What do you do if your film's message isn't effectively communicated through storytelling techniques?

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Creating a film is much like painting on a vast canvas. You have the colors of your actors, the brushes of your camera, and the palette of your script. But what if, once the final stroke is applied, the picture doesn't quite convey the message you intended? This is a challenge that even the most seasoned filmmakers can face. Storytelling is an art form, and ensuring that your film's message resonates with your audience is crucial. If you find yourself in this predicament, don't despair. There are actionable steps you can take to refine and enhance your film's communicative power.

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1 Re-evaluate Script

The script is the blueprint of your film, and if the message isn't coming through, revisiting it is a good start. Dive back into your screenplay and look for scenes that may not be serving the story effectively. Dialogue can often be a culprit; it needs to be sharp and purposeful. Consider whether the narrative structure supports the message or if rearranging scenes could improve clarity. Sometimes, less is more, and removing unnecessary subplots or characters might help to focus the central theme. It's a process of refinement—trimming the excess to better highlight the message you wish to convey.

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Jack Avenue
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Use the script as the blueprint and lean on the director and writer’s relationship. Be precise… Anything that can go, should go, most often. If a scene, line, character, or any other element don’t serve the poignant vision, remove them.

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Tucker Parsons

Writing and creative services for entertainment marketing
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1) Don’t panic. Happens a lot. 2) Seriously, don’t panic. 3) Find a new way in. In the selling of stories, the “message” needs to be condensed into whatever format you’re working into. The story's “message” is a metaphor for that story. It might not be the story that's not work, just the metaphor. But either way... 1) Find a new way in. 2) Find a new metaphor for the story.

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Roberto Miquel

Productor Ejecutivo at Televisa
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A mi me ha resultado útil y a parte es importante q otras personas ajenas le den lectura ya q uno cuando lo conoce tanto , agrega las piezas faltantes y por lo mismo pierde su objetividad

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Jurgen Wolff

Free-lance writer, lecturer at Stagemanage Ltd.
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If you have a couple of trusted readers, ask them what they think was the theme. It may not be as obscure as you fear. If it is, yes, resist the temptation to add more dialogue, especially exposition. Look for how your theme could be better reflected through the setting, the actions of the protagonist or other characters, their body language, what they DON’T say. Once in a while, the solution is to strengthen the role of another character to establish how your protagonist is different or similar, which may also strengthen your communication of the theme.

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2 Test Screenings

Test screenings are invaluable for gauging audience reactions before a film's wide release. Organize small, controlled viewings with a diverse group of people and encourage honest feedback. Pay close attention to where viewers seem engaged or disconnected. Their emotional responses are a direct indicator of whether your message is hitting the mark. After the screening, a Q&A session can provide deeper insights into their interpretations of the film. Use this feedback to identify which parts of your film may need further work to better communicate the intended message.

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Jurgen Wolff

Free-lance writer, lecturer at Stagemanage Ltd.
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Remember that your friends are likely to be more positive than is strictly warranted and take that into account. (If your friends are likely to be more negative than is warranted, get new friends.)

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3 Edit for Clarity

Editing is where the magic happens, and it's also where you can salvage a story that's not quite hitting home. Look at your film with fresh eyes and consider alternative cuts. Perhaps there's a more effective way to sequence your shots that could enhance the storytelling. Be open to cutting scenes that are visually stunning but do not contribute to the narrative or message. A good editor can help you find the rhythm and pacing that will make your message resonate more clearly with your audience.

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Jurgen Wolff

Free-lance writer, lecturer at Stagemanage Ltd.
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Watch the film with the sound turned off. It’s kind of like the situation in which someone is singing along with a crowd and suddenly the crowd stops but the person continues just long enough to realise how bad their voice is. Imagine that you don’t know anything about the story and jot down one line for each scene. When you’ve done that, see where things get confusing. You can do this with a screenplay as well, imagining the silent scenes.

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4 Refine Sound Design

Sound design is often an underappreciated aspect of filmmaking, yet it plays a pivotal role in conveying emotion and meaning. Revisit your film's sound landscape and consider how it might be refined to support the message. The score, sound effects, and even silence can be powerful tools in guiding the audience's emotional journey. Ensure that the audio complements the visuals and doesn't distract from the story you're trying to tell. Sometimes, subtle changes in the sound design can make a significant difference in how your message is perceived.

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5 Consider Marketing

Marketing can sometimes rescue a film's misunderstood message by framing it within a context that audiences can relate to. If your film is already in post-production or released, consider how you're presenting it to the public. The trailers, posters, and social media content should all align with the core message of your film. They can provide additional narrative hints and thematic clues that prepare audiences for what to expect, thereby enhancing their understanding and appreciation of your story.

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Rajesh R. Nair

Executive Producer at Pinaki Media Productions and Story Writer.
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After the edit,If the film's message isn't effectively communicated through storytelling, consider employing additional marketing techniques. This could involve direct messaging in promotional materials, educational campaigns to explain the message, and influencer partnerships to amplify the message through trusted voices. Additionally, utilizing social media platforms for interactive engagement, hosting screenings followed by discussions, and leveraging press releases to highlight the message's importance can further enhance communication.

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6 Engage Your Audience

Finally, actively engage with your audience. Use platforms like social media, Q&A sessions at film festivals, or panel discussions to explain your vision and the message you aimed to convey. This direct communication can bridge gaps in understanding and provide viewers with a new lens through which to interpret your film. It also allows for an exchange of ideas, where you can learn from audience interpretations and they can gain insight into your creative process.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your film's message isn't effectively communicated through storytelling techniques?

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1 Re-evaluate Script

2 Test Screenings

3 Edit for Clarity

4 Refine Sound Design

5 Consider Marketing

6 Engage Your Audience

7 Here’s what else to consider

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