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David Gelb: How to Write Cinematically | How I Write

Overview

Shownote

Highlights

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Chapters

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David Gelb: How to Write Cinematically | How I Write

How I Write

Apr 15
How I Write

How I Write

Apr 15
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

This episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at https://mercury.com David Gelb directed 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' and 'Chef's Table', which is wha...

Highlights

In this conversation, David Perell sits down with acclaimed documentary filmmaker David Gelb to explore the craft behind stories that move us—how real people become unforgettable characters on screen, and how storytelling principles drawn from kitchens, editing rooms, and life itself shape resonant narratives.
00:00
In writing a scene, a character should enter wanting one thing and leave with another
10:50
Perfection is unattainable and great artists always seek a higher level
31:26
False victory—a moment of apparent success followed by reversal—is a powerful narrative device
41:55
Constraints like Brian Eno’s studio tape method help overcome creative blocks
50:00
Coherence matters more than universal agreement—intuition anchors revision
52:34
James Cameron refused to cut flying scenes in 'Avatar' despite studio pressure, and the movie was a huge success
1:02:51
In a story, a character should enter a scene wanting one thing and leave with something else
1:05:34
The idea of being 'the best' is subjective and can lead to fear and dissatisfaction

Chapters

What does a character want when they walk into a scene—and what do they carry out?
00:00
Why 'passion, not perfection' is the engine of creative growth
10:50
How do opening moments make us lean in—before we even know the story?
21:11
When does triumph crack open into crisis—and why does that matter?
33:53
What rhythm makes time disappear on screen?
44:36
When should you ignore everyone—including the studio—and trust your gut?
52:34
How does every scene quietly change who someone is?
1:02:51
What if 'being the best' is the wrong question to ask?
1:05:34

Transcript

David Perell: David Gelb directed Jiro Dreams of Sushi in the show Chef's Table. And that's what this conversation is all about. It's about the art of making documentaries, telling stories, bringing people to life. Like, he says that whenever you're writin...