You Are a Storyteller

In this episode, Brian and Jesse break down the essential components of three-act story structure. You'll learn why all three acts are imperative, how well constructed stories mark the difference between entertainment and impact, and why “choose your own adventure” tales will never change your life. This episode was recorded on January 26, 2022.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by comic book writer John Arcudi, who's written for DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics and is currently working on Two Moons, a series from Image Comics. John shares why stories that focus on the smallest possible conflict are often the most interesting, and how truth and complexity are key to creating captivating stories.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse deep dive into the ten-year journey of crystallizing Brian's newly released non-fiction graphic novel Land of the Dead. Together, they investigate ancient storytelling's tradition of venturing to the underworld, the framework for what's encountered there, and why facing life's universal pain is essential for leaving your audience transformed. Graphic Policy: https://bookshop.org/p/books/land-of-the-dead-lessons-from-the-underworld-on-storytelling-and-living-brian-mcdonald/18246299?ean=9781626727311 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Land-Dead-Lessons-Underworld-Storytelling/dp/1626727317/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1O30UD6X7NCJ7&keywords=land+of+the+dead+brian+mcdonald&qid=1674495802&sprefix=%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by cartoonist and lecturer Gene Luen Yang, author of the award-winning graphic novel American Born Chinese. Brian and Gene talk about what it's like to pursue a career in the comic industry as a person of color—and how truly feeling the emotions of their characters makes for better storytelling.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by Jenn Ely, a freelance illustrator and production designer known for her work on “The Boxtrolls,” “The Shivering Truth,” and upcoming Netflix films “Wendell and Wild” and “Pinocchio.” Jenn shares why she believes in risking rejection to acquire knowledge—and chats with Brian about the state of gender and racial inclusion in the industry.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse go deeper into Brian's experience trying to break into the comic and film industries, touching on perseverance, disappointment, diversity, and what it takes to keep going. For anyone feeling discouraged about reaching their creative goals, this one's for you.

Why do stories need structure to be successful? Learn how structure, especially when done simply, can be incredibly effective. Tap the link in our bio to watch this week's episode of “You Are a Storyteller.”

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by writer, director, and comedian J. Elvis Weinstein—a founding member of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” a writer/producer of the NBC show “Freaks and Geeks,” and director of the new documentary “Michael Des Barres: Who Do You Want Me To Be?” J. Elvis shares how his early start on the comic circuit influenced his writing—and how he creates a compelling story without artifice.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by screenwriter Jim Uhls, the writer of Fight Club and Jumper. Jim shares why his goal in writing is to “demonstrate something with a truism”—and how he knows he's succeeded.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why “old” films are still so powerful—and what contemporary creators can learn from them.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by television producer and writer Al Higgins, known for hit shows like “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Mike & Molly,” and “The Kominsky Method.” Al shares what it takes to tell truthful stories in surprising ways and the five elements every successful scene must include.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why stories that work follow a circular rhythm. Just like the seasons or circle of life, the best stories follow a natural loop, fulfilling humans' inherent desire for closure.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse talk about how they're taking a short break from “You Are a Storyteller.” Stay tuned for when the new season premiere will drop!

