Is a story just a story? (Part 2)
Hello, again!
I hope you got here after reading Part 1 🙂 where I lay the land on why I think a story is more than just a story. Drama is more than just entertainment.
For some time now, I’ve been dwelling with how to approach entertainment strategy as I’ve been collaborating more and more with producers, directors, writers. As some know, I’m a business strategist but also an artist. I’m obsessed with all things Walt Disney and I have a personal Theory of Change that focus on using Capital, Technology and Content/Entertainment to promote social & environmental change at scale.
Some times it feels like strategy and art could be opposing. That the left and right side of the brain might have a tough time working together. Who should lead? Creativity or structure? Inspiration or impact? Let’s put a pin on this here.
So, if Drama is more than just entertainment, should it be driven by an impact strategy, always?
I dont think so. But I do think there needs to be an awareness and intentionality when developing a project on what is the story actually highlighting, who is being casted, who should be around the table to give diverse enough input to create complex and authentic characters and storylines, showcasing the topic from new and fresh perspectives.
Yes, entertainment should be entertaining. Shouldn’t be boring. Shouldn’t be a lecture. But it carries a big responsibility towards its audience. In technology and investments I do it the opposite way, but for me, creativity is queen in this industry. It all needs to start from creative inspiration and from there we can break down all the necessary strategies, including impact.
Does that mean that I believe that all films could have an impact strategy?
Yes, it does. Mostly. In the investment industry we use the ABC framework to classify businesses and exclude all that operate in harmful industries, like defence/arms, tobacco, alcohol, gambling and unhealthy foods and beverages. [check this article where I help you rethink your business through impact lenses — step by step]. When talking about films, TV shows and literally all formats of entertainment content, we could classify them in similar ways and say that if their main focus is on the following topics, they could be considered harmful content, unless trying to educate people on and condemn acts such as:
- Pornography
- Massacres & Genocides
- Vices
- Heavy usage of violence
So, should all art forms have an impact strategy?
Could they all have one?
Follow me to have first hand access to frameworks and case studies on the topic that I will be publishing in the coming weeks.
