Session: The Power of Story: Learning Storytelling Techniques from Hollywood Masters (Part I)

The Power of Story: Learning Storytelling Techniques from Hollywood Masters (Part I)

Moderator: Sandra de Castro Buffington (Director, Hollywood, Health & Society, USA)

Panelists: Christopher Keyser (President, Writer's Guild of America, West, USA), Zoanne Clack (Co-executive Producer and Writer, Grey's Anatomy, USA), Karen Tenkhoff (Development Partner, Walt Disney/Pixar Films, USA), and Michael Nash (Documentary Filmmaker, Director, Climate Refugees, USA).

In this workshop, participants will explore why storytelling is crucial for global health communications. Christopher Keyser, President of the Writer's Guild of America, West and co-chair of the Hollywood, Health and Society board, will address the power of dramatic narratives to engage audiences. Dr. Zoanne Clark, medical doctor and co-executive producer of the popular ABC TV show Grey's Anatomy will explore the anatomy of dramatic storytelling and explain the components of the narrative writing process such as character and theme to tell a compelling story. Karen Tenkhoff from Walt Disney/Pixar Films will share a video clip illustrating storytelling in features and share her expertise.

Flimmaker Michael Nash will speak about storytelling in documentary films and TV. Sandra da Castro Buffington will share proven models for inspiring accurate health story lines in television, film and transmedia.

Following these presentation, in small groups led by the presenters above, participants will write 1-2 minute stories which will be shared within the small group.

Two stories will be chosen by each group leader to workshop and develop in front of the group. Through discussion and feedback from the experts and among the participants, these stories will be developed and refined and final versions will be presented orally to the group.