Being a DM & Filmmaker

I was a guest on the lovely Hook & Chance podcast recently, to talk about packing like a Producer. You can listen to it here: https://hookandchance.com/episodes/2022/5/2/pacing-like-a-producer-ft-roz-young

 

Since then, I’ve been reflecting on storytelling and tabletop gaming. Humans love to tell each other stories. Even more than that, we need to. It’s a key part of how we connect and experience the world. It’s therapeutic. It’s educational. It’s fun! And some formats for stories just work. From writing and film, we call it act structure, and bringing that to my tabletop games is always a goal. Stories start, they grow and change, and then they end. It’s a lot of pressure to want your players to go on a meaningful and impactful journey, but how can you set yourself up for success?

When I get stuck, I keep it simple. My story structure is LAUGH – CRY – CHEER. We break the ice and get to know each other, enjoy the company, and then drop the emotional bombs. Then, we’re in combat and all looks lost, we kill a player or witness loss for an NPC. But, the party pulls out all the stops, and clutch heals, and against all odds, prevails. We celebrate, and it’s so much sweeter on the other side of peril.

We can mix up our acts and structure, as storytellers around the table, and feel out the journey as the players push the narrative forward. In the end, it comes down to them. The choices they make and how we collaborate to create this adventure, together. The best stories stay with you. And the best part about tabletop games? We did this, we were there. It wasn’t a passive, audience experience, like going to see a movie. I made choices, you made choices, and it mattered. I love D&D!

Message me your thoughts about collaborative storytelling or let me know about your favourite moments from games. Because when you roll the dice, you make the magic happen!

❤️

Contributed by Roz Young

Facebook-square Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Don’t Stop Here

More To Explore
RTR Live

The Ransacking of Vernau’s Office | A D&D Live Action Re-Enactment

We’re excited to present the second of several vignettes from season 1 of Ready To Roll. The collective efforts of our exceptionally talented staff brought the homebrew world of Altero to life and we can’t wait to share it with you. This Video: Zup’s cover has been blown and suspicion has bled over to the very man that hired the party, Haarl Vernau. Now the team has split up to continue their investigation. Ahloni, Senno, and Arrin are escorted by the guard, Hans, to Vernau’s office in the council palace to search for any further evidence regarding the noble or his chief archivist Zup. The Series: Blending authentic improvised tabletop gameplay with High caliber Fantasy filmmaking, “The Ransacking of Vernau’s Office” is an excerpt from episode 13 of Ready To Roll showcasing the full vision for the series.

Read More »
RTR Live

A Meeting With Hammerlain | A D&D Live Action Re-enactment

Our party of heroes was hired to track down the escaped elf druid known as the Green Mother. Before they were able to make any real headway with their investigation, they must answer the summons to the office of the legendary hero and chair of the city of Elurinn, Garjaata Hammerlain. Will the powerful wizard help or hinder the party in their quest? The Series: Blending authentic improvised tabletop gameplay with high caliber fantasy filmmaking, “A Meeting With Hammerlain” is an excerpt from episode 5 of Ready To Roll showcasing the full vision for the series. We here at QuestCoast Studios are so very excited and proud to present the first of several vignettes from season 1. The collective efforts of our exceptionally talented team brought the homebrew world of Altero to life, and we’re thrilled we can now share it with you.

Read More »
RTR

Ready To Roll | Ep 27 | Friends, Foes, & Finales

Everything has lead to this point. What started as a simple assignment to track down an escaped prisoner has evolved into a divine quest to prevent the Erinyes Devil Estravelle from taking form and gaining power in Altero. Now she has possessed the Warlock Senno, forcing El’Undar, Sanguina, Arrin, Ahloni, and Rurik to confront their friend in deadly combat! Can they defeat Senno without murdering him in the process? Featuring: Roz Young as our illustrious, amazing, world-building Dungeon Master. Alain Williams as El’Undar the Silent – Wood elf monk from Telgha’s dense forest, The Lightless Vale. The monks there practice the Way of the Shadow, and El’Undar searches for the missing spear of their greatest warrior. Bev Rapley as Arrin Sareth – Half-elf paladin, born in Lhantir and raised to become a warrior for Edan’Alastra, the Goddess of Justice. Her temple worshipped balance, but a great betrayal left Arrin alone, at the bottom of a bottle, searching for redemption. Chris Livingston as Ahloni – Half-orc ranger of the hunter archetype, he left behind a life on the run, from piracy and his past. His favoured enemy is humanoids and he’s most at home in the forest with his bow. Matt Baker as Senno Vestuu-Essan – Human warlock, a published scholar and far travelled archeologist, Senno lost his chance at a normal life when he discovered an ancient medallion. Filled with mysterious abilities from the elder god, Senno left the world of nobles to understand this power, and why he was chosen. Shay Lea as Sanguina – Half vampire, human rogue, a charlatan from Quilim whose blood lust and curiosity create chaos wherever she goes. She collects stories, and the ears that heard them. Trevor Gemma as Rurik Krynn – Hill dwarf cleric, a blacksmith with powers from the Goddess of War, Torvaralla. Raised by an elf and fascinated with the fey, he searches for where he comes from and where he belongs. Made By: Altero Created by: Roz Young & Matt Baker Ready To Roll Created by: Trevor Gemma Tech Directors: Marshall Axani, N.A. Razzak, Nadav Santo Producer: Trevor Gemma Director of Photography: Naim Sutherland Production Designer: Jeremy Andruschak Editor: Matt Baker Music by: Scott Davidson Executive Producers: Chris Livingston & Holly Brydson

Read More »