Story x Story #104: What’s My Name Again? (Spirited Away)

Gina May 9, 2022 No Comments
This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome Bish Loves Mish from the Get A Life Podcast for an in depth discussion about the animated classic Spirited Away. We’ve discussed Hayao Miyazaki’s work many times on the podcast and discover something new each time, even in this 20+ year old release! We dive deep into the story’s themes that are still relevant today. From capitalism to toxic work culture and the power of names and identity. This week’s storytelling tip is about using motifs and symbols in your story’s narrative.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: Food Wars, Spy x Family, Moon Knight, Finished Bridgerton, Tiger & Bunny, Moon Knight, Demon Slayer.
Hollywood Flashback: ‘Spirited Away’ Broke Records and Made Oscar History – https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/spirited-away-film-oscars-records-history-1235052088
Hidden Meaning in Spirited Away (Miyazaki) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcFyXaLeXko
How Spirited Away Changed Animation Forever – https://time.com/6081937/spirited-away-changed-animation-studio-ghibli/
Spirited Away, Why Work Is Toxic – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkxR1TcG4n4

 

Find mayamada online:

mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Bish online:
https://twitter.com/getalifepodcast

 

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:

https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #102: Vengeance In The Twilight Hours (The Batman)

Gina April 21, 2022 No Comments
Nigel and Tazziii welcome back to of the biggest Batman fans we know for a deep dive into Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Annabel Ashalley-Anthony of Melanin Gamers and Greg Driver of Ace Comicals help us break down the latest film adaptation of the Caped Crusader.
We discuss some great performances, narrative themes and get into the debate around the film’s length…was it too long or just the right length?
This week’s storytelling tip is about the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: Apex Legends, Lego Star Wars, Deserter: Junji Ito Story Collection, Pokemon: Arceus, The Lost City, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Sonic The Hedgehog, Loch Of The Dead, Moon Knight, Candles, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Psychonauts 2

Story x Story #65: So The Joke Was On Us (Batman: The Killing Joke) – https://anchor.fm/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-65-So-The-Joke-Was-On-Us-Batman-The-Killing-Joke-e10p19c

Story x Story #85: To Eternity, And Beyond! (Eternals) – https://anchor.fm/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-85-To-Eternity–And-Beyond–Eternals-e1afou3

RogerEbert.com Reviews The Batman – https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-batman-movie-review-2022

Simple Analysis of Matt Reeves’ The Batman Easter eggs – https://nerdpandadigital.com/simple-analysis-of-matt-reeves-the-batman-easter-eggs

‘The Batman’s Third Act Is Actually Great – https://fullcirclecinema.com/2022/03/14/the-batman-third-act-actually-great

Why The Batman (and Robert Pattinson) Is PERFECT | Video Essay – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDwXCB6QYkk

Warner Bros. Is Actively Overhauling Its DC Films Division – https://www.cbr.com/warner-bros-discovery-dc-films-overhaul

The Future of Superhero Movies Is Finally Here, for Better or Worse – https://www.indiewire.com/2022/02/the-batman-review-2022-1234702878

 

Find mayamada online:

mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Annabel online:
https://twitter.com/Anzy_aa | https://twitter.com/melaningamers

Find Greg online:
https://twitter.com/battou | https://twitter.com/acecomicals

 

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:

https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #93: Did I Mention I’ve Read The Book? (Dune)

Gina February 25, 2022 No Comments
Season 4 starts here! We’re back recording the Story x Story podcast and this week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome mayamada co-founder Lao K and Into Games Community Manager, Tom Bradstreet, for a deep dive into the sci-fi epic Dune.
And what a story to start with…we travel to Arrakis to get into this complex, multi-layered narrative and discuss how well this latest attempt at adapting Frank Herbert’s novel fares with our panel. This week’s storytelling tip looks at the different ways you can end your story.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Lord of the Rings, Amazing Spider-Man, Pillars of the Earth Naruto Shippududn, Halo: Memory Agent, Odd Taxi, Skyward Sword. Narcos: Mexico, Terror in Resonance, Star Wars Clone Wars.

