The Advantages of Beginning Story Creation Through Film: Leveraging Brain Functions for Creativity

Breaking Free from Outdated Production Methods

The established “process” of creating film and video projects has been in place for decades, shaped by the high costs of production in earlier times. While there is often wisdom in time-tested methods, advancements in technology call for rethinking traditional workflows.

Previously, a meticulous preparation phase was essential before filming. This was driven by the need to avoid wasting film, which was both costly and limited. Any misstep leading to re-shoots incurred significant additional expenses, and even minor moments, like the use of a clapperboard, required rigorous discipline to minimize waste.

With today’s digital technology, where footage can be stored as near-costless data, the importance of pre-planning every aspect has diminished. This opens up new opportunities for more flexible approaches to video creation.

Starting with Video, Not Paper Manuals

One modern example is “video manuals,” where the optimal workflow has flipped. Instead of crafting comprehensive written guides and then filming instructional content based on that text, creators can now begin with an initial video recording of a task. This footage can be edited to create a video manual, bypassing the need for time-consuming text-based documentation. Any necessary written materials can then be derived from the video itself, making the process far more efficient.

The same concept can be applied to filmmaking. Rather than locking everything into detailed plans, there are times when simply “shooting first” can be an effective alternative.

Using Video as a Creative Sketch

Not every aspect of a project needs to be firmly defined beforehand. Seasonal landscapes or dramatic weather conditions, for instance, can be opportunistically filmed as raw material for future integration into projects. Thanks to the negligible cost of digital filming, creators can collect these “visual sketches” and incorporate them during production.

Unlike novels or manga, video requires no specialized skills to produce. With some attention to detail and basic techniques, video clips can be edited together into a coherent narrative. This means that creating films involves a lower barrier for beginners compared to other mediums.

Stepwise Refinement Through Iteration

A straightforward method for starting might involve filming simple footage and combining it with narration or monologues to create a basic, cohesive piece. While using narration to explain content is traditionally considered a storytelling faux pas, it can serve as a practical starting point for refining ideas. Over time, creators can replace explanatory narration with visual storytelling, improving their work iteratively.

This iterative approach aligns with the brain’s natural “problem-solving habits.” When faced with a gap in logic or continuity, the brain automatically seeks solutions. By framing these challenges as “missing puzzle pieces,” creators can systematically resolve inconsistencies without overhauling their projects at every roadblock.

Embracing Creative Freedom with Visual Effects

Special effects can provide powerful solutions for achieving otherwise impossible visuals. They enable creators to overcome logistical limitations, such as unavailability of ideal shooting locations, and are invaluable for addressing narrative gaps. Employing effects strategically can elevate projects while minimizing disruptions.

Reverse Storytelling: From Film to Written Word

While conventional filmmaking follows a linear sequence—outlining, detailing, filming, and editing—modern technology allows for a reverse workflow. Starting with a quick visual prototype (a short film or video), creators can later refine their storylines and even expand into other formats, such as novels. This inversion of traditional methods offers fresh avenues for exploring creativity.