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Corporate Video Humanity

Every episode ofStorymaze = writing ideas or writing-in-progress; something creative I’m excited to share; a highlight from my comic book writing; and a quote that’s worth a think.

Last week was…a week! Client work included: a new podcast production; graphic design for the cover of said podcast; revising the page count on Project X; reviewing designs for the Blackbox comic; a “prep guide” for retirees; 10 social posts; 8 emails and direct mails; 4 new video scripts; 1 video script revision; 3 radio scripts; 5 billboards; 5 posters; 3 print ads; a proposal for a new website. AND — I came into the week thinking Monday’s date wasn’t until Wednesday, so things were all jammed up deadline-wise. (Kids: check your calendars!) Onward!

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Sometimes there are no words in the Storymaze. In one turn in my “other life” as a creative director in the world of advertising, we were tasked/challenged/awarded the opportunity to create a video for the TEDMED "innovation in health" show. Like TED itself, TEDMED was a series of short talks by big thinkers.

In previous years they had started their show with a kind of “expected” health animation: 3D flythroughs of the body, CGI cells, stock video of concerned doctors striding down hospital corridors, or conferring over iPads glowing with MRIs and X-Rays of hopeful patients. 

TEDMED’s marketing lead was looking for something very different. Working with a great creative team — writer Michelle Caruso and art director Brooke Suskin — we found inspiration in the eclectic range of TEDMED speakers.

These went beyond the expected scientists to include mimes and improv artists, students and musicians. Adding to the odd inspiration was the fact that their titles during the event were not “sociologist” but “violence reduction expert”; not “forensic technician” but “doctorly detective”; not “psychologist” but “broken heart healer.” 

These types of twists and turns were a Storymaze in the making, and the team explored many unexpected directions. All were delightful — and delighted the TEDMED client. But the one that rose to the top was right there in the unexpected pairings to be found on the TEDMED stage.

The idea that we could break down these roles into dynamite visual cues, and show their collisions and connections building to a mutual vision of a healthier, energized humanity was a video editor’s dream. Maybe a bit of a nightmare, too. (“How are we supposed to find a shot that says, ‘Genetic Rebel’?!?”) But you forget those lil’ headaches when the whole comes together so nicely. 😄

Sadly, TEDMED is no more. But you get to enjoy this intro like you were there on opening night…

The "debate" in terms of Superman know-nothings was — for too long —  "How do we make him relevant to today's audience?" Because what could today's jaded viewers and readers have to gain from a story of an immigrant, raised by wholesome parents, who shares his extraordinary and unique gifts with his adopted country? 

Neil Gaiman solved this for clueless "creative" executives quite some time ago, with a tweet that read simply/deeply, "You don’t make it relevant. You make it inspiring."

This may finally be resolved with the talented James Gunn in charge of DC's movie Superman, as he's shown real skill in finding heart in the most unlikely of characters. (Talking raccoons and trees, anyone?) In the meantime, I suggest you stop in to your local comic book shop and see how "Superman Smashes the Klan."

While pretty straightforward on the most basic level — Supes does, indeed, smash the Klan — this is a story that is also very much *about* something. Set in the early half of the 20th Century, this version of the Man of Steel is a warm, inquiring, and learning figure. He sheds his expected and trademark invulnerability for a more involved personality. 

His version of "the American way" is needed not just to save the day, but to promote equality and confront both the twisted idea and foul figureheads of bigotry — a theme that rings true and necessary in today's world.

(I have to imagine that there are, sadly, naysayers ready to decry this tale as  "woke" or a "social justice Superman." But the fact is this comic is based on one of the Big Red S's radio adventures from the 30s or 40s. 

That says these heartbreaking and dangerous issues are long-standing in our world, and that they need heroes — and stories — that actively confront them. I don't expect that to get through over the loud braying of the naysayer set — but it needs to be said. LOUDLY.) 

"Supes Smashes" is shining and fast moving, with a beautiful clean visual line to the art and smart, captivating writing that delivers truth and justice.

Inspiring indeed.

I've been connected to Chris Irving on Facebook for a while, but it wasn't 'til GalaxyCon in Richmond that we had a chance to say "Hi!" in person. That was followed up by an hour+ of enjoyable incisive, insightful questioning when he hosted a "Creating Daredevil" panel with me, John Romita, Jr. and Ann Nocenti. 

Among the revelations for me: Chris told me his first issue of Daredevil was #304 — the "34 Hours" story I did with the incredible Ron Garney — and it's the story that hooked Chris on the character. Wow.

So taking all that into account, when Chris invited me on his podcast to expand on our Virginia time, I was more than happy to see where he'd take us. He did not disappoint. Apparently, neither did I, as he expressed that this was one of his favorite interviews in all the years he's been conducting them. Double Wow!

Link over and listen in: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2103382/12886632

“I love outlining as much as the next person, but the best feeling is when the characters start doing whatever they want and you’re basically chasing after them, jotting it all down.”
— Alex Segura

Amazing Times

I’m D.G. Chichester. If that looks pretentious, feel free to just call me “Dan.”

I earned my storytelling cred writing comic book titles like Daredevil, Terror Inc., Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD and Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, along with digital widgets in the world wide web of advertising. I like weird tales, so if things here bend that way — now you know why!

Folks seem to like the comic book adventures I’ve written, so if you haven’t checked one out — please do. Many are now available in fab collected editions.

For the eager moments between newsletters…

@dgchichester — 280 characters from the Twitterverse

@dgchichester — images via Instagramland