When it comes to video production, there are a wide range of topics to discuss. That said, the importance of storytelling is undoubtedly the forerunner. This is because you can be the best cinematographer in the world, but if you don't know a thing about storytelling, your film isn't going to captivate an audience. Story is how we make sense of the world we live in.
In this blog, I'm going to walk you through the framework I use when writing and filming a compelling story. There are five elements of a story I'm going to discuss; Topic, character, desire, conflict, and resolution.
#1 Topic
The first step to crafting a compelling story is to find a topic. Ask yourself questions like, "What's the message I want to convey," "Will this topic resonate with my target audience," "Am I well versed in this topic?" Questions like these will help you find a compelling topic and will lay the foundation for your story.
The most important aspect of this step is to make sure you understand the topic. You may be lucky and know everything there is to know, but if you are working for a client, chances are you don't. If this is the case, take the time to learn. Talk to people, surf the web, and do whatever it takes to gather a good understanding of what it is you are talking about. I recommend watching other videos to see what's already been done and take it to the next level.
Take your time during this step, you wouldn't build a house without a solid foundation.
#2 Character
Whether it's a product video or a documentary, every story has a character. Finding the perfect character is the balance between creativity and authenticity. You want the character in your film to be authentic to the topic, but creative in a way that captures the attention of a viewer.
The key word I want you to focus on when developing the perfect character is emotion. How do you want the viewer to feel? Do you want them to feel happy, sad, or maybe somewhere in the middle? This is the question you need to ask yourself when developing the character in your story because it's them who speaks directly to the audience.
#3 Desire
Creating desire in your film can be a complicated task, but it is a crucial step to getting your audience involved. At the core of every compelling story is a driving desire that propels the plot forward. When you watch a movie, chances are thirty minutes in you know how you want it to end, this is called desire.
To create desire, you need to define the goals and aspirations of your characters, as this is where the desire will originate. Whether it's love, justice, success, or self-discovery, a compelling desire creates a sense of urgency that keeps audiences invested.
#4 Conflict
Once you've created desire the audience is invested and they will want to see it through, but don't let them, at least not yet.
No story is complete without conflict, the element that introduces tension and drama. Challenge your characters, throw obstacles in their path, and explore the nuances of their struggles. Conflict not only heightens engagement but also allows for character growth and development.
#5 Resolution
Just as you've made the audience feel like what they've desired is no longer possible, it's time to reel them back in. The resolution is the payoff for the emotional investment your audience has made throughout the story. Provide closure to character arcs, address lingering questions, and deliver on the promises made earlier in the story.
A satisfying resolution not only ties up loose ends but leaves a lasting impression, ensuring that your story resonates with viewers. Take a few steps back and revisit the initial topic, specifically "What is the message I want to convey." The resolution is the last impression you'll leave with the audience, so make sure you sell the message and tie up those loose ends.
Build a Compelling Story with Video Production
Your films don't have to be boring! Be creative, brainstorm, and don't be scared to spend more time in the pre-production stage of filmmaking. Use these five steps to create a compelling story people want to watch or, let us do it, let's connect.
Kommentare