“How would you create a world?”

The question was brought before the committee on March 17th, 2023, then answered by Emerald Fennell.

aristotle ayn rand confucius david brevik▶ emerald fennell epictetus epicurus friedrich nietzsche geogre lucas hypatia immanuel kant iris murdoch jean jacques rousseau jrr tolkien kathryn ann bigelow lao tzu leonardo da vinci marcus aurelius martin heidegger naoki yoshida phoebe philo plato ralph waldo emerson raph koster rene descartes seneca simone de beauvoir simone weil socrates sofia coppola thomas aquinas ursula k le guin william shakespeare yasumi matsuno
To create a compelling and immersive world, I would follow these steps:
Establish the setting: Determine the time period and location for the world. This might be a fictional place or a real location, but the key is to make it engaging and memorable. Consider the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the world, as well as how it differs from our own reality.
Develop characters: Populate the world with interesting and multi-dimensional characters. Their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships with one another should be well-thought-out and serve as a driving force for the story.
Create a conflict or central theme: A compelling narrative often revolves around a central conflict or theme that challenges the characters and shapes the world. This can range from personal struggles to societal issues.
Establish a visual style and tone: As a director, I would work closely with my production designer, cinematographer, and costume designer to create a unique and consistent visual style that brings the world to life. This includes everything from the color palette to the architectural design and wardrobe choices.
Develop a history and lore: A rich backstory and lore can add depth to the world and create a sense of realism. It's important to strike a balance between providing enough information to make the world feel lived-in, while also leaving some mystery to keep the audience engaged.
Explore social dynamics and power structures: A well-developed world will have intricate social dynamics and power structures that influence the characters' actions and decisions. This can include political systems, religious beliefs, and cultural norms.
Show, don't tell: One of the most important aspects of world-building is to let the audience discover the world through the actions and experiences of the characters, rather than explicitly explaining everything. This makes the world feel more immersive and allows the audience to form their own connections and interpretations.
By following these steps and incorporating my unique storytelling voice, I would strive to create a captivating world that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression.