Podcast Recap: Mastering Storytelling, Writing, and Editing

Introduction

• Discussion with Amriita and Chanaka, creators of exceptional short films.
• Insights into storytelling, filmography, videography, and creating emotions.
• Importance of creating emotions in video content.

Background and Journey

• Amriita: Background in theater; started storytelling through video during the pandemic. Emphasizes unlearning theater rules to embrace filmmaking conventions.
• Chanaka: Explores storytelling through visual art, acting, and India's culture rich in mythology and dramatic storytelling.

Learning the Art of Storytelling

• Amriita: Importance of playing around with the camera and honing screenwriting skills.
• Breaking away from the traditional three-act structure after understanding its conventions.
• Chanaka: Storytelling through various art forms and how cultural background influences storytelling.

Tips for Beginners in Video Creation

• Amriita: Start with a 2-minute music video and focus on translating the song’s emotion into visuals.
• Chanaka: Start with constraints; use limited shots to build narratives.

Characteristics of a Great Story

• Universality: Making the story relatable to a wider audience.
• Personal Favorites: Influences from Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Alice Munroe, and Indian authors.
• Advice: Keep writing and show up to work regularly to improve storytelling.

Shooting Video Content

• Storyboarding: Use tools like Procreate for visualizing scenes.
• Technical finesse with devices like iPhones for versatile shots.
• Character-driven Shooting Decisions: Use wide angles or close-ups based on character's headspace.

Editing and Sound Design

• Importance of sound design in video creation.
• Tips from professional sound designers and editors.
• Chanaka: Incorporation of sound notes in the shooting plan.

The Role of Editing

• A good edit makes time feel irrelevant and keeps the audience engaged.
• Editing is considered the third stage of writing.
• Amriita: Clarity and brevity in storytelling; a good edit should resonate flawlessly.

Final Advice for Aspiring Creators

• Chanaka: Embrace creativity with constraints; start with what you have.
• Amriita: Show up to work every day and focus on telling true stories that will find their audience over time.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore storytelling using available tools and resources.
• The importance of consistency and authenticity in creating compelling narratives.
• Short films are available on YouTube for viewing and feedback.