Serious: Though The Fog Standard Edition – https://mayamada.com/product/serious-through-the-fog-manga
Dune: The 10 Most Incredible Visual Effects In The Sci-Fi Epic – https://screenrant.com/dune-best-visual-effects-movie
Dune (2021) movie explained: ending, themes, & colonial invasion and the determinism of fate analysed – https://www.highonfilms.com/dune-2021-movie-ending-explained

Into Games website – https://intogames.org

 

Find mayamada online:

mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Tom online:
https://twitter.com/Scr_ee

Find Lao online:
https://twitter.com/laokarun

 

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:

https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #91: The NPCs of Star Wars (The Mandalorian)

Gina December 30, 2021 No Comments
In this week’s Story x Story episode, Nigel is joined by guest co-host Pinali to get into one of the biggest film releases of the year.
They are joined by Amiad Fredman and Studio77 member KottaKitty for a deep dive into Spider-Man: No Way Home. We cover all the surprises in the latest entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as examine what the story gets right and wrong.
This week’s storytelling tip is about creating protagonists who carry the burden of responsibility.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: Dexter, PEN15, The Witcher, The Arcane, Ori and the Blind Forest, The Mandalorian, Hawkeye.

Story x Story #60: What I Want Is The Ocean! (Soul) – https://anchor.fm/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-60-What-I-Want-Is-The-Ocean–Soul-etdfpl

Serious: Though The Fog Standard Edition – https://mayamada.com/product/serious-through-the-fog-manga

‘The Mandalorian’ is One of the Best and Most Engaging ‘Star Wars’ Stories in Years – https://www.hollywoodinsider.com/the-mandalorian-review-star-wars

How ‘The Mandalorian’ and ILM invisibly reinvented film and TV production – https://techcrunch.com/2020/02/20/how-the-mandalorian-and-ilm-invisibly-reinvented-film-and-tv-production

The Virtual Production of The Mandalorian, Season One – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUnxzVOs3rk

When It Comes To Brilliant World-Building, ‘The Mandalorian’ Understands That Less Is More – https://www.slashfilm.com/570690/mandalorian-world-building

How Star Wars: The Mandalorian Was Influenced by Lone Wolf and Cub – https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/the-mandalorian-lone-wolf-and-cub

A quick guide to every ‘Mandalorian’ character you should know – https://www.insider.com/mandalorian-character-names-actors-2019-11

The Mandalorian: 10 Best Episodes of Season 1 & 2 (According to IMDb) – https://screenrant.com/mandalorian-best-episodes-ranked-imdb/

Riana McKeith LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/riana-mckeith

TreesPlease Games – https://www.treespleasegames.com

 

Find mayamada online:

mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Riana online:
https://twitter.com/RianaMckeith

 

 

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:

https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #89: “Find Peter Parker!” (Spider-Man: No Way Home)

Gina December 23, 2021 No Comments
In this week’s Story x Story episode, Nigel is joined by guest co-host Pinali to get into one of the biggest film releases of the year.
They are joined by Amiad Fredman and Studio77 member KottaKitty for a deep dive into Spider-Man: No Way Home. We cover all the surprises in the latest entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as examine what the story gets right and wrong.
This week’s storytelling tip is about creating protagonists who carry the burden of responsibility.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: Dexter, PEN15, The Witcher, The Arcane, Ori and the Blind Forest, The Mandalorian, Hawkeye.

