Participating in Story Xperiential is completely worth it, it has really changed my perspective and understanding of animated films, from a deeper and more authentic point of view. It has also helped me to create stories with more substance, which are more entertaining and interesting, in order to better communicate with the viewer and get my message across in the best possible way.
Since I started at Story Xperiential, I have been creating new stories and poems, working on the development of storytelling, film and literature, and applying everything I have learned to the more educational part of my projects. Without a doubt, pure inspiration and continuous learning! Story Xperiential has inspired me a lot in my work as a storyteller in libraries and schools, as well as the questions I ask children in my workshops about stories and their morals. Now, I am much more mindful of how I tell, how I communicate, what I want to convey to the audience, etc. In addition, I have had the great opportunity to expand my portfolio, make interesting contacts in the world of animation and enter this wonderful world of bringing characters to life in an audiovisual way. I feel that my message and work is more effective than before, more mature even, and I feel very fortunate to belong to this excellent educational and artistic program.
Isla selling her poetry books and reciting poetry in her hometown of Elche, Spain.
What I have learned most from the Story Xperiential program is the importance of creating a true and genuine character arc so that we can completely identify with the character, and with his/her feelings and way of understanding the world. It is as if the protagonist were the sun and everything that happens around the character (plot, characters, conflict, moral, etc.) are the planets. This is key, we must know our protagonist perfectly so that the story reaches the heart of the viewer, connecting with their emotions and inviting them to reflect with a fresher and more open look.
I also want to mention how important it has been for me to realize how vital it is to get feedback from colleagues while designing our story, it is a way to co-create stories together and nurture each other to get the maximum potential out of what we want to share with the public.
Above all, I loved seeing the great team behind the great animated films and their passion for what they do, without forgetting the importance of creating beautiful stories, full of humor, love and kindness, that move children and their families to bring out the best version of themselves and remember the great values we all have inside.
Isla Vela Writer, Poet, Storyteller, Narrator-Podcaster and Mom