Prime Packaging
👋🏻
I think the outline is locked and loaded. And for the fun of the process, I have included a screenshot of said outline. Subject to change of course, but that's all a part of the process right?
Now, that looks longer than I imagined in my mind—especially when I segment it by "Part" number—but when I think about what I want to say in those bullets, I think I can keep it tight. Famous last words.
I am really trying to keep the scope in check and the video time in between 10 and 20 minutes. While I love a good 45 minute monster, I feel like that length would be a detriment to the elements I am exploring with this topic. I discovered something cool in Ragnarök that addresses my biggest issue with the game, but it is buried waaaaaaaaaay at the end. That's the focus. I suppose I want to avoid pulling my own Ragnarök when I think about it...
I did nab Story by Robert McKee from my local library. My plan is to just read Chapter 5 "Structure and Character" since that is the only bit I am aware of and plan to possibly use/cite. I'd like to read the whole book, but let's focus on this essay first. I might also dig back into Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology for a refresher, but that feels like extra credit.
Last time, I also shared concepts and ideas for the title and thumbnail. Those two elements are some of the most important pieces of the YouTube pie. If you don't entice a potential viewer with the thumbnail and title, they won't click and see your sick video. The packaging of a video has oft been a topic of this very newsletter.
With serendipitous timing, Razbuten put out another video on his second channel sharing how vital the process is before and after publishing. It's a good reminder and shows how mixing it up and responding to the response can turn a video around. Worth the view for the cozy Cyberpunk apartment alone.
I am reminded of CinemaStix's approach as well. We talked a whole lot about his title and thumbnail process because it is just so unique. Don't underestimate the importance of the packaging.
All of this is kinda putting pressure on myself to really figure out this video's thumbnail and, perhaps, come up with at least two to A/B test. I do like the challenge of making a thumbnail. I want to crack this one.
Until next time...
This letter is one block from the newsletter Memory Card by Max Roberts. Thoughts? Send me an email at max@maxfrequency.net.
Max is the writer and producer behind Max Frequency. cultivate and curate curiosity—both for himself and for others—by delighting in the details and growing greatness from small beginnings.
He's written a rich history and dive on the making of Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Part II, celebrated the 15th anniversary of Super Smash Bros. Brawl with the voice behind its hype, and examined how Zelda "stole" Fortnite's best mechanic.
Memory Card is a real-ish time, raw, drip feed newsletter of his creative process for telling these stories. It’s how The Thing™ gets made.
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