Dan Harmon on Canon in Storytelling
Key Insights
Dan Harmon compares canon to gravity, essential but also something to defy.
Harmon believes story models should be compasses, not strict rules.
'Rick & Morty' balances canon with unpredictable storytelling.
Harmon acknowledges canon can limit creative freedom, but also provides a framework.
He emphasizes visual storytelling and collaboration with animators.
Why this matters: Harmon's views challenge traditional storytelling approaches, encouraging creators to find a balance between structure and creative freedom.
In-Depth Analysis
Dan Harmon's perspective on canon is like an aeronautical engineer's relationship with gravity. Canon is the body of work accepted as authentic and authoritative within fiction media. Harmon, who juggles multiverses, time traveling, and alternate realities on 'Rick and Morty,' canon can complicate things.
Harmon's Story Circle:
Harmon's Story Circle is a framework effective for just about every type of storytelling. Harmon believes story models are supposed to be like compasses. He suggests that once you've mastered the rules, you can break them.
Visual Storytelling:
'Rick and Morty' has shifted towards more visual storytelling, relying on animators to enhance the narrative. Harmon emphasizes collaboration with animators, recognizing their expertise in story development. This approach expedites the pipeline and leads to richer, more engaging stories.
FAQs
Q: What is canon in storytelling?
Canon is the body of work accepted as authentic and authoritative within fiction media.
Q: How does Dan Harmon view canon?
Harmon compares canon to gravity, something essential but also something to defy.
Q: What is Harmon's Story Circle?
A framework that Harmon uses for storytelling.
Q: Why does Harmon emphasize visual storytelling?
Harmon recognizes the expertise of animators in story development and believes it enriches the narrative.
Key Takeaways
Canon is a tool, not a constraint. Use it to build a compelling story, but don't be afraid to break the rules.
Story models should serve as guides, not rigid laws.
Embrace visual storytelling and collaboration with animators to enhance your narrative.
Find a balance between structure and creative freedom to create engaging stories.
Discussion
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