Movies – Storytelling Saga

Animation, Interview, Movies, Television

Episode 154 — A Composer’s Mindset with Kevin Manthei

October 18, 2021October 26, 2021 alithewriter

Ali interviews TV, film and video game composer, Kevin Manthei. He shares about his musical influences, how he got his start composing for video games, his process for scoring an episode of TV, working as the series composer on Invader ZIM and stepping back into the world for Invader ZIM: Enter the Florpus, what went into creating “Peace Is Nice,” his thoughts on creative block, advice for aspiring composers, current projects and more!

Check out the following links for more of Kevin’s work:

Books, Movies, Television, Writing

Episode 125 — The Inciting Incident

February 8, 2021October 26, 2021 alithewriter

Ali discusses what goes into writing a compelling inciting incident for any given story.

Interview, Movies, Television, Writing

Episode 116 — Learning the Art and Craft of Screenwriting with Jacob Krueger

November 30, 2020October 9, 2021 alithewriter

Ali interviews award-winning screenwriter, playwright, producer and director, as well as the founder of Jacob Krueger Studio, Jacob Krueger. Jake shares his journey into screenwriting and founding the studio, his thoughts on starting a project from character, plot or process, a deeper look into what’s behind writer’s block, the effect of negative and positive self-talk about your own writing, a different approach to the well-known concept of show, don’t tell and much more!

Visit writeyourscreenplay.com and check out the Write Your Screenplay Podcast.

Animation, Movies

Episode 91 — Shrek + Shrek 2

May 18, 2020September 23, 2021 alithewriter

Ali discusses the breakout hit DreamWorks movie, Shrek, and her personal favorite film of the franchise, Shrek 2, recounting the irreverent humor, sweet moments and timeless themes all wrapped up in a fun fairy tale universe.

Movies, Television, Writing

Episode 60 — Storytelling Clichés

October 21, 2019September 23, 2021 alithewriter

Ali discusses storytelling clichés including hackneyed phrases, stereotypical characters, love triangles, miscommunications and many other tropes.

Animation, Movies

Episode 48 — The Lion King Movies

July 29, 2019September 23, 2021 alithewriter

Ali discusses the iconic Disney movie, The Lion King (1994), its direct-to-video sequel, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998), as well as its clever retelling, The Lion King 1½ (2004). She shares her thoughts on everything that makes the original film such an absolute masterpiece. She also reminisces about seeing The Lion King musical on Broadway, and she compares the original movie to the 2019 remake. Hakuna matata!

Animation, Movies

Episode 44 — Toy Story Movies

July 1, 2019September 23, 2021 alithewriter

Ali discusses Pixar’s first feature film, Toy Story (1995), and its sequels, Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (2019). She shares her favorite moments from each movie that make up this phenomenal franchise and capture the universal themes of friendship, growing up, purpose, unconditional love and adventure from these beloved toys.

Animation, List, Movies, Writing

Episode 22 — Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling

January 28, 2019September 23, 2021 alithewriter

Ali discusses Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling compiled by former Pixar storyboard artist, Emma Coats, drawing examples from different Pixar films along the way.