Claim OwnershipYou Are a Storyteller
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In You Are a Storyteller, Belief founder and executive creative director, Jesse Bryan, and chief storyteller, Brian McDonald, discuss the elements that make for a good story. Listen as they analyze classic films, talk through the nuance of structure, stress the importance of the armature, and cover things like outer boundaries and the dark night of the soul.
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In this episode, Brian and Jesse break down the essential components of three-act story structure. You’ll learn why all three acts are imperative, how well constructed stories mark the difference between entertainment and impact, and why “choose your own adventure” tales will never change your life.
This episode was recorded on January 26, 2022.
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by comic book writer John Arcudi, who’s written for DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics and is currently working on Two Moons, a series from Image Comics. John shares why stories that focus on the smallest possible conflict are often the most interesting, and how truth and complexity are key to creating captivating stories.
In this episode, Brian and Jesse deep dive into the ten-year journey of crystallizing Brian’s newly released non-fiction graphic novel Land of the Dead. Together, they investigate ancient storytelling’s tradition of venturing to the underworld, the framework for what’s encountered there, and why facing life’s universal pain is essential for leaving your audience transformed.
Graphic Policy: https://bookshop.org/p/books/land-of-the-dead-lessons-from-the-underworld-on-storytelling-and-living-brian-mcdonald/18246299?ean=9781626727311
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Land-Dead-Lessons-Underworld-Storytelling/dp/1626727317/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1O30UD6X7NCJ7&keywords=land+of+the+dead+brian+mcdonald&qid=1674495802&sprefix=%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by cartoonist and lecturer Gene Luen Yang, author of the award-winning graphic novel American Born Chinese. Brian and Gene talk about what it’s like to pursue a career in the comic industry as a person of color—and how truly feeling the emotions of their characters makes for better storytelling.
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by Jenn Ely, a freelance illustrator and production designer known for her work on “The Boxtrolls,” “The Shivering Truth,” and upcoming Netflix films “Wendell and Wild” and “Pinocchio.” Jenn shares why she believes in risking rejection to acquire knowledge—and chats with Brian about the state of gender and racial inclusion in the industry.
In this episode, Brian and Jesse go deeper into Brian’s experience trying to break into the comic and film industries, touching on perseverance, disappointment, diversity, and what it takes to keep going. For anyone feeling discouraged about reaching their creative goals, this one’s for you.
Why do stories need structure to be successful? Learn how structure, especially when done simply, can be incredibly effective. Tap the link in our bio to watch this week's episode of “You Are a Storyteller.”
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by writer, director, and comedian J. Elvis Weinstein—a founding member of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” a writer/producer of the NBC show “Freaks and Geeks,” and director of the new documentary “Michael Des Barres: Who Do You Want Me To Be?” J. Elvis shares how his early start on the comic circuit influenced his writing—and how he creates a compelling story without artifice.
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by screenwriter Jim Uhls, the writer of Fight Club and Jumper. Jim shares why his goal in writing is to “demonstrate something with a truism”—and how he knows he’s succeeded.
In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why “old” films are still so powerful—and what contemporary creators can learn from them.
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by television producer and writer Al Higgins, known for hit shows like “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Mike & Molly,” and “The Kominsky Method.” Al shares what it takes to tell truthful stories in surprising ways and the five elements every successful scene must include.
In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why stories that work follow a circular rhythm. Just like the seasons or circle of life, the best stories follow a natural loop, fulfilling humans’ inherent desire for closure.
In this episode, Brian and Jesse talk about how they’re taking a short break from “You Are a Storyteller.” Stay tuned for when the new season premiere will drop!
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by Emmy-winning screenwriter Treva Silverman, known for her writing on classic television shows like “That Girl,” “The Monkees,” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Treva shares what it was like working on these groundbreaking productions, how she wrote such relatable characters on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and the euphoria that comes from writing in a flow state.
1In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by writer, producer, actor, and comedian Steve Higgins, announcer on “The Tonight Show” and a writer and producer for “Saturday Night Live.” Steve shares his journey to becoming one of the most recognized voices in comedy—and unpacks how being true to yourself is the key to real success.
In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why efficient storytelling—and believing that complicated isn’t better simply because it’s complicated—is the most effective way to communicate. Oftentimes as storytellers, we can go looking for simple solutions we’ve already found—and get in our own way in the process.
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by award-winning comics writer and novelist G. Willow Wilson, author of “Cairo,” “Alif the Unseen,” and “Ms. Marvel.” G. Willow shares the path that led her to her fruitful career—starting with teaching English in Egypt and, most recently, writing a novel about watchmaking—and why she delights in the notion that writing stories is similar to solving a mathematical equation.
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by animator and director Glen Keane, best known for his work on Disney classics like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “Pocahontas.” Glen shares how he “taps into childhood discovery” to properly create his characters—and why he believes mentorship is foundational to animation.
In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss what sets a professional apart from an amateur. While amateurs create trendy work to boost their own ego, professionals make objectively good work that serves something bigger than themselves—and can stand the test of time.
In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by Kira Lehtomaki, animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios and the animation supervisor behind Judy Hopps, the beloved protagonist in the 2016 film “Zootopia.” In this episode, Kira shares why fear and constraints drive her to do her best work—and why sometimes less is more in telling great stories.
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