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StoryWeaver
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Dramatica
$149.95
The most
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choices to ensure a perfect structure.
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Movie
Magic Screenwriter
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The most
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Throughline
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Chapter 31
Storytelling & Encoding Genre
Encoding Genre
As previously discussed, Genre is only slightly influenced by a storyform. This is because
only four appreciations have a structural influence on Genre: the four Domains. Once each
Domain has been encoded, all the rest of the nebulous realm called Genre consists of
storytelling preferences.
We have already explored the meaning of each Domain appreciation in the Genre portion of
The Elements of Structure. In the next section on Storyweaving, we will touch on many
writing techniques that help to fashion Genre.
For now, let us simply recall that a story's Genre does not spring forth full-grown from
the very first word. Rather, it begins as a generalization and gradually evolves into a
more and more refined overall feel and tone until it becomes a unique Genre represented
only the this single story.
As a caution, keep in mind that trying to be completely unique up front often alienates an
audience. Conversely, failing to develop enough unique refinements over the course of a
story makes it less than memorable. A safer approach is to start with the same general
nature as any one of thousands of other stories and then slowly mold a new realm. This is
much more audience-friendly and will still create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Medium and Format
Up to this point, we have explored the encoding process as if storyform and storytelling
were the only concerns. This is only true in a theoretical sense. In practice, a story
cannot be transmitted from author to audience except across a medium. The medium in which
a story is presented both limits the tools available to the author, and provides uniquely
useful tools. For example, motion pictures are not known for the capacity to present
stories told in taste or touch or smell. Stage productions, however, have made effective
use of all three. Also, a novel allows a reader to jump ahead if he desires, and examine
aspects of the story out of order, something one cannot do in a movie.
Stories in many media are recorded to play back directly to the audience. Others are
recorded as cues to performers and translated through them to the audience. Still others
are not recorded at all and simply told. There can be as many media as there are means of
conveying information.
Even within a single medium there may exist several formats. For example, in television
there are half-hour three-camera formats, half-hour single-camera formats, one-hour and
two-hour and mini-series formats. Also, time is not the only quality that defines a
format. Soap operas, episodic series, and multi-storyline episodic series are but a few
variations. Each of these formats offers dramatic opportunities and each operates under
constraints. By exploring their demands and benefits, the process of encoding can be
related to best advantage in each.
Proceed
to the Next Section of the Book-->
How to Order Dramatica:
A New Theory of Story
Back to
the Table of Contents
Back to the Dramatica Home Page
Copyright 1996, Screenplay Systems, Inc.
The Dramatica theory was developed by
Melanie Anne Phillips and Chris Huntley
Chief Architect of the Dramatica software is Stephen
Greenfield
Dramatica is a registered trademark of Screenplay Systems Incorporated
Visit
the Dramatica Theory Home Page
Try Dramatica & StoryWeaver Risk
Free*
$179.95
$29.95
*Try either or both for 90 days. Not working for you?
Return for a full refund of your purchase price!
About Dramatica and
StoryWeaver
Hi, I'm Melanie Anne Phillips,
creator of StoryWeaver,
co-creator of Dramatica
and owner of Storymind.com. If you have a moment, I'd like to tell you
about these two story development tools - what each is designed to do, how
each works alone on a different part of story development and how they can be
used together to cover the entire process from concept to completion of your
novel or screenplay.
What They Do
Dramatica is a tool to help you
build a perfect story structure. StoryWeaver is a tool to help you build
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How They Do It
Dramatica has the world's only
patented interactive Story Engine™ which cross-references your answers to
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structure and even suggests the best ways to strengthen them.
StoryWeaver uses a revolutionary new
creative format as you follow more than 200 Story Cards™ step by step through
the story development process. You'll design the people who'll inhabit
your story's world, what happens to them, and what it all means.
How They Work
Together
By itself Dramatic appeals to
structural writers who like to work out all the details of their stories
logically before they write a word. By itself, StoryWeaver appeals to
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But, the finished work of a
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And the finished work of an intuitive writer can often lack direction, which is
where Dramatica can help.
So, while each kind of writer will
find one program or the other the most initially appealing, both kinds of
writers can benefit from both programs.
Try Both Programs
Risk Free!
We have a 90
Day Return Policy here at Storymind. Try either or both of these
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Throughline
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Interactive
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An essential tool for every writer.
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Movie
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The most
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Structure
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