Jordan Morris, The Writer Igniter, Award-winning Producer, Director, and Screenwriter
Welcome listeners to Your World of Creativity, where we talk with creative professionals around the globe about how they bring ideas to life.
Our guest today is Jordan Morris—an award-winning producer, director, and screenwriter known for Nintendo Quest and Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, which won TIFF’s People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary. He’s also the creator of the Life & Death Story Model™ and founder of the Six Months to Screenplay program. Jordan is known as The Writer Igniter—and we’re excited to explore how he helps writers bring emotionally powerful stories to life.
Here's an overview of our conversation:
1. The Story Starts Here
Jordan, your Life & Death Story Model™ is a fascinating framework. What inspired you to rethink traditional narrative structures, and how does it shift the way writers approach their scripts from the start? Can you give us a quick example of this model in action?
2. From Plot to Pulse
You say, ‘Plot grabs attention. Emotion keeps it.’ What does it take for writers to master The Emotional Arc™—and why do so many scripts fall flat in this area? How do you help writers dig deeper emotionally without losing structure?
3. Story Forge & Undercooked Concepts
You’ve coined the term ‘undercooked concepts’—which feels painfully accurate for many writers. What’s your process for Story Forging™, and how can it help pressure-proof a story idea before diving into draft one?
4. The Writer’s Voice & Mindset
Originality isn’t always about ideas—it’s about voice. How do you coach writers to uncover a voice so distinct it can’t be ignored? And what mindset shift must occur for a writer to go from aspiring to producing? How do you balance preserving voice with the demands of marketability or genre?
5. Creativity in a Changing Landscape
You’ve worked across theatre, film, and now community-building with Storytowne. How do you see the creative process evolving today—especially with new tools like AI? Are we witnessing the revolution or the ruin of storytelling? What role does Six Months to Screenplay play in future-proofing storytellers?
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Use the code CREATIVITY at checkout for 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com
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