he delved into an obsessive study of the Hero's Journey, taking meticulous notes and watching movies with a newfound purpose. But as he began to write his own historical fiction novel with a female lead, Byzantine Empress Theodora, he faced a daunting realization – the Hero's Journey didn't fit the structure of his story. This unexpected twist in his writing journey led him to explore alternative narrative frameworks, ultimately shaping his unique perspective on storytelling and the nuances of diverse narratives.In this episode, you will be able to:Navigate through the intricate paths of the Heroine's Labyrinth, discovering the unique storytelling elements it offers.Distinguish the distinct nuances between Hero's and Heroine's narratives, unlocking a deeper understanding of character arcs.Explore the powerful impact of archetypes in storytelling, tapping into universal themes that resonate with audiences.Harness the transformative power of storytelling for personal growth, unlocking new perspectives and insights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.