This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome the founder of FORMAT, Simran Whitham, to unpack the story that is his journey into the world of video game events. Described as “the ultimate gaming social”, FORMAT is a nightlife event for gamers and non-gamers alike, and we discover how Simran found a passion for events and outreach that led him to create a platform for game studios, developers and fans to come together and have fun!
Simran talks about how family support shaped his outlook, and the lessons he has learned along the way from some of the biggest names in the games industry. We also learn about the places he has travelled to and how spending time away from video games has enriched the work he does today.
Nigel and Tazziii welcome YouTuber Daniel Morris to the show for a spooky deep dive into the stop-motion animation Coraline. We dig into what makes this well crafted story so creepy for young and older audiences while marvelling at the effort required to create such stunning visuals. The storytelling tip this week is all about setting the tone for your story.
Other stories we’re enjoying: House of the Dragon, Andor, Disney Dreamlight Valley, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Better Place, Spy x Family, She Hulk.
Nigel and Tazziii welcome manga artists Inko and Chie for a deep dive into Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering with You. We go on an emotional journey of young love within impending disaster to discuss this wonderfully animated feature. Along the way, we debate the environmental message of the film as well as the significance of the handgun in the narrative and Japanese society. This week’s storytelling tip is all about your protagonist’s false beliefs and actions.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: Bloodlands, Delicious in Dungeon, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., She-Hulk, One Piece, Malcolm In the Middle, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Lighthouse Witches, Witch Way Hollows Bay, Stray, Isola, Odd Taxi.
This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome comic artist and writer Cara Gaffney to talk about her journey as into the world of comics. We discuss her anthology project Tilt: Six Tales, successfully funded on Kickstarter this month and how she tackles the concept of digital immortality in her story “In Lilac & Silver”.
Cara talks about her personal comic projects and what she learned from developing her craft in…underground “Original Comic Tournaments”?! We also discuss representation and the need to depict diverse relationship in stories, plus give a ton of advice for new and aspiring comic creators.
This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome indie video game developer Graham Reid about his journey as a solo creator. We get into the realities of life since deciding to leave his job at Snapchat to become a full time developer, and what he has learned from his previous “9 to 5” role.
Graham gives us great advice on starting small as a creator, and how he overcomes imposter syndrome to be a positive example for future generations of diverse gaming talent. In between his multiple roles making Super Space club, Graham also tells us why he’s added YouTuber to his list of job titles, and what we can expect from the rest of his journey.
This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome writer and photographer Mark Ōu Chéng for a deep dive into the fast-moving action comedy Bullet Train! We get on board this black comedy and its unique setting to debate where the stylised adaptation works and where it falls short of the station. With so many quirky characters and stand out moments, we have a lot of fun with this discussion…and even more fun with our (often questionable) train puns! This week’s storytelling tip is all about setting up the third act in your narrative.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: The Three-Body Problem, She-Ra, Nope, She Hulk, Prince of Persia, One Piece, Castlevania, Sakamoto Days
Mark is also running a fundraiser for Abortion Support Network throughout September where 20% of bits and sub and 100% of donations go to helping people get access to information, travel and accommodation funding to get safe, legal abortions: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/prochoicepretendasaur
This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome Producer Mike Anderson to talk about his journey into the video games industry. We have a deep conversation as Mike discusses the path that led him from Quality Assurance (QA) through to his current role at the London-based indie game studio Ustwo Games.
He breaks down what is involved in being a Producer as he recaps what made their breakout hit Monument Valley such a success. Mike is also an advocate for improved representation in games and talks about the case for diversity in the industry and the work he does with the POC In Play organisation. We also get into what makes the Nintendo DS such a great console!
Podcast co-host Nigel sits down with Dutch comic creator Sabrina Koojimans in this week’s Story x Story episode. Sabrina tells us about their journey as a comic creator and how they discovered the world of manga through Akira! A discovery that lead to a life of comic art and storytelling, all the way to being a published comic creator!
We talk about having confidence in your work, knowing where to put your energy when drawing and crowdfunding as an independent comic creator.
It’s our first ever, second time returning interview guest!
Nigel and Tazziii welcome back Dutch comic artist Renee Rienties for her second “Behind The Story” episode. We catch up with what she has been up to since we first spoke at the start of the pandemic in 2020. Renee tells us about the challenges faced as an artist during COVID-19, her new comic anthology project and which anime character she would date! Check out our May “Casual Conversations With Comic Creators” Twitch livestream where we’ll be talking more with Renee about her Kickstarter campaign.
This week, mayamada co-founder Nigel Twumasi welcomes freelance games concept artist Emilie Rinne. Emilie talks about her time growing up in France, how she discovered the role of a concept artist and the key role her mother played in her journey. She also provides young and aspiring artists with advice on getting started in the industry. Thank you to the French Institute in London for making this interview happen!