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by Emmy-winning screenwriter Treva Silverman, known for her writing on classic television shows like “That Girl,” “The Monkees,” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Treva shares what it was like working on these groundbreaking productions, how she wrote such relatable characters on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and the euphoria that comes from writing in a flow state.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by writer, producer, actor, and comedian Steve Higgins, announcer on “The Tonight Show” and a writer and producer for “Saturday Night Live.” Steve shares his journey to becoming one of the most recognized voices in comedy—and unpacks how being true to yourself is the key to real success.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why efficient storytelling—and believing that complicated isn't better simply because it's complicated—is the most effective way to communicate. Oftentimes as storytellers, we can go looking for simple solutions we've already found—and get in our own way in the process.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by award-winning comics writer and novelist G. Willow Wilson, author of “Cairo,” “Alif the Unseen,” and “Ms. Marvel.” G. Willow shares the path that led her to her fruitful career—starting with teaching English in Egypt and, most recently, writing a novel about watchmaking—and why she delights in the notion that writing stories is similar to solving a mathematical equation.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by animator and director Glen Keane, best known for his work on Disney classics like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “Pocahontas.” Glen shares how he “taps into childhood discovery” to properly create his characters—and why he believes mentorship is foundational to animation.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by animator and director Glen Keane, best known for his work on Disney classics like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “Pocahontas.” Glen shares how he “taps into childhood discovery” to properly create his characters—and why he believes mentorship is foundational to animation.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss what sets a professional apart from an amateur. While amateurs create trendy work to boost their own ego, professionals make objectively good work that serves something bigger than themselves—and can stand the test of time.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by Kira Lehtomaki, animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios and the animation supervisor behind Judy Hopps, the beloved protagonist in the 2016 film “Zootopia.” In this episode, Kira shares why fear and constraints drive her to do her best work—and why sometimes less is more in telling great stories.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why contrast is so crucial in telling a clear story. When you tell stories with intention, there's no need for confusing characters or overcomplicated plot twists. Instead, simple, straightforward contrast (in characters, settings, and storylines) allows your audience to invest in—and learn from—your story.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by author and scholar Charles Johnson. Charles shares why novelists shouldn't ever stop learning—“You're in this for the long haul”—and how a great mentor can help an artist discover smarter, more skillful ways to approach their work.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by writer, performer, and magician Derek DelGaudio, creator of the cathartic theater show (and Hulu special) “In & Of Itself.” Derek shares how his mentors helped him see the importance of developing curiosity—and why he believes vulnerability is the key to truly connecting with his audience.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why “outer boundaries'' matter in storytelling. Without taking the time to set boundaries in the first act, you miss out on an emotional bond with your audience—and you fail to create parameters for what’s believable in the story that follows.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by actor, writer, and filmmaker Paul Feig, who directed “Ghostbusters,” “A Simple Favor,” and “Last Christmas.” Paul shares how his experiences as a young comedian helped hone his craft—and why he believes in honest stories that entertain audiences responsibly.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss what stories really are—and why we tell them. Because without a shared definition of story, we have no way of knowing if we’re doing it correctly—and risk sacrificing clarity in the process.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by screenwriter, actor, and comedian Carl Gottlieb, co-writer of “Jaws” and its first two sequels. Carl shares how “serving time in the improv trenches” made for better writing—and some secrets he learned in the writing room that helped him craft scripts that come alive.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss how ego gets in the way of the real purpose of storytelling: to help people. When we’re rooted in ego, either because we want to be noticed or because we’re afraid of being vulnerable, we serve ourselves instead of others—and sabotage our message to boot.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by director and writer Ronnie del Carmen, who received an Academy Award nomination for best original screenplay on Pixar’s animated smash hit, “Inside Out.” Ronnie shares his journey as an artist and talks about the mystical—and often painful—processes creatives face to produce empathetic work that resonates across audiences.

In this episode, Brian is joined by visual development artist and illustrator Claire Keane, whose work is showcased in the beloved films Frozen, Wreck It Ralph, Tangled, and Enchanted. In addition to illustrating a number of children’s books, Claire is also the author and illustrator of the children’s books “Once Upon A Cloud” and “Little Big Girl.” Brian and Claire chat about the power of curiosity, how creatives develop consistent personal styles, and how she used her own experiences and observations of the people around her to develop the character of Rapunzel.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse explore the cyclical nature of stories, and how the classics of yesterday are fodder for the new ideas of today. From “The Ugly Duckling” to “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “Star Trek” to “Moby Dick,” ingesting stories that have stood the test of time will help you use those stories to navigate your life and to become a better storyteller.

In this episode, Brian is joined by director, producer, actor, and legendary puppeteer Frank Oz. Frank is known for performing such iconic characters as Yoda, Cookie Monster, Miss Piggy, and Grover, and for directing movies such as “The Indian in the Cupboard,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Death at a Funeral,” and the captivating off-Broadway one-man stage show, “In & Of Itself.”

Welcome to “Masters of the Craft,” a new conversational series with author and filmmaker Brian McDonald. In the first episode, Brian is joined by screenwriter and playwright Danny Rubin, best known for his work on the beloved movie “Groundhog Day” (1993). Danny talks about his journey to becoming a writer, how he honed his craft, and how he uses his experiences to teach others how to write in the entertainment industry.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss the importance of consuming quality content as a storyteller—because in order to create something meaningful today, you have to have studied the work of master storytellers yesterday. We invite you to expand your palate and embark on the 30-Day Story Challenge, where you’ll watch hand-picked movies to help you and other committed storytellers hone their craft.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse talk about the civil unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd, Brian’s personal experience in the entertainment industry as a black writer, and unpack how you can use what you have to make a difference and help change systemic racism, prejudice, and social injustice. Be sure to watch Brian’s award-winning film, “White Face.”

