How to Write Cinematically (David Gelb Interview)
This episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at https://mercury.com
David Gelb directed ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’ and ‘Chef’s Table’, which is what this conversation is all about: the art of making documentaries, telling stories, and bringing people to life. He says that whenever you’re writing a scene, a character should come into it wanting one thing and leave with something else.
David spent a lot of time with the world’s top chefs, so I had to ask what lessons he learned from them and how those lessons seeped into his work.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:49 Why you should focus on character
00:05:11 Planning a story vs discovering it
00:07:25 Storytelling mantras
00:12:41 Passion, not perfection
00:19:40 How to hook your audience
00:24:22 What makes for a great ending
00:26:44 Implicit vs explicit lessons
00:33:00 The false victory
00:37:54 How to write cinematically
00:42:42 How David spots boring parts
00:47:52 The limitations of feedback
00:56:04 Why you should cut dialogue
01:00:21 How to create a good scene
01:05:59 The trap of “being the best”
*About the host*
Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
*Follow me*
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv
X: https://x.com/david_perell
5 Comments
First!
David, I’m loving these tv and film writers you’re bringing on the show. Thanks for your excellent work. You’re equipping writers of all types with incredible insights and guidance. Cheers!
“This isn’t gonna be my fave, only half-interested in this” – me, every single time, right before I absolutely love the episode
Brilliant idea to bring in a documentarian
I remember when I was becoming a videographer and learning about documentaries. By the time I was done with the course I never wanted to see another documentary again lol. Not because I had had my fill of them, just because I realize how absolutely fake most of them are. You do not want to be getting your information from a documentary.