Narrative First: where story is always king

James R. Hull
  • 4.7 (11)
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Updates & analysis of all things story. From screenplays to novels to deep theoretical story structure, this podcast is aimed at providing the secrets to great storytelling.

  1. When It All Finally Clicks Into Place

    12/24/2018

    When It All Finally Clicks Into Place

    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. You can read the entire transcription of this episode here. Story Development Services from Narrative First. Stop rewriting and finally finish that story with our expert advice. Show Notes & Links Objectivity, At the Wrong Level - Discuss Dramatica online discussion covering the objective analysis involved in discovering the unique storyform of a narrative Pretty Woman the complete Storyform, as found in Subtext The Throughlines of Pretty Woman a visual representation of this film's Four Throughlines Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    38 min
  2. Raiders of the Lost Ark and Multiple Storyforms

    08/03/2018

    Raiders of the Lost Ark and Multiple Storyforms

    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 the "Atomizer" in the podcast), and examine the thematic structure of the Tonya Harding biopic, I, Tonya. You can read the entire transcription of this episode 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 finally writing and finishing your story. Show Notes & Links Raiders of the Lost Ark - The Ark Storyform Raiders of the Lost Ark - Raiders Storyform I, Tonya Storyform Objectivity, But At the Wrong Level a post referred to in the podcast regarding Genre in Dramatica Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    40 min
  3. The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi

    07/05/2018

    The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi

    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 stands out from the previous two in terms of shape and feel. You can read the entire transcription of this episode here. Show Notes & Links The Empire Strikes Back - Enemies and Allies Storyform The Empire Strikes Back - Romance Storyform Return of the Jedi Storyform Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    47 min
  4. Demystifying the Plot Points of a Complete Story

    05/25/2018

    Demystifying the Plot Points of a Complete Story

    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 with the more appropriate name: Subtext. You can read the entire transcription of this episode here. Register for Subtext 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 Notes & Links Uncovering the Major Plot Points of a Functioning Story an in-depth article explored in this episode The Difference Between Neo and Luke Skywalker why the Hero's Journey explanation is insufficient to truly describe what is going on in these films The Florida Project complete analysis on Subtext Call Me By Your Name complete analysis on Subtext Rethinking an Analysis of The Florida Project complete article explaining the message behind the beauty Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    36 min
  5. Making Meaning Out of the Meaningless

    04/26/2018

    Making Meaning Out of the Meaningless

    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 Influence Character perspective and the Relationship Story perspective. You can read the entire transcription of this episode here. Register for Subtext 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 Notes & Links The Accountant storyform *Podcast of The Accountant Dramatica Users Group analysis Coco storyform The Shape of Water storyform Narrative analysis of Darkest Hour The Disaster Artist storyform Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    28 min
  6. The 2018 Academy Awards

    03/28/2018

    The 2018 Academy Awards

    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 appreciable Dramatica storyform. You can read the entire transcription of this episode here. Register for the Narrative First Atomizer 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 finally writing and finishing your story. Show Notes & Links Dunkirk an analysis and the message behind unintentional propaganda Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri storyform Coco storyform The Shape of Water storyform The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in-depth Dramatica analysis Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri in-depth Dramatica analysis The Shape of Water in-depth Dramatica analysis of this year's Best Picture Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    29 min
  7. The Relationship Story Throughline Is Not An Argument

    03/07/2018

    The Relationship Story Throughline Is Not An Argument

    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 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 Notes & Links Black Swan analysis & storyform her analysis & storyform Jane Eyre analysis & storyform An analysis & storyform for the entire Harry Potter series An analysis & storyform for the entire first season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Wrangling the Scope of an Entire Narrative a look at the difference between Time and Space within a narrative Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    38 min
  8. Connecting the Main Character to the Overall Story

    02/28/2018

    Connecting the Main Character to the Overall Story

    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 transcription of this episode here. Register for the Narrative First Atomizer 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 finally writing and finishing your story. Show Notes & Links Seth Godin's new podcast Akimbo inspiring new podcast from the guy who tends to inspire Problems of Character Reflected in Story read how to find resonance between the Main Character and the Overall Story throughlines Enough Said storyform Mother storyform Lady Bird storyform The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel storyform Dramatica Makes Things Harder it really does Building a Narrative Argument read how to construct one of your own using key storypoints from a Dramatica storyform Narrative First theme by Alex Hull. Hear more on his Soundcloud, Operation Solace.

    19 min
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4.7
out of 5
11 Ratings

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Updates & analysis of all things story. From screenplays to novels to deep theoretical story structure, this podcast is aimed at providing the secrets to great storytelling.

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