Is the process involved in the analysis of a Dramatica storyform truly objective, or is everyone fooling themselves? Jim answers these questions as well as giving an update on our app, Subtext. (Note: This episode was recorded April 11, 2018--at that time, Subtext was called the "Narrative First Atomizer") In addition, we dive into what it feels like when a storyform just clicks into place--when you know you've found the unique set of thematic Storypoints that create the message of the narrative...
Dec 24, 2018•38 min•Season 3Ep. 66
A deep-dive into the two narrative structures driving the classic action/adventure Raiders of the Lost Ark. While many consider Raiders to be evidence of a "5-Act" or "6-Act" structure, the truth is the presence of two completely different 4-Act structures. Using the Dramatica theory of story, we take a look at these two individual arguments and explain how Kasdan masterfully wove them together to appear as a single "story." In addition, we discuss updates to our Subtext service (referred to as ...
Aug 03, 2018•40 min•Season 3Ep. 65
An in-depth look at the narrative thematics driving these two classic films. For this, our special 64th episode, we explore the storyforms found in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi . Using the Dramatica theory of story as a basis for our analysis, we find two separate narratives in Empire : one that focuses on psychology as a basis for conflict, and another that takes the expected physics approach. For Jedi , we find an usual set of narrative thematics that explains why this film s...
Jul 05, 2018•47 min•Season 3Ep. 64
In this episode, we take a look at the key story events that shift a narrative from one contextual Act to the next. In addition, we discuss what the Dramatica theory of story identifies in a story--namely, the subtext of narrative conflict. If you previously thought subtext was something that could never truly be defined--prepare to learn the truth. Using examples from both The Florida Project and Call Me By Your Name , we offer a first look insight into the reason for re-branding our service wi...
May 25, 2018•36 min•Season 3Ep. 63
If you want to make meaning out of the meaningless, if you want to ensure that you don't write a pointless story, a Dramatica® storyform ensures that what you have to say promises purpose and a reason for the audience to listen. With that in mind, we take a look at the differences between The Disaster Artist and Darkest Hour . Guess which one contains a solid narrative? In addition, we explain why The Accountant seems so jam-packed with story and answer questions about the separation between the...
Apr 26, 2018•28 min•Season 3Ep. 62
This episode explores the connection between a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, nominations and recognition for great writing, and a complete Dramatica storyform. More than correlation, a solid storyform guarantees favorable critical response. In addition, I relate my experience of being to predict the specific structural items of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri while watching the film for the first time. Again, another instance of a film recognized for its great writing with a solid and...
Mar 28, 2018•29 min•Season 3Ep. 61
A look at how you can dramatically improve the quality of your storytelling by thinking of the central relationship as a character. I follow-up with listener email regarding the difference between Wisdom & Enlightenment within the Dramatica theory of story. And I cover the usage of Time and Space in setting the context for a full and complete narrative. You can read the entire transcription of this episode here . Register for the Narrative First Atomizer here Deliberate Storytelling is a pra...
Mar 07, 2018•38 min•Season 3Ep. 60
In this episode, I cover the importance of connecting the Main Character's problem with the Overall Story problem & a method for constructing the Narrative Argument of your story. The former explains the difference between an OK story and an amazing story; all the great narratives of the past take this approach of pitting subjective vs. objec tive. The latter is helpful in determining the narrative drive of a story and keeping you on track with your story's purpose. You can read the entire t...
Feb 28, 2018•19 min•Season 3Ep. 59
In this episode, we catch up on all things Narrative First from the past three months and kickstart our year of plenty. This includes everything from updates to the Narrative First Atomizer, new Dramatica analyses, the site redesign, building an animated television series, developing a complete story from scratch, and the biggest update to the podcast... ...transcriptions! You can read the entire transcription of this episode here . Register for the Narrative First Atomizer here Deliberate Story...
Feb 20, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 58
In this, the final--and most epic--episode of Season 2, I finish off the initial development of my story and introduce the various features of the new Narrative First Atomizer. But first I kick things off with an analysis of Thor:Ragnarök -- NOTE : in the episode I inaccurately assess the Story Outcome as Success. Clearly the efforts to reach the Overall Story Goal--Saving Asgard from Ragnarök--fail. Switching this Story Dynamic also changes the Relationship Story Throughline Problem and Solutio...
