StoryRay Podcast

A Screenplay can be fun to read and still make for a terrible movie. Why do so many modern movies and TV shows feel less engaging than they used to?One reason may be that screenplays are increasingly judged by how enjoyable they are to read, instead of how powerful they could be when performed.A screenplay is not a novel. It is not prose fiction. It is intended to inspire actors, directors, editors, designers, composers, and the entire collaborative process of film and television.In this video, I talk about how modern day script-readers may be pushing writers toward creating scripts that are pleasing on the page, but dramatically weaker on screen, especially when it comes to dialogue.A fun read does not always equal a good movie.And sometimes the script that feels plain on the page is the one that comes alive when actors finally put it up on its feet.Support StoryRay: $OmegaConquestMore from StoryRay.com #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #ScriptReader #StoryRay #MovieWriting #TVWriting #Dialogue #FilmCriticism

In Episode 4 of Rewrite In Motion, we continue using AI to illustrate the imagery in this Screenplay "Untitled Action Cop vs Stripper Thief". I discuss using some cliches to a story's advantage and why it's crucial to get rid of things like cell phones and helicopters in order to make chase scenes more dramatic.Feeling generous? Drop something in the Cashapp.Thanks for watching/listening.

Rewrite in Motion is back — and this time, we're getting visual.In Episode 3, we officially introduce the main character of "Untitled Action Cop vs. Stripper Thief "— and I used ChatGPT to generate AI images directly from scenes in the script. The results were honestly surprising. The images came out way more accurate to what I had in my head than I expected, and it completely changed how I see the visualization process for screenwriting.If you've ever tried to describe a scene and wished someone could just see what you're seeing, this episode is for you.This series is for:Screenwriters at any stageWriters and storytellers who want to see a real rewrite in progressAnyone curious about how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used in the creative writing processFans of action, crime, and stories that don't play it safeUntitled Action Cop vs. Stripper Thief is a work in progress — and you're watching it get built in real time.Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.Find me at: storyray.com#Screenwriting #RewriteInMotion #ChatGPT #AIImageGeneration #Screenplay #Storytelling #Writing #FilmWriting

This episode highlights some considerations as to whether or not the Microdrama Vertical Series can succeed in the U.S. market? Or will they go the way of the Quibi bird once again?

A continuation as I rewrite a screenplay, "Untitled Action Cop vs Stripper Thief". I continue to use AI not for writing, but as a tool for visualization.Follow along.Find me at: storyray.com

In this episode I begin the arduous task of rewriting a screenplay, "Untitled Action Cop vs Stripper Thief".Find me at storyray.com.

After watching the Netflix film The Rip and reading an article where director Joe Carnahan talked about the importance of outlining before writing the screenplay, I arrived at an obvious conclusion.Outlines can be incredibly helpful. They allow writers to structure complex stories and write efficiently once the blueprint is set.But it also made me consider a not-so-obvious conclusion..I wonder if writers sometimes subconsciously approach stories differently when they know the movie is being made for streaming instead of theatrical release.While watching The Rip, there was a moment where the story felt like it might pivot into something really unexpected. It almost felt like a contained horror scenario with characters trapped in a house and something trying to get inside.I kept hoping the film would lean into that direction.Instead, it felt like the movie stayed very close to its original outline and maybe the streaming environment might have subtly influence how the movie was written.Find me at: storyray.com where you can also book at story consultation Zoom call.

Storytelling isn’t just about what you describe. It’s also about when you describe it.When people encounter a new scene, they don’t process information randomly. Human perception tends to notice certain things first: larger elements, potential threats, and socially or biologically relevant details. Our brains evolved to sort information that way.When a screenplay or prose description works against that natural flow, the reader may have to mentally reconstruct the scene instead of experiencing it. And that small friction can pull a person out of the story.In this short StoryRay episode, writer and educator MJG explores why the order of description matters in writing, and how understanding human perception can make your pages flow more naturally.StoryRay.com breaks down the craft, culture, and deeper meaning behind storytelling.

Prefer to watch episode on Youtube ?I don’t claim to have the definitive answer as to what ‘high concept’ really means. There are as many different definitions as there are people who attempt to explain the somewhat elusive, yet highly sought status of a genuinely easy-to-understand idea. How can it be genuine, if there is no one correct answer or defintiton? It’s one of those things that falls into the category of, ‘ I know it when I see it’ and ‘we can all agree’. In this short post I add my own two cents to the conversation on what it means for a story idea to be ‘high concept’.If you have a different definition of ‘high concept’ hit me up in the comments. I’m eager to expand my own perspective on the subject.Find me at: storyray.com

