The Man Who Was Magic (1966)
A mysterious young man who can perform genuine magic attempts to gain entry into a prestigious guild of illusionists whose abilities pale in comparison to his own. Medium: Novel Writer(s): Paul Gallico Production Co.(s): Doubleday & Company Inc., 1966 ISBN:...
Gravity (2013)
A medical engineer on her first space mission attempts to survive in the wake of a series of catastrophic events that threaten her life. Medium: Film Writer(s): Alfonso Cuarón, Jonás Cuarón Director: Alfonso Cuarón Production Co.(s): Warner Bros. , Esperanto Filmoj,...
The King’s Speech (2010)
An heir to the British throne attempts to overcome a lifelong speech impediment so that he can perform his royal duties as leader of his people. Medium: Film Writer(s): David Seidler Director: Tom Hooper Production Co.(s): The Weinstein Company, UK Film Council,...
Finding Stories in the I Ching
The I Ching ("Book of Change"), is an original Chinese classic the origin of which may lie as far back as 3,000 BCE. Is it a source of wisdom? Certainly. A source of story ideas? Now, that's an intriguing proposition. Drawing on Ancient Wisdom For thousands of years,...
Variety Lights (1950)
An actor in a small-time variety troupe attempts to gain the success that he has long envisioned as his due—on the stage and in his love life. Medium: Film Writer(s): Federico Fellini, Alberto Lattuada, Tullio Pinelli, Ennio Flaiano Director: Federico Fellini, Alberto...
The Battleship Potemkin (1925)
A mutiny aboard a Russian battleship leads to events that stoke public anger and advance the likelihood of Communist revolution against the tsarist regime. Medium: Film Writer(s): Nina Agadzhanova Director: Sergei M. Eisenstein Production Co.(s): Goskino Members-only...
Black Book (2006)
As World War II nears its end, a young Dutch Jewess attempts to survive amidst the cruelty of the Nazi occupation in its waning months. Medium: Film Writer(s): Gerard Soeteman, Paul Verhoeven Director: Paul Verhoeven Production Co.(s): Fu Works, Egoli Tossell Film,...
The Difference Between a Story and a Tale
Subtle differences exist between a "story" and a "tale." And although neither is inherently superior to the other, the differences do matter and can affect how the audience engages. Measuring the Curve of the Story Arc So, what is the primary difference between a...