Dec 20, 2017•1 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 57
If it sounds like this episode was recorded before Thanksgiving, that’s because it was. Facilitating the initial release of the Narrative First Atomizer consumed most of my waking days and nights these past two months—but the show must go on. If nothing else, I️ can’t let The Red Lake go unspoken. Follow along as I️ craft a fully realized narrative framework in less than 20 minutes . Seriously. What started out as a completely random narrative based on the story structure of Aliens and Blade Run...
Dec 05, 2017•50 min•Season 2Ep. 56
A great story employs its own unique approach to narrative structure. The Plot Sequence Report found in Dramatica grants writers an insight into their story's foundation. Some contend that every story is the same--that the same set of story beats or mythical elements show up every time. The truth is the structure of every story is based on the Author's intent: what he or she is trying to communicate to their Audience. The Dramatica theory of story, and the Plot Sequence found within, help writer...
Nov 17, 2017•47 min•Season 2Ep. 55
While some maintain that all stories carry the same structure (they don't), these two films actually do share the same exact storyform. After answering questions about the difference between the Past and Memory and the right way to think of Signposts, this episode dives into a Dramatica analysis of DeNiro's A Bronx Tale . Unique in its structure, the storyform explains its appeal to female audiences. Both Aliens and Blade Runner: 2049 share the same exact storyform--a rare, but possible scenario...
Nov 03, 2017•53 min•Season 2Ep. 54
A guy stuck in a well, The Sixth Sense , and Blade Runner:2049 top the list for this week's in-depth story structure podcast. Everything from inequities and perspectives to Throughlines and context, this episode explains the best way to find the most accurate storyform for any narrative. Deliberate Storytelling is a practice whereby the Author creates with intent and purpose. Collaborate with a story expert today and start down the path towards finally writing and finishing your story. Show Note...
Oct 25, 2017•47 min•Season 2Ep. 53
In this episode, I wrap up the Dramatica Users Group analysis of Jon Favreau's Jungle Book and then relate some helpful tips when it comes to weaving subplots into your narrative. In addition, I dive into #storytelling and talk a bit about "narrative fidelity". Lastly, the David Fincher thriller se7en receives the Dramatica analysis treatment. Deliberate Storytelling is a practice whereby the Author creates with intent and purpose. Collaborate with a story expert today and start down the path to...
Oct 18, 2017•56 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Roll back to the original terminology in order to gain more objectivity in your analysis and writing. That's the best way I know how to supercharge your understanding of Dramatica. In this episode, I cover my push for Dramatica 1.0 and answer emails about the Universe and The Prestige . If you're struggling to grok the theory, start here. Deliberate Storytelling is a practice whereby the Author creates with intent and purpose. Collaborate with a story expert today and start down the path towards...
Oct 10, 2017•57 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Why do established story gurus find it necessary to prevent progress? The base instinct for survival sometimes overrides rational thought--in this case, it leads one guru to bully theorists through name-calling. In addition, I discuss the push towards professional storyform analysis and, of course, discuss the importance of teaching the next generation of storytellers. Deliberate Storytelling is a practice whereby the Author creates with intent and purpose. Collaborate with a story expert today ...
Oct 04, 2017•51 min•Season 2Ep. 50
In this episode, we take a look at Quantum Theory and how it helps to explain how an Author projects a story into existence. You'll want to put on your thinking caps for this one as we transform the endless speculation and infinite possibilities of storytelling into a singular instance based on the Author's measured and deliberate observation. Finishing a story requires an Author to write with purpose. Deliberate Storytelling is a practice whereby the Author creates with intent and purpose. Coll...
Sep 26, 2017•43 min•Season 2Ep. 49
The return of Throughline Thursdays, an unexpected analysis of The Prestige , and an explanation of the difference between a problematic Situation and problematic Activities. Dramatica's terminology stumps even the most talented writers. The understanding of the difference between a situation and a Situation is paramount in breaking through preconceptions of narrative structure. In this episode, I cover a common problem encountered by many new to the theory—why the Overall Story Throughline of T...
Sep 19, 2017•41 min•Season 2Ep. 48
This week I discuss a method for Authors to connect the Characters in the story with the mechanics of Plot by crossing over through the family of Thematic Issues congruent with their story's meaning. In addition, I discuss at length my analysis of Get Out and how the film played with structure in an attempt to address Audience reception issues. The Dramatica Mentorship Program - my premier service designed to give you the tools and techniques for applying Dramatica's powerful concepts to your st...
