#when your ability to connect with people and forge bonds with them impresses the harmony themselves

[guujikaroko]

So, that dream sequence after the first "fight" with Sunday. Robin managed to awaken from it on her own because she saw her brother unwilling to cage the bird in that childhood memory, something that she could never fool herself into believing it happened.

Leaving the sheer sadness of it aside, I wonder about the Trailblazer's dream. They couldn't wake up until they realized the contradiction with Misha, so up until then, they could believe everything that happened in that dream or, at the very least, they wanted to believe it.

And this is really interesting to me, because that means everyone in that dream is how Stelle sees them. The ones that caught my attention the most were Jing Yuan and Dan Heng: Stelle sees Jing Yuan as a good-natured, fun man that humors her jokes and Dan Heng as her soft, kind friend.

And dunno, but that kind of fucked me up in an unexpected way! What do you mean she looks at these two men burdened by tragedy and shackled by their pasts and sees beyond the tragedy? What do you mean Stelle has such unabashedly good versions of Jing Yuan and Dan Heng in mind? I think they'd need a second to process this if they ever saw Stelle's dream sequence because I sure as hell did!

[studioxafrica]

The Power of Visual Storytelling: How Marketing Video Production Drives Engagement

In today's digital age, where attention spans are fleeting and information overload is the norm, capturing the interest of your target audience has become an art form. Among the various mediums at your disposal, marketing video production has emerged as a dynamic and compelling way to convey your brand's message. Through the seamless fusion of visuals, narrative, and emotion, marketing videos have the remarkable ability to not only communicate information but also forge genuine connections with viewers. In this blog, we'll delve into the captivating world of visual storytelling through marketing video production and explore how it drives unparalleled engagement.

The Allure of Visual Storytelling

Human beings have an innate affinity for stories; it's how we've communicated for centuries. However, in the digital landscape, the art of storytelling has evolved to include a visual dimension that resonates deeply with modern audiences. Marketing video production harnesses the power of both visuals and narratives, creating a potent blend that captures attention and drives engagement.

Visual storytelling leverages the brain's capacity to process visuals faster and retain information longer. When information is presented in the form of a story, our brains become more engaged, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine that enhance memory retention. This neurological response contributes to the enduring impact of marketing videos.

Emotion as the Catalyst

One of the defining aspects of successful marketing videos is their ability to evoke emotions. Emotion acts as a catalyst that facilitates connection. When viewers experience emotions while watching a marketing video, they form a deeper bond with the brand or message being conveyed.

Through visual storytelling, marketing videos can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and empathy to curiosity and even surprise. Consider a heartwarming video that showcases the impact of a charitable initiative. By presenting real stories of people whose lives have been positively changed, the video not only informs but also tugs at the heartstrings of the audience. This emotional connection goes beyond mere information consumption, leaving a lasting impression that fosters brand loyalty.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

The heart of visual storytelling lies in crafting a compelling narrative. A narrative gives structure and purpose to the visual elements of the video, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for the viewer. A well-constructed narrative takes the audience on a journey, guiding them through the story's progression.

In marketing video production, the narrative is often centered around the brand's values, products, or services. For instance, a product launch video can take viewers on a journey from identifying a problem to discovering the solution offered by the brand's product. By presenting the information in a narrative format, the video transforms from a mere advertisement to a story that viewers can connect with on a personal level.

The Role of Visuals in Engagement

Visuals are the backbone of marketing video production, serving as the primary means of communication. A carefully curated visual palette enhances the story's impact and helps convey complex concepts with ease. Elements such as colors, imagery, and typography work in harmony to create an aesthetic that resonates with the brand's identity and the emotions the video aims to evoke.

Moreover, visuals have the unique ability to transcend language barriers, making marketing videos a globally accessible form of communication. Whether through stunning landscapes, relatable characters, or captivating animations, visuals transcend linguistic boundaries, enabling brands to engage with a diverse audience.

Fostering Engagement through Interactivity

Interactivity has emerged as a powerful tool in marketing video production, allowing viewers to actively engage with the content. Interactive videos enable viewers to make choices that affect the direction of the narrative, transforming them from passive spectators into active participants. This heightened engagement encourages viewers to invest more time and attention, fostering a deeper connection with the brand.

Interactive elements can range from clickable links and quizzes to immersive 360-degree experiences. By incorporating interactivity, marketing videos become a two-way street, where brands gather insights about viewer preferences while viewers gain a personalized and engaging experience.

The Science of Attention Retention

In a digital landscape characterized by information overload, grabbing and retaining attention is a monumental challenge. Marketing video production, however, has cracked the code by utilizing visual storytelling techniques that naturally sustain attention.

