As filmmakers we can get so tied up in telling the stories of others that we often forget to tell our own. The cobbler’s children have no shoes, right?
On our website, when we meet clients, when we enter into a pitch for a big job–these are all times where story can undoubtably connect in a deeper way, yet we often give these stories the time and care they desire.
When I was invited to give a Tedx talk in nearby Salem, I wanted it to be something that could help the audience (who are not filmmakers) better understand story and how to be empowered by it.
And so that brought me to two concepts that are both seemingly simple, yet rather complex. Two things that can truly help you tell stories that engage and connect.
It’s very exciting for me to be able to share this Tedx talk with you. For me, this was one of those life goals you write down, file away, and work towards making happen ‘one day’. I was hella nervous in the days leading up to this. The morning of I was able to take comfort in the dozens of revisions and rewrites that had gotten me to that point and I was able to simple let go and enjoy it.
Excellent TedX talk, Patrick. Thank you for all that you do for us filmmakers.
Thank you for stopping by Glenn.
Patrick, I listened to your talk as if I were in the audience , making a point of hearing what somebody in the audience would hear without being influenced by what Muse has taught me and I can honestly tell you I would have walked away from that talk feeling very INSPIRED ! I would just want to explore and unleash this SUPERPOWER in the form of story I never knew existed! It is just how I feel since Muse ! Deon van Zyl, South Africa
Deon, thanks so much. That’s very kind and I appreciate the thought you put into your viewing experience and reply. So happy to hear the impact Muse has had on you. Just wait until next year when it gets even better (and has it’s own app!)
P.
That was cool Patrick! I would have liked to have known what the original ending was. You actually seemed to loosen up a bit and sound more natural when you had to start ad libbing and cutting up your ending. I’ve had that experience in public speaking too… I really appreciated how you broke down the important elements of following a character in their desire and conflict.
Hey Alexis,
The whole thing had a good amount of ad lib to it, but that was small bits here and there as the structure was definitely in tact.
The original ending was our story–weddings to NFL to Emmy’s all because we told a story well. It was a pretty quick version of that really leaning on how I have no ‘formal’ filmmaking experience and all of this happened because we told great stories…so what can your story do for you?
Nailed it!
Shit, man. That was really moving.
Shit, man. Thanks. Appreciated 🙂
Patrick, I just wanted to say I’m proud of you man! You may or may not realize it, but in this online city that we live in, you are like a big brother to many of us who are striving to learn more about filmmaking and storytelling. You’ve offered so much and really helped us learn. I truly believe I’m a much stronger storyteller because of the education you guys freely give.
So when I saw you talking on the TED stage, it made me feel like a really proud little brother. You inspire me, and show that it is possible to step out into this big world and express your voice. I want to do the same thing.
Anyways, great job and very cool on the talk!!!
Thanks bro. Very much appreciated!
Great talk Patrick & SM – Keep telling the story of story!
Patrick – firstly let me thank you for posting this stuff online and making it available for all of us across the world. This thing is not only moving but also inspirational for all of us into movie making. I think the message in this will stick to me for long.
Thanks once again
-Shiv
India
Awesome talk Patrick!!! Well done you my friend! It’s on my list of favourite TED talks! 🙂
Wow, Gione, that’s quite the list to be added to. Thank you my friend. Hope you’re well.
Patrick, this talk is brilliant.
I’ve been following Stillmotion for years, read all your posts on story, joined MUSE, etc. But I’ve never seen a more succinct, powerful, and tangible explanation on the power of storytelling as an element for change than this one. The contrast you created in how to discuss slavery was clear and accessible example, and the explanation of how people and conflict drive the story to get the audience to pay attention, ask the question, and stick around for the answer was perfect.
My only regret is knowing you cut something out — maybe you can post the extended version sometime. 🙂
This is something I’m going to add to my go-to list to watch again and again, because I’ll get more out of it each time. Thank you!
That was brilliant! It was so insightful!
That really makes you think. Excellent talk!
Hi Patrick, really thanks for the message from the talk.
Your focus (9), synthesis (7), commitment (10), passion (8) and purpose (9) is so much vivid in your speech! I’ll keep the “make people desire the answer to the question they care” as a very appreciated takeaway from your video. Your job is really fascinating.