During any time of crisis, people search for answers and seek out resources that help them understand ways to cope. In this episode, Brian and Jesse delve deeper into the meaning of “survival information,” how it relates to stories of crises, and how these stories resonate with their listeners during difficult times.

In this episode of “You Are a Storyteller,” Brian and Jesse discuss Brian’s book, “The Golden Theme,” and how all stories share one big message: that we are all the same. “You Are a Storyteller” is produced in Seattle by Belief Agency. “The Golden Theme,” by Brian McDonald: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Theme-Writing-Highest-Denominator/dp/0998534412/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1586812033&sr=8-1

On this week's episode of You Are A Storyteller, Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan talk about what it means to be brave and how bravery can impact your stories. This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency.

On this week's episode of You Are A Storyteller, Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan talk about how the principles of story structure apply to all areas of life, not just screenwriting and filmmaking. This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency Show notes/references: https://youtu.be/4yOjts0tpco https://vimeo.com/341942802 https://www.instagram.com/p/B5vXEY3gI2Z/

On this week's episode, Brian and Jesse discuss focus—specifically how it relates to each character in your story. This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency

On this week's episode, Brian and Jesse discuss charged objects and how you can use them to make a deeper emotional connection with your audience. This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency

On this week’s episode, Brian and Jesse discuss feedback and dive into questions like, "How do you give good feedback?" and "How do you sift through feedback you've received?". This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency.

As a storyteller, how should you be measuring and defining success? On this week's episode, Brian and Jesse dive into what it truly means to succeed. You Are A Storyteller is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency.

On this week's episode, we conclude our two-part series discussing Brian's influences and the importance of mentorship.

In the first of a special two-part series, Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan talk about Brian's influences - who they are, what he learned from them, and what you can learn from them, too.

In this week's episode of You Are A Storyteller, Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan talk about how to get unstuck. When you know how to get unstuck, you can avoid some of the stress and anxiety that comes from working under tight deadlines and deliver great stories on time.

Behind every moment of triumph, there’s a story of struggle. For Brian McDonald, that story has been 33 years—and a lot of struggle—in the making. In this week’s episode, Brian talks about the release of his new graphic novel, “Old Souls,” and the journey from first word to launch.

In this week’s episode, we discuss how understanding the power of simplicity allows you to make creative decisions that better serve your story. Belief Agency founder and executive creative director Jesse Bryan and chief storyteller Brian McDonald discuss the importance of simplicity in storytelling. Belief Agency is a full-service marketing and production agency in Seattle, WA. We build brands with conviction. Show notes: Brian’s Invisible Ink blog about simplicity: http://invisibleinkblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/again-with-simplicity.html (3:32, 9:34) Opening scene of Oklahoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5APc0z49wg (26:49) Jaws written on piano keys: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/256775616226044463/ (33:54) Tyrus Wong quote about simplicity in painting and examples of his work: https://ohmy.disney.com/movies/2017/05/19/see-disney-legend-tyrus-wong-talk-about-his-work-on-bambi-in-this-exclusive-video-2/ (38:48, 39:50) New Neighbors by Norman Rockwell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA7A7lciQGo (1:02:41) The Jury by Norman Rockwell: http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/13214000/13214017.jpg (1:08:22)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Humans are natural-born storytellers. We tell stories instinctively; they’re the basis for conversation and communication. Everything we do as humans requires a story, and your core, you are a storyteller. We all are. In this episode of “You Are a Storyteller,” Belief Agency founder and executive creative director Jesse Brian and chief storyteller Brian McDonald share the armature of our series (you've probably already guessed it), and the ways in which storytelling can be a catalyst for change. Belief Agency is a full-service marketing and production agency in Seattle, WA. We build brands with conviction.

To develop as a storyteller, writers must learn to avoid certain traps. One trap is the temptation to create from a place of ego—making choices to stand out rather than to serve the story. Another trap is the allure of presentation, whether it's focusing on screenplay formatting, filmmaking equipment, or new technology. But there's a healthier way to grow as a storyteller that will ultimately benefit your stories and your audience—and that's writing from a place of truth. A "beginner's mind" is a Zen principle which means adopting a humble, teachable attitude. From studying classic films to reading great screenplays and interviews with impactful filmmakers, humility helps writers develop their craft and get a sense of bearings so they become free to write more honestly. By getting beneath the surface, writers can create truthful stories which resonate with an audience precisely because they come from a place of real conviction, fear, and vulnerability. On this week’s episode of You Are a Storyteller, Brian and Jesse discuss Brian's history as a storytelling teacher, recall some of their shared influences, and offer insight as they explore how to write with "emotional truth."