Please SUBSCRIBE HERE https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Work + Play: Mental Health In Video Games Panel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBoipT9Tzjs

Story x Story #26: Villains Are People Too (Megamind) – https://anchor.fm/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-26-Villains-Are-People-Too-Megamind-edmoqk

Serious: Though The Fog Standard Edition – https://mayamada.com/product/serious-through-the-fog-manga

Spider-Man: No Way Home Fandom Wiki – https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Spider-Man:_No_Way_Home

Spider-Verse – A Complete Guide to the Spider-Man Crossover – https://www.cbr.com/spider-verse-guide-spider-man-crossover

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Review: Tom Holland Cleans Out the Cobwebs of Sprawling Franchise With Multiverse Super-Battle – https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/spider-man-no-way-home-review-tom-holland-1235132550

Spider-Man: No Way Home – https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/spider-man-no-way-home-movie-review-2021

Spider-Man: No Way Home Ending Explained – https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/spider-man-no-way-home-ending-explained

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME: Every EASTER EGG, Reference + MCU Connections | Marvel BREAKDOWN Explained – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APsSbGgWwSM

 

 

Find mayamada online:

mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Pinali online:
https://twitter.com/pinalinet

Find Amiad online:
https://twitter.com/DigitalDocMD  https://twitter.com/DigitalDocGames

Find KottaKitty online:
https://twitter.com/kottakitty

 

 

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:

https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #83: It Was All A Fever Dream (Paprika)

Gina November 9, 2021 No Comments
This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome Melanin Gamers team members Laura and Donavan for a deep dive into Satoshi Kon’s surreal anime thriller Paprika. We break down the many thought-provoking themes and what the story says about our relationship with our dreams and media environment. This week’s storytelling tip is about creating transitions to develop your story’s narrative.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: The time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Miss Kobayashi, Until Dawn, Shield Hero, Ori and the Blind Forest, Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise, Kuroko’s Basketball.

Please SUBSCRIBE HERE https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Story x Story #55: We Came For The Intentional Confusion (Perfect Blue) – https://anchor.fm/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-55-We-Came-For-The-Intentional-Confusion-Perfect-Blue-eq7s3d

Inclusion & Creativity: The Manga Connection – https://www.thechildrensmediaconference.com/blog/2021/07/05/inclusivity-now-inclusion-creativity-the-manga-connection

Paprika Analysis – https://hanagasaitayo.wordpress.com/2020/04/19/analysis-paprika

Satoshi Kon – Editing Space & Time – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz49vQwSoTE

Paprika: An Analysis on Madness, Control & the Subconscious Mind – https://vocal.media/futurism/paprika-an-analysis-on-madness-control-and-the-subconscious-mind

The Ending Of Paprika Explained – https://www.looper.com/68226/bizarre-japanese-anime-ever-made

Melanin Gamers Website – https://themelaningamers.com

Melanin Gamers Twitch – https://www.twitch.tv/melaningamers

 

Find mayamada online:

mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://www.twitch.tv/tazziiix | https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Laura online:
https://twitter.com/PalladiumHoney

Find Donovan online:
https://twitter.com/ItsaDandyGuy

 

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:

https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #77: I Guess It’s A Time Mechanic (Your Name)

Gina September 16, 2021 No Comments
Nigel and Tazziii welcome manga creator Inko Ai Takita for a deep dive into the feature-length anime Your Name in this week’s Story x Story episode. We explore the emotional rollercoaster of the narrative, as well as the incredible visuals and themes put together by director Makoto Shinkai. We also get into our favourite characters and moments in this journey across time to find a soul mate. The week’s story tip is about creating a non-linear narrative.
Other stories we’ve been enjoying: Little Nightmares, Wave, Listen to Me, Fire Force, Assassination Classroom, Free Guy, Horizon Zero Dawn, Beastars.

