How Do You Get Beyond The Expected?

As a filmmaker, one of the most critical aspects of your creative journey is identifying the core elements that will guide your storytelling process. This starts with selecting the right keywords that define the objective or purpose of your story. 

But why should you invest time in learning and practicing this skill? 

The answer is simple: your chosen keywords become your compass. 

They guide your creative decisions and ensure your work is intentional and cohesive. Mastering the art of keyword selection can lead to more compelling and resonant narratives. 

Here are seven tips that can help you through this process:

1. Don't rush the process: Creativity thrives in thoughtful decision-making. Take your time to brainstorm and consider various options before settling on your keywords. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to choose words that encapsulate the essence of your story accurately. For example, if you rush to select 'war' for a documentary about a veteran, you could miss more poignant keywords like 'resilience' or 'survival'.
   
   

2. There is power in nuance: Each word carries a unique meaning and evokes different emotions. Understanding this can help you pinpoint keywords that best capture the mood and tone of your film. 'Happiness' might suggest joy, while 'warmth' can evoke feelings of comfort, and 'bright' might represent optimism. Choose wisely.
   
   

3. Try to get to single words: Single-word keywords are easier to remember and put into action. A keyword like 'compassion' can effectively guide your creative decisions, from framing a shot to scripting dialogue. In contrast, phrases like 'display of empathy' can be harder to recall and implement consistently.
   
   

4. Always consider multiple perspectives: Different people can see the same story differently. Considering these different perspectives can help you uncover a broader range of potential keywords. While you might see a story about a new product as 'innovative', a customer might see it as 'life-changing'. Both perspectives are valuable and can guide your film's creation.
   
   

5. Step back and lock down the obvious: Not all keywords must be profound; they should also be practical. If you're making a documentary about a world-famous artist, 'creativity' or 'art' should likely be encapsulated within one of your keywords. Don't overlook the most apparent elements of your story in the quest for more philosophical keywords.
   
   

6. Start with the prompt that feels most obvious: Solving easier prompts first can provide insight into the more challenging ones. Choosing a keyword for an obvious prompt can set the tone and provide a clear direction, guiding your keyword selection for less clear prompts.
   
   

7. Remember you can pass and return to it: The creative process often involves non-linear thinking. If a keyword isn't immediately evident for a particular prompt, move to another one. You might find new insights that trigger the perfect keyword for an earlier prompt.

Remember, patience, nuance, simplicity, perspective-taking, pragmatism, a structured approach, and flexibility are all critical in the keyword selection process. By practicing these tips, you'll be better prepared to create films that tell compelling, intentional stories.