Sep 12, 2017•48 min•Season 2Ep. 47
This week I take a gander at Okja and discuss the reasons why many swayed by this film's message ultimately reverted to their old ways. Propaganda fades--complete stories last. With that in mind, I then cover the Dramatica storyform and how it holds an image of the mind's problem-solving process in its complex and sophisticated arrangement of story points. Interested in writing something that lasts? You'll want to listen to this podcast and begin to develop an understanding of story as an analog...
Sep 06, 2017•37 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Wrapping up the month long discussion on this superhero epic, I explain the purpose of an Influence Character perspective within the context of a complete story. I also dive into an extensive analysis of The LEGO Batman Movie . This latest animated feature parodies both Batman and story structure. If you ever wanted an introductory film to gleam Dramatica's concepts, this would be the one. The Dramatica Mentorship Program - my premier service designed to give you the tools and techniques for app...
Aug 29, 2017•51 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Continuing the series on Identifying the Key Story Points of a Narrative, I explain a method for singling out the various perspectives within a complete story. For each Throughline, conflict appears as either a Situation, an Activity, a Fixed Attitude, or a Manner of Thinking. Effective narratives balance out these four areas throughout the Four Throughlines. In addition to explaining a process for determining these areas in your story, I also explain what Dramatica means by Conceptualizing. Whi...
Aug 22, 2017•41 min•Season 2Ep. 44
In this episode, I continue the discussion surrounding Captain America: Civil War focusing this time on the Protagonist and Antagonist of a complete narrative. The visual planning tool Milanote makes an appearance, along with a brand new analysis of the romantic comedy, The Big Sick . A brand new feature starts this week-- The Word of the Week --where I take one of Dramatica's terms and explain the ins and outs of how it works within story. This week's word is Preconscious (starting easy!). And ...
Aug 15, 2017•37 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this podcast, I go into a deep thematic analysis of Logan and Dunkirk , and then begin the first in a series of conversations surrounding Captain America: Civil War . If you have ever been interested in how the Dramatica theory of story works and how you could use it to improve the quality of your storytelling to the level of these films, you will want to check out this episode. The Dramatica Mentorship Program - our premier service designed to give you the tools and techniques for applying D...
Aug 08, 2017•54 min•Season 2Ep. 42
The second season of story structure and story analysis begins! In this episode, I catch you up on the latest changes to the site and discuss why Moonlight won Best Picture. In two months, I've re-written a screenplay and planned out two complete television series. The secret? Understanding how to leverage the power of the Dramatica theory of story to craft meaningful narratives. I explain why in this episode as well as successfully predict what would be wrong with Dunkirk from a story structure...
Aug 01, 2017•33 min•Season 2Ep. 41
In addition to wrapping up the events of last month, we showcase two interviews--one with a writer new to Dramatica and the other, with a writer who discovered Dramatica. Dramatica will save your life. Whether within the story room or out there in the real world, Dramatica's unique understanding into what makes narrative--and therefore us--work allows you to weather any storm. In the story room, where you're constantly barraged by one story note after the next, Dramatica's storyform helps ensure...
Jun 21, 2017•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Experience writing with us. What happened to the Narrative First podcast? We've actually been writing on several different projects. One a big budget animated feature, the other a super low-budget indie animated film, and the last an epic adult animated cult series. Details on all to be provided in the months to come, but for now--we're freakin' busy! When we're heads down and plugged in and focused we tend to obsess over one song. It's not unusual for us to listen to the same song over and over...
Jun 06, 2017•43 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this second part of our two part series, we continue our introduction to the development of the Dramatica theory of story and Narrative First. Join us as we unearth the top 16 articles on story structure & story analysis, everything from evaluating competing paradigms to exploring the magic of Dramatica to the essence of perfect scene structure. If you're new to Dramatica or Narrative First, this podcast series beckons you forth. And if you're not new--you just mind fond something you mis...
May 08, 2017•44 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode, we offer an introduction to the development of the Dramatica theory of story and Narrative First. In addition, we dive into our unique collection of Vault articles written during our first four years. Short and sweet, these articles provide a great place for writers and producers new to Dramatica to learn the basics of the theory. The Dramatica Mentorship Program - our premiere service designed to give you the tools and techniques for applying Dramatica's powerful concepts to yo...
Apr 15, 2017•46 min•Season 1Ep. 37
