Join Jordan Mechner, the mastermind behind Prince of Persia, Desirée Proctor, a talented writer for The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, and journalist Evan Narcisse as they dive into the art of storytelling across film, video games, and comics. They explore their creative journeys and the unique challenges of adapting narratives for different mediums. Discover valuable insights on building a diverse writing career and the importance of collaboration in shaping emotional connections through their craft.
Writers must adapt their storytelling techniques to the unique challenges and emotional dynamics presented by different media, particularly in video games.
Collaboration and feedback in the writing process are vital, enhancing creativity and resilience while fostering individual growth across various formats.
Deep dives
Exploring Cross-Medium Writing
The discussion highlights the diverse experiences and skill sets writers develop while working across various media, including film, television, video games, and comics. Each medium presents unique storytelling challenges, with video games requiring an understanding of player agency unlike more passive forms like film or television. For example, when writing for games, creators must consider the emotional weight of player choices, as players actively engage with the story rather than passively receiving it. This dynamic interaction shapes the writing process, emphasizing the need for writers to adapt their storytelling techniques to fit the gaming format.
Common Misconceptions in Mediums
A significant point made during the panel is the misconception surrounding the narrative depth of video games, where many believe that stories play a minimal role compared to gameplay mechanics. Speakers emphasized that video games have evolved to deliver emotionally resonant narratives, comparable to well-crafted novels and films, through player interaction. Additionally, the importance of character development is underscored as writers must establish relatable characters within abbreviated setups, especially in sitcoms. This highlights the intricate balancing act needed to convey robust storytelling within the constraints of various formats.
Collaborative Dynamics in Writing
The panelists emphasized the value of collaboration in the writing process, particularly when partnering with others who bring diverse skills to the table. Working closely with a partner allows for feedback and the sharing of ideas, which fosters creativity and resilience against rejection. This collaborative spirit extends to the dynamics of writing rooms in television, where interactive feedback in real time is crucial for delivering content that resonates with audiences. The synergy developed with partners not only enhances the creative process but also supports individual growth and development in writing.
Adapting Stories Across Mediums
A key aspect discussed pertains to how stories adapt when transitioning between different mediums, addressing audience expectations and perceptual differences. For instance, a story that fits well in a graphic novel may not translate seamlessly to a film, requiring writers to rethink narrative structure and pacing. Panelists highlighted the importance of understanding what makes each medium unique, such as the various tools available for world-building and thematic expression. In adapting stories, writers need to establish new rules while maintaining core elements that resonate with audiences familiar with the original material.
Live from the Austin Film Festival, John joins panelists Jordan Mechner (Prince of Persia) and Erica Harrell & Desirée Proctor (The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners) for an in-depth discussion on working across movies, tv, comics, plays, videogames and VR.
Moderated by Evan Narcisse (Rise of the Black Panther), they discuss what led them to new mediums, the storytelling strengths each medium offers, and building a career that moves between them.
In our bonus segment for premium members, the panelists answer some video game specific questions, including how to stand out as a writer to the major game developers.