THE MYSTERY OF STORY TELLING-JULIAN FRIEDMANN

WHY DO WE ASPIRE TO CREATE STORIES?

THE BIG WHY.

According to George Orwell..Sheer egotism

Immortality

Try to make the world a better place

Revenge

BUT.

Most of the attempts made by these writers/story tellers are, well…

BORING

And Agents,(In J.F.’s words) Nasty Agents like..

Select only 6 of the 6000 writers/ stories a year…Rejecting all the others.

Why does it seem so difficult to tell an interesting story?

Relax buddy. Realize that, a Story is much more about the Audience than about the characters/plot/storyteller himself.

Story tellers live with their characters, nurture them, and create them lavishly..

However…The audience, are a group of completely different people. Everybody has a different taste, and judgment. You might never meet them in your life again, but to create a lasting impact on them, an interesting story is the only way!

THRILL THEM. TURN THEM ON. MAKE THEM THINK. UNDERSTAND THEM.

Audience is everything!

The Human Behavior is the very reason why we are compelled to write stories. That is why it is important to understand the Audience.

“ Storytelling : It is in the bases of creative understanding of Human Behavior “ – Laolo Agree

STORIES DEFINE WHO WE ARE !

Now, is there a formula to make our stories more interesting?

Amazing stories are a direct result of equally amazing experiences. But most of us aren't James Bond’s or Batman’s! We lead Boring, and non adventurous lives. There is nothing we can do about it !

“That’s Right!”

Aristotle comes to the rescue!

About 2500 years ago, He gave a simple 3 act structure which always has and will work to

create a great story!

#1 PAINBuild an Emotional connection with the audience, by making them feel pity for a character…

#2 FEARInstill fear in the minds of the audience by putting that character in a jeopardy….

#3 CATHARSISRelieve the audience , of their fear and pain….

#3 CATHARSIS

Relieve the audience of their fear/ pain….

AND… VIOLA!The 3 act structure works ! Many Brilliant stories are based on this simple formula given by aristotle, Ex :Shawshank redemption

A recap of the 3 act structure..

PityFear

Catharsis

SufferingStruggle

Overcoming

BeginningMiddle

End

We can also take away a few tips for a better story from the American cinemas…

Easily Relatable characters….

Stunning Visuals..

Having simple yet powerful Dialogues..

Just Remember…

All great story tellers were rejected several times by people who aren’t half as creative and talented as they are. Persevere!

Remember !

“When we are looking at the screen, we aren't actually looking at the scene, neither are we looking at the actors saying your wonderful lines, we aren't looking at the characters which are so lavishly created by you, we are definitely not looking at you.

WE…Are looking at ourselves. You have to enable us to find ourselves.Because in the end, it is we who can give you the immortality.”

- Julian Friedmann

STORY IS US. OUR LIVES. MAKE THEM WORTH LISTENING TO !

Created by Aishwarya Kandukuri, IIITD&MK, during an internship by Prof. Sameer Mathur,

IIM Lucknow.

www.IIMInternship.com