Spinsanity

SQUARE ONE, HERE WE COME...

It all starts with a plan…

…Or, at least, it should.

Although there are obvious benefits to maintaining a level of flexibility while a project is in its formative stages, a new piece of entertainment—be it a graphic novel, animation pilot or video game—needs a solid creative direction before it can truly maximize its potential. Too many times something will get relatively far along in the production pipeline before real attention is paid to its background, characters and story…all of which can lead to a less-than-satisfying experience for the audience. How many game titles, for example, have a seemingly solid gameplay gimmick, but ultimately lack the extra “oomph” and polish that come from fully realized characters and an engaging story?

Readers, viewers and gamers may not actively think about the far-reaching benefits of having synergy between a project’s technical aspects and its narrative design—but they respond to that feeling of synergy (or the lack of it) instinctively. This gut-level audience reaction can spell the difference between an entertainment experience that’s satisfying and one that’s merely “ho-hum” or, worse, not enjoyable…which is why creators need to think about their narrative goals carefully and consciously ahead of time in order to seamlessly blend them into the final product. Because the most effective kind of story is one that feels natural, not tacked-on, enhancing the audience’s experience without taking them out of it.

So, there’s a plan. A creative goal has been formed. What’s next? The most important piece of the puzzle, the one that creates true loyalty in the audience and keeps them coming back for more again and again: real, fully developed characters.

And that’s where the true fun begins…

TO BE CONTINUED!

Where will THE ENEMY strike next?
To find out, check back here regularly for updated comments on the industry, the creative concerns facing it and a whole host of other random things that interest, entertain or just plain irritate us. In the meantime, feel free to direct any questions or comments to info@theenemystrikes.com!

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