The combination of dynamic visuals, changing scenes, and narrative progression prevents cognitive fatigue, keeping viewers engaged for longer periods. Furthermore, the strategic use of pacing, suspense, and surprise ensures that the video maintains a hold on the viewer's attention throughout its duration.

Conclusion

Marketing video production has ushered in a new era of engagement through the power of visual storytelling. By merging visuals, narratives, and emotions, these videos create a profound impact on audiences, fostering genuine connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. In a world inundated with information, marketing videos stand as beacons of effective communication that not only inform but also captivate, inspire, and ultimately drive engagement in ways that were once unimaginable. As brands continue to harness the potential of visual storytelling, the future of marketing will undoubtedly be shaped by the captivating narratives brought to life on screens both big and small.

[gambithq]

PERSONALITY & IDEALS

Defining your character’s personality and ideals will allow you to have a clear focus of who your character is, what they want, and what they believe -- beginning with a clear and simple idea for your character’s personality, flaws, and ideals will help you decide where you want them to go, how you want them to grow, and what challenges you want them to face in the future. Sample personality traits, flaws, and ideals can be found below the cut: select two traits, one flaw, and one ideal from the list, or write your own instead.

BONDS

Wanted bonds can be used as a means of plotting with other characters. You can think of these like wanted connections, but bonds are actionable -- they will allow you an easy way to act on your relationships with the other member’s of the Gambit in order to create compelling partnerships with any other character, and to develop those relationships over time. Sample bonds can be found below the cut: select the options that interest you to put in your shipper, or write your own -- as long as they are actionable!

personality traits

I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.

I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen.

Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude.

I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other faiths and respect (or condemn) the worship of other gods.

I've enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among my temple's elite. Rough living grates on me.

I've spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world.

I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions where humor is inappropriate.

Flattery is my preferred trick for getting what I want.

I lie about almost everything, even when there's no good reason to.

I pocket anything I see that might have some value.

I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me.

I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy.

I am incredibly slow to trust. Those who seem the fairest often have the most to hide.

The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it.

I blow up at the slightest insult.

I know a story relevant to almost every situation.

Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip.

Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension.

I love a good insult, even one directed at me.

I get bitter if I'm not the center of attention.

I judge people by their actions, not their words.

If someone is in trouble, I'm always willing to lend help.

When I set my mind to something, I follow through no matter what gets in my way.

I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments.

I'm confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others.

Thinking is for other people. I prefer action.

I believe that everything worth doing is worth doing right. I can't help it -- I'm a perfectionist.

I always want to know how things work and what makes people tick.

I don't part with my money easily and will haggle tirelessly to get the best deal possible.

I've been isolated for so long that I rarely speak, preferring gestures and the occasional grunt.

I am utterly serene, even in the face of disaster.

I'm oblivious to etiquette and social expectations.

I connect everything that happens to me to a grand cosmic plan.

I often get lost in my own thoughts and contemplations, becoming oblivious to my surroundings.

My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.

The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.

No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses.

I don't like to get my hands dirty, and I won't be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations.

Despite my birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood.

My favor, once lost, is lost forever.

If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.

I'm driven by a wanderlust that led me away from home.

I watch over my friends as if they were a litter of newborn pups.

I place no stock in wealthy or well-mannered folk. Money and manners won't save you from a hungry owlbear.

I'm always picking things up, absently fiddling with them, and sometimes accidentally breaking them.

I feel far more comfortable around animals than people.

I use polysyllabic words to convey the impression of great erudition.

I'm used to helping out those who aren't as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others.

There's nothing I like more than a good mystery.

I'm willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgment.

I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations.

My friends know they can rely on me, no matter what.

I stretch the truth for the sake of a good story.

I never pass up a friendly wager.

I like a job well done, especially if I can convince someone else to do it.

I'm always polite and respectful.

I've lost too many friends, and I'm slow to make new ones.

I'm full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation.

I can stare down a hellhound without flinching.

I face problems head-on. A simple direct solution is the best path to success.

I hide scraps of food and trinkets away in my pockets.

I ask a lot of questions.

I sleep with my back to a wall or tree, with everything I own wrapped in a bundle in my arms.

I think anyone who's nice to me is hiding evil intent.

I bluntly say what other people are hinting or hiding.

flaws

I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely.

My piety sometimes leads me to blindly trust those that profess faith in my god.

I am inflexible in my thinking.

I am suspicious of strangers and suspect the worst of them.

Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life.