Please SUBSCRIBE HERE.https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

The Colossal explanation of Your Name – https://filmcolossus.com/your-name-explained/

The Brilliance of ‘Your Name’ – https://medium.com/illumination/the-brilliance-of-your-name-9d74fcb8565b

Manga Yokai Stories – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manga-Yokai-Stories-Ghostly-Tales-ebook/dp/B088FXHMJV

Inko’s website – http://dokoteiinko.wix.com/inkoredible

 

Find mayamada online:

mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://www.twitch.tv/tazziiix | https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Inko online:
https://twitter.com/yokkoishoichi

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:
https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #50: This Is Riley Talking To Riley (Inside Out)

Gina December 10, 2020 No Comments
Join Nigel and Tazziii as they welcome Art Director, Riana McKeith for a deep dive into the mind with Pixar’s animated feature Inside Out. We break down the journey taken by Riley and Joy and recap our favourite moments of an emotionally complex narrative, made simple enough for a child to understand. This week’s storytelling tip is about the role the forces of antagonism can play in your story.
Other stories we’re enjoying this week: Last of Us Part 2, The Mandalorian, The Seven Deadly Sins and Watchmen.

Please SUBSCRIBE HERE.

https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

Art Direction In Video Games – https://youtu.be/_EqKcEXia7Y

 

Find mayamada online:
mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://www.twitch.tv/tazziiix | https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Riana McKeith online:
https://twitter.com/RianaMckeith

 

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:
https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #44: Never Tell Us The Odds (Rogue One)

Gina October 15, 2020 No Comments
It’s episode #44 of Story x Story and we are welcoming writer and co-owner of The Koalition website, Gary Swaby to chat with Nigel and Tazziii aboutRogue One, the first standalone film from the Star Wars franchise . We spoke about the film’s role in the wider Star Wars universe, how much fan service is too much and the enduring legacy of great droid characters as well as delving into this week’s story tip is about the considerations involved in killing your story’s main characters. We also take a peek into stories we’re enjoying this week: Bad Boys For Life, Vagabond, Cowboy Bebop, Re:Zero, Genshin Impact, Death or Glory, Ready Player One (Novel).

Please SUBSCRIBE HERE.

https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

http://youtube.com/channelmayamada

www.kickstarter.com/projects/mayamada/serious-an-empowering-survival-adventure-for-all-ages

Story x Story Episode 6

Story x Story Episode 17

Rogue One video essay for detailed story breakdown – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOyD0zHQFsU

Symbolism in Rogue One – https://erikloncar.wordpress.com/film-analysis/star-wars-a-rogue-one-analysis/

Find mayamada online:
mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://www.twitch.tv/tazziiix | https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Gary Swaby online:
https://twitter.com/GarySwaby | http://www.garyaswaby.com

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:
https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.

Story x Story #42: Spielberg’s Silvery Puddle (Ready Player One)

Gina October 2, 2020 No Comments
This week Nigel and Tazziii welcome host and Twitch Streamer, Trista Bytes back for an exciting talk on Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the Ernest Cline’s novel ‘Ready Player One’. We chatted about how the film matches up to the original source material for Ready Player One and where it falls short in its narrative and characterisation as well as Nigel giving an awesome story tip about executing on narrative themes. We also had time to chat about the stories we’re enjoying this week: Dead Space, Dragons Dogma, The Mandalorian and Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Please SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Serious: Through The Fog Kickstarter (ends October 5th): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mayamada/serious-an-empowering-survival-adventure-for-all-ages

Story x Story episode 15: https://anchor.fm/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-15—The-Fantabulous-Emancipation-From-Our-Break-Birds-of-Prey-easagm

Well-Storied On developing your story’s themes – https://www.well-storied.com/blog/how-to-develop-your-storys-themes

Find mayamada online:
mayamada.com | gamepad.events | thestoryboard.org

Find Tazziii online:
https://www.twitch.tv/tazziiix | https://twitter.com/tazziii

Find Trista Bytes online:
https://www.youtube.com/TristaBytes | https://twitter.com/TristaBytes | https://www.twitch.tv/tristabytes

A big thanks to Fisayo Karunwi for our into, outro and transition music:
https://soundcloud.com/fisayokarunwi

A big thanks to Aly Graphix for designing the podcast logo:
https://alygraphix.wixsite.com/designer

Send us questions and feedback on feedback@mayamada.com.