https://youtu.be/IVliymiP_7Q In the above YouTube video, at around 1 minute 30 seconds, Simon Pegg talks about Steven Spielberg problem solving a scene and I think it's a fantastic example of imagination and practicality fused together. The imagination part is easy for Spielberg, he can see the scene in his head, he knows what he wants … Continue reading Spielberg’s practicality →

In his book 'Creativity' Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi talks about the complexity of pinning down any characteristics of a creative personality. He lists ten factors and for number three he says: "A third paradoxical trait refers to the related combination of playfulness and discipline" We need look no further than the Get Back documentary of the Beatles … Continue reading Playful and disciplined →

"There's no such thing as a bad idea Morty, it's about execution" To continue fleshing out this theory I find so interesting, if we take 'proper' execution to be characters presented with an abundance of obstacles and they overcome them in believable and cunning ways (eg. Rick & Morty) then I think we can consider … Continue reading Contrived moments →

There's a bit in Malcolm in the Middle where Malcolm has been trying all day to compose an original piece of music. Although it's caused him a great deal of stress and frustration, he's finally done it! He has succeeded in being creative! Malcolm rushes out to show his family. To his horror, to his … Continue reading Where is creativity? →

Frank over there, he gets a little confidence boost from watching his sporting highlight reel. In a similar vein to Frank, Lisa has a recording of herself giving a presentation on her phone and whenever she's doubting herself she fishes it out. What about him? That's Dan, now his self esteem booster is a little … Continue reading Self esteem supports →

Morty is tearing into his Grandad for his poor plan. He's goading Rick and pressing for an admission of guilt. He wants Rick to own up to his bad plan. But Rick will not give in and simply retorts: "There's no such thing as a bad idea Morty, it's about execution." An interesting theory! That … Continue reading … it’s about execution! →

It was all well and good when you were an unknown writer. A secret writer who wrote privately and didn't tell anyone about it. And you took tremendous delight in surprising everyone with your published book. Their impressed shock was simply exquisite! But that was months ago. Now you're the author of a bestseller. Now … Continue reading Second book nerves →

It seems like the Beatles legacy will never die! It's been 50 odd years since their breakup and another documentary has just come out about them. They are usually uttered in the same breath as 'greatest ever'. If you wanted to read about them, you could pick from hundreds if not thousands of published books. … Continue reading The Beatles will never die →

It's a silly comedy set in Nazi Germany during the second world war and the main character is a young boy who believes all the Nazi propaganda and loves Hitler. Now that sounds like a bad idea for a movie and yet JoJo Rabbit was an amazing film. Taika Waititi thread the needle between comedy … Continue reading Harsh movie descriptions →

I saw the movie The Golden Compass when I was a kid and for some reason, I couldn't tell you why, I didn't like it. I can see why reviews as sophisticated as 'that was shit' happen. It can be hard to articulate the abstract emotions we feel in relation to creative pieces. It's a … Continue reading I don’t know why but I don’t like it →