I can't resist a pretty face.

I'm always in debt. I spend my ill-gotten gains on decadent luxuries faster than I bring them in.

I'm convinced that no one could ever fool me in the way I fool others.

I'm too greedy for my own good. I can't resist taking a risk if there's money involved.

I can't resist swindling people who are more powerful than me.

I hate to admit it and will hate myself for it, but I'll run and preserve my own hide if the going gets tough.

If there's a plan, I'll forget it. If I don't forget it, I'll ignore it.

I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble.

Despite my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends.

I'm convinced of the significance of my destiny, and blind to my shortcomings and the risk of failure.

I have trouble trusting in my allies.

I'm quick to assume that someone is trying to cheat me.

I'm never satisfied with what I have--I always want more.

I am dogmatic in my thoughts and philosophy.

I let my need to win arguments overshadow friendships and harmony.

I'd risk too much to uncover a lost bit of knowledge.

I like keeping secrets and won't share them with anyone.

I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.

There's no room for caution in a life lived to the fullest.

I remember every insult I've received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who's ever wronged me.

Violence is my answer to almost any challenge.

Don't expect me to save those who can't save themselves. It is nature's way that the strong thrive and the weak perish.

I am easily distracted by the promise of information.

I overlook obvious solutions in favor of complicated ones.

I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others.

I can't keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else's.

I follow orders, even if I think they're wrong.

I'll say anything to avoid having to do extra work.

Once someone questions my courage, I never back down no matter how dangerous the situation.

My pride will probably lead to my destruction

The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear.

I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior.

My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning.

I'd rather eat my armor than admit when I'm wrong.

I'd rather kill someone in their sleep than fight fair.

ideals

I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well.

The ancient traditions of worship and sacrifice must be preserved and upheld.

I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. 

We must help bring about the changes the gods are constantly working in the world. 

I seek to prove my self worthy of my god's favor by matching my actions against his or her teachings.

I am a free spirit -- no one tells me what to do. 

I never target people who can't afford to lose a few coins.

Material goods come and go. Bonds of friendship last forever.

Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. 

There's a spark of good in everyone. 

The world is in need of new ideas and bold action.

No one should get preferential treatment before the law, and no one is above the law.

Tyrants must not be allowed to oppress the people.

There's no good pretending to be something I'm not. 

Nothing and no one can steer me away from my higher calling.

 Emotions must not cloud our sense of what is right and true, or our logical thinking. 

Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress.

Meddling in the affairs of others only causes trouble. 

 I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family.

If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. 

Life is like the seasons, in constant change, and we must change with it.

The natural world is more important than all the constructs of civilization.

Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence.

We all do the work, so we all share in the rewards. 

When people follow orders blindly they embrace a kind of tyranny. 

Ideals aren't worth killing for or going to war for.

We have to take care of each other, because no one else is going to do it.

The low are lifted up, and the high and mighty are brought down. Change is the nature of things. 

The rich need to be shown what life and death are like in the gutters.

I help people who help me -- that's what keeps us alive. 

I'm going to prove that I'm worthy of a better life. 

bonds

___ and I disagree about the nature of the world, but I will show them that I am right. 

my deity has marked out ___ as someone important; I will help them fulfill their destiny.

___ has fought by my side before and has my respect.

I admire ___’s bravery/wisdom/dedication/talent and will do my best to learn from them/live up to their example.

___ is a fool, and when they are in trouble I will refuse to bail them out.

I fear that I may have wronged ___; I will make it up to them somehow.

___ has information that is important to me; I will do what it takes to get it from them.

I have come across ___ many times and have found they are always reliable/unreliable.

___ shares my faith/belief in __, and I would trust them with my life.

___ knows a secret I’d rather not share; I will persuade them to keep it.

I need to prove myself to ___, no matter the cost to myself. 

___ is like a broken clock: always right twice a day. 

___ gave me food/shelter/protection when I needed it; I am in their debt. 

I have known ___ since childhood, but I am not sure I like the person they have become.

___ doesn’t trust me, but I will change their mind.

___ let me down when I most needed them; I won’t make the mistake of trusting them again.

___ helped me with a dangerous mission, and the two of us made a powerful enemy.

___ owes me for a favor I did them; I won’t let them forget it until the debt is paid.

___ needs my guidance, so I will provide a steady hand. 

I wouldn’t be foolish enough to trust ___ with something important to me.

___’s misguided actions will put all our heads on the chopping block.

___ has much to teach me about ____________. 

I will protect ___ from _____________. 

for more bonds, try this Dungeon World bond generator!