What is Storytelling?

Storytelling? What it really is? 

Storytelling is the technique of sharing a series of events, feelings or your ideas in a way that connects with people with your viewers. In film and visual media, it can be described as a way of how you show "it" to the viewers. Story could be described as the chain of events in chronological order. Storytelling is connected with visual structure. To find out more about visual structure please see - what is visual structure.

Why is it central to filmmaking? 

A good story lets your viewers connect with characters and their situations. It helps us see things from other perspectives. Stories give us meaning too. Time and space give us a structure to understand what is happening and why it matters the way the director choosed to. Proper storytelling gives your viewer the chance to understand the film better. The viewers don't get confused.

Why well crafted storytelling? 

• Creates impact: Stories with clear and easy to understand storytelling stay longer in viewer’s minds. They are more likely to be shared, and remembered.
• Builds engagement: Viewers's are more likely to get pulled in into the story, they stay with the slower moments, they care more about its characters.
• Deeper meaning: Storytelling lets you better understand and identity, conflict, growth, change, loss, and many more. For example a documentary film can say much more than just article in newspapers.

"I wanted to tell the story primarily in visual terms and not through the usual theatrical devices of people discussing backstory.”

Christopher Nolan for TIME

What's next?

When thinking about storytelling, ask yourself, "if I do this, how is it going to effect the viewer?" Asking such question will help you understand the storytelling better. Feel free to send us an email if you have any questions.

Source:

• https://time.com/4864049/dunkirk-christopher-nolan-interview/
• https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing/creative-writing/course/psychology-compelling-storytelling-writing-x-4637e

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