Prefer to watch on Youtube ? Leave us a bit a Gratitude.Have you ever noticed how many more people suddenly seem interested in you after you’re already in a relationship?You’re the same person you were when you were single.So what changed?Nothing.And everything.What you’re witnessing isn’t coincidence. It’s an expression of the Law of Attraction.When you’re single and looking, it often feels like no one shows up. Everyone is taken. No one fits. The world feels empty of possibility.Then you finally commit to someone—and suddenly, potential matches appear everywhere.It feels like a cruel joke.Why doesn’t the universe simply guide single people toward each other while they’re actually looking? Wouldn’t that make more sense?It seems illogical.But it isn’t.The universe is extremely logical.It just doesn’t respond to words.It responds to vibration.When you’re in a committed relationship, your inner signal changes. You’re no longer broadcasting “lack.” You’re broadcasting wholeness. You’re relaxed. You’re grounded. You’re complete.That frequency attracts others who are also complete.So how do you use this when you’re single?Instead of pretending you’re in a relationship, actually enter one.Not with a person.With your purpose.Choose something meaningful. It could be your work, school, artistic or creative expression. Something you’d do even if no one paid you. Something you’re drawn back to the way you’d return to a partner.Fall in love with it.Make a real commitment.Give it your time.Your attention.Your care.When you’re in a genuine relationship with your purpose, your inner state changes. You stop vibrating “I’m lonely.” You begin vibrating love frequency.You’re no longer waiting.You’re already engaged.And once that frequency is established, the universe does what it always does. It does what it must do. It matches frequencies.Others begin to appear who are also whole.Also grounded.Also complete.And now, when connection happens, it isn’t born of desperation.It’s born of balance.So if you’re single and searching:First, stop searching. You don’t have time. You’re already in a relationship with your purpose.Second, treat it like a real relationship. Show up for it. Make time for it.Third, each day, remember how good it feels to be “taken.” You are fulfilled. You are engaged in something meaningful.And fourth, don’t be afraid to say it. Let people feel that you’re in love with your life.Once you’re in that frequency, the universe does what it always does, what it must do.It sends you others who are also in that frequency and possible good match for yo

One of the most common story notes writers hear is:“Your story needs more conflict.”But what does that actually mean?In this video, I break down why treating conflict as something you can simply add to a story, like salt and pepper seasoning, often leads to dramatically inert stories. Conflict isn’t an ingredient you sprinkle in after the fact. In dramatic writing, conflict is the engine. It has to be baked into the story’s core premise from the very beginning.We’ll talk about:Why “add more conflict” is usually a misleading noteThe difference between dramatic writing and writing that’s merely enjoyable to read.Why many modern movies and shows feel busy but empty.If you’ve ever been told your script “needs more conflict,” this video can help you understand what that note is really pointing to, how to fix the problem at the root instead of patching it on the surface.If you’d like help identifying or strengthening your story’s core conflict before writing an entire script, or fixing a script that that needs more conflict? Sign up for a story consult at https://storyray.com

Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube or Substack ?The basic idea of the “coin method” of character development is simple. Often times creators fall in love with their characters and have a tendency to focus more on their characters’ positive attributes more than their characters’ flaws. This tendency toward creating near-perfect characters can make them feel less believable. ‘Believability’ is not about whether or not what the character does is realistic, but rather it’s whether or not the character behaves like a the rest of us ‘highly flawed’ humans while doing it.If on one side of the coin, your character is stingy, then the other side of the coin can’t be that the character is also generous. Generosity and stinginess are two different coins, not two sides of the SAME coin. An example of two sides of the same coin is if the character is generous, then a negative aspect of that trait might lead to the character also being an irresponsible spender.Interested in working with me on your Story or Character Development? Click the button below or navigate over to the Story Development and Consulting section of this page.StoryRay.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

One question that has become popular for executives to ask screenwriters is, 'what is your personal connection to the material?'. The question is misguided in the assumption that writers need to be able to verbalize or explain why they are "authorized" to write the tings they write. In this episode I talk about why that question is wrong and should be avoided.Find me at: StoryRay.com

Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube ?Everyone online is panicking about Netflix buying Warner Bros.“Hollywood is dead!”“Monopoly!”“Goodbye movie theaters!”But… what if we’re all looking at this the wrong way?In this video, I break down why the Netflix purchase of Warner Bros might actually help the movie theater experience recover — and why streaming absorbing legacy IP could open the door for more original films to return to the big screen.Find me at: StoryRay.comSupport me at: CashApp This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube ?Do you write from Source Energy or pure Intellect?Most writers use both, but where you lean affects the kind of stories you create and the kind of writing career you’re best suited for.In this episode, I uncover the hidden divide between writers who channel something deeper (flow state, higher self, source energy) and writers who build stories through logic, structure, and intellectual puzzle-solving. Both are valid. Both are powerful. But Hollywood rewards one… and suppresses the other.Find me at: StoryRay.comSupport the content. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

Can a film be both brilliant and problematic? This video explores One Battle After Another, a technically stunning film with a disturbing social message.I examine how the movie’s portrayal of Black women echoes historical patterns of racial exploitation, drawing parallels to Birth of a Nation and the dynamics of slavery. While acknowledging the film’s artistry, I question what happens when cinematic brilliance collides with cultural blind spots.In this analysis, we’ll look at:The divide between technical achievement and social responsibilityHow racial blind spots shape representation in filmWhy audiences must examine not just the craft, but the message behind it🎥 Brilliant Filmmaking, Disturbing Message is not a critique, but rather a conversation about the responsibility of storytellers and the power of cinema to reflect or distort history.Tip jar: https://cash.app/$OmegaConquestReach me: storyray.com#FilmAnalysis #BrilliantButProblematic #RacialBlindSpots #CinemaAndSociety #MovieCritique

