Thursday, July 9, 10:00AM – 11:00AM (PDT)
We will examine how narrative structure, character development, and “re-humanization” techniques can disrupt the cycle of contempt and foster a more cohesive society. BEL founding CEO Steven Olikara will discuss the “4 Cs” of their approach: Curiosity, Contact, Complexity, and (Good) Conflict. He will then moderate a conversation with two storytellers who have used this approach to craft compelling stories that don’t rely on tired tropes or preconceived biases: veteran TV writer/producer Dave Caplan (The Conners, The Drew Carey Show, George Lopez,) and accomplished TV director Valerie Weiss (Suits, Scandal, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds). The session will close with an interactive listening exercise in which attendees will put into practice the lessons they’ve learned.
As America turns 250 years old, the public faces a moment of painful division. Storytellers have the unique ability to counter existing narratives and help us better to see each other across lines of difference. As BEL puts it in their Storytelling Principles, “Storytelling can help flip the script on these narratives of division.” Join us to learn from experts and working filmmakers on how you can enrich your work by adding more layers of curiosity, nuance and empathy.