Can a film be both brilliant and problematic? This video explores One Battle After Another, a technically stunning film with a disturbing social message. I examine how the movie’s portrayal of Black women echoes historical patterns of racial exploitation, drawing parallels to Birth of a Nation and the dynamics of slavery. While acknowledging the film’s artistry, I question what happens when cinematic brilliance collides with cultural blind spots. In this analysis, we’ll look at: The divide between technical achievement and social responsibility How racial blind spots shape representation in film Why audiences must examine not just the craft, but the message behind it 🎥 Brilliant Filmmaking, Disturbing Message is not a critique, but rather a conversation about the responsibility of storytellers and the power of cinema to reflect or distort history.StoryRay is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube ?Much like in fishing, writers all have a story about the big one that got away. For me, that big fish was a comedy screenplay called BAG SNATCHERS about how the art of snatching candy on Halloween can go terribly wrong. In this episode I make my yearly rant about how Hollywood missed the boat by not producing my Halloween epic.Feeling generous? Support the content at: $OmegaConquestFind me at: StoryRay.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

This is a realistic first stepsin the fight for reparations and equality. The time is now. NO TAXES for descendants of slave. Only those who are against humanity are against reparations. Be an ally for justice. Spread the word. Show your support.Get your T-shirts Here Feeling generous: $OmegaConquestThanks for listening. Don't forget to Like, Share and Subscribe! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.storyray.com/subscribe

Do people seem to gravitate toward you everywhere you go? Try this to test your soul weight.Find me at: StoryRay.comFeeling generous? $OmegaConquest

Do we live inside a simulation? You kind of know the answer.Find me at: storyray.com

A closer look at how the movie Weapons breaks 3-Act structure with great success.Find me at: StoryRay.comFeeling generous: CashApp

Enjoyed the movie, WEAPONS and its unique structure.StoryRay is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a FREE or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

Marlon shares his thoughts on the special sauce that makes certain comedy movies successful.Find me at: StoryRay.comFeeling generous? Cashapp

AI and more specifically ChatGPT has racist protocols built in. I struggled to make an image of black children.Image was for this Free Substack post about Black Boys Swimming .Feeling generous? Hit my Cashapp!Visit StoryRay.comThanks for listening.

Read the Substack post the image was created for here:StoryRay is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a FREE or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

Will the human element return to the super hero genre?Find me at storyray.comHit me on CashApp: $OmegaConquest

StoryRay is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for engaging!You can visit my website at: storyray.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

If a story doesn't provide us with information about the human condition, then what's the point?Support here: https://cash.app/$OmegaConquestVisit StoryRay.com

StoryRay is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a FREE subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

The NBA three point shot has evolved into a thing of beauty. Meanwhile overall gameplay has devolved into something that’s, at times, kind of ugly. The three point shot can be amazingly entertaining when utilized by a select few great shooters in the league. We were all mesmerized watching the likes of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson when there were dubbed the Splash Brothers and their keen 3-point shooting helped carry the Golden State Warriors to multiple championship titles.

Thanks for joining the quest. Please visit ⁠⁠OmegaConquest.com⁠⁠ where you can help name Planets and Stars in the Omega. We are also looking for illustrators/artists for character designs. More info on website.Follow on⁠⁠ Substack⁠⁠ for the latest...⁠⁠Support the quest!: $OmegaConquest⁠⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.storyray.com/subscribe

StoryRay is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

Thanks for joining the quest. Please visit ⁠⁠OmegaConquest.com⁠⁠ where you can help name Planets and Stars in the Omega. We are also looking for illustrators/artists for character designs. More info on website.Follow on⁠⁠ Substack⁠⁠ for the latest...⁠⁠Support the quest!: $OmegaConquest⁠⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.storyray.com/subscribe

Thanks for joining the quest. Please visit ⁠⁠OmegaConquest.com⁠⁠ where you can help name Planets and Stars in the Omega. We are also looking for illustrators/artists for character designs. More info on website.Follow on⁠⁠ Substack⁠⁠ for the latest...⁠⁠Support the quest!: $OmegaConquest⁠⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.storyray.com/subscribe

A brief look at two different approaches to writing and creativity. Some take a more spiritual approach leading to more original content while others take a more intellectual approach which is often less original but more lucrative.Be kind. Support the content. Gift a VIRTUAL COFFEE! Or show love on $cashapp $OmegaConquestReach Marlon at: storyray.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

Read OMEGA CONQUEST click here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe

This episode provides introductory information about StoryRay by Marlon G. Marlon can by reached at: www.storyray.comor follow on substack at: https://storyray.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyray.substack.com/subscribe