#moderncinema

Christopher Nolan’s manipulation of time has been a staple in his filmography.

Classic Hollywood or modern blockbusters? Either way, USA movies stay undefeated 🏆

Storytelling has always been at the heart of cinema, but today, it matters more than ever. Jake Seal, a respected British film producer and the owner of Black Hangar Studios, believes that powerful stories can shape how audiences think, feel, and connect with the world. In an era filled with fast content and digital noise, he highlights why meaningful storytelling is the real force driving modern filmmaking.

Why Storytelling Still Leads the Film Industry

1. Stories Create Emotional Connection

A great film is not just about visuals or big budgets. It is the emotional bond that keeps people watching.

Audiences remember characters they relate to.

Feelings like hope, fear, love, and courage make stories unforgettable. Jake Seal often says that emotion is what turns a simple idea into something that stays with people for years.

The Changing Landscape of Modern Cinema

2. Global Audiences Want Real, Honest Stories

Today’s viewers come from different cultures and backgrounds. They look for:

Characters who feel real

Themes that reflect everyday challenges

Stories that show diverse perspectives This shift encourages filmmakers to create deeper, more human-centered narratives.

3. Technology Helps, But Story Drives the Film

Visual effects and modern equipment can make films look beautiful, but they cannot replace a strong story. According to Jake Seal, technology should support the message, not overpower it.

Better cameras improve quality

Editing tools enhance flow

Sound design builds atmosphere But none of these tools matter without a clear, compelling narrative.

How Jake Seal Approaches Storytelling

4. Finding the Heart of the Film

Jake Seal believes that every film needs a central message—something simple, honest, and relatable. He focuses on:

A clear emotional core

Well-defined characters

A theme that viewers can connect with This foundation helps shape the direction of the entire project.

5. Supporting New Voices in Cinema

Jake Seal is known for giving space to emerging writers and directors. He understands that fresh voices bring:

New ideas

New experiences

New ways of storytelling By encouraging creativity, he helps move the industry toward more meaningful, diverse content.

Why Storytelling Matters More Than Ever

6. Audiences Want Purpose, Not Just Entertainment

People today want films that inspire them or help them see the world differently. Strong storytelling can:

Spark conversations

Encourage personal reflection

Bring attention to social issues

7. Good Stories Stand the Test of Time

Trends change, but powerful stories continue to reach new generations. This is why classics remain loved even decades later. Jake Seal believes that timeless stories come from exploring human emotions and real-life struggles.

The Future of Storytelling in Film

The future of filmmaking will depend on how well creators connect with audiences. While tools and techniques continue to improve, the heart of the film remains the same—authentic storytelling.

Jake Seal’s approach reminds filmmakers that stories must be honest, emotional, and filled with purpose. Whether it’s a large production or a small independent film, meaning is what brings a story to life.

Conclusion

In today’s film industry, storytelling is not just a creative choice—it is the foundation of successful cinema. Jake Seal continues to explore and champion the power of stories, showing how they shape culture, inspire people, and create lasting impact.

One of the biggest hits of 2018, Crazy Rich Asians was not the easiest movie to make. However, it proved that Hollywood and its audiences are invested in more diverse stories. It tells the story of Rachel Chu who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend, Nick’s extended family and coming to terms with his immense wealth and the clientele it attracts.

In early stages of production, a producer suggested the character of Rachel Chu be played a white actress. While that idea was ultimately scrapped, it was not the only issue amidst conception. Netflix initially offered the filmmakers a release deal, but it was ultimately decided that the movie would be released with Warner Brothers, which would guarantee the film would reach a wider audience and ultimately led to its widespread success.

“Crazy Rich Asians” was the first mainstream film in 25 years to feature an all asian cast, following in the footsteps of the 1993 adaptation of Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club.” The lives of different Asian and Asian Americans are explored, yet problems arise within the setting of the film. Rachel’s upbringing as the daughter of a single immigrant mother immediately singles her out from the aristocratic lifestyles of Nick’s family. This leads to discussions about who is and is not acceptable to invite into the Young’s world and the prejudice that plagues Asian communities around the world.

As groundbreaking as the film is, the majority of it is focused on this 1% group of Asia’s foremost millionaires. Greed and pride get in the way of the storyline, and most of the characters are asked to reevaluate what it means to be a successful individual of Asian descent, and figures out ways in which it can help or harm your personal life. Some critics felt that it glorified the extravagant lifestyles of these individuals and did not accurately represent the multiple backgrounds of East Asians that could be represented on the big screen. 

“Crazy Rich Asians” provided a platform for us to discuss the classism that plagues Asian community and highlighted the complex lives of the Chu and Young families. It also highlighted the double standard that is played against the children of immigrants and those individuals that were born and raised in Asia. 

When news broke that the popular Japanese manga “Ghost in the Shell” would be adapted into a live action movie, fans simultaneously cheered and squirmed. Not long after the announcement, it was made known to the public that Scarlett Johansson would be cast in the lead role of Major Mira Killian. Johansson’s casting was immediately panned by critics and fans, as the Japanese character was not being played by a Japanese actor. 

The film also chose to present Johansson’s character as a Japanese teenager’s soul placed into a white woman’s body as a part of a Government experiment to test out cybernetic bodies. Supporting characters in the film, both white and asian, were also given Japanese names and the theatrical poster borrowed from asiatic themes, as evidenced by the samurai mask and Japanese symbols in the background.

The negative critiques impacted the movie’s box office, grossing only $169 million against a $110 million budget. Reviews also criticized casting, as exploiting Johansson’s top billing star status as a means to make more money. Director Rupert Saunders has stood by his controversial decision, stating that Johansson had the “cyber punk aesthetic already baked in” to her personality and that she is easily the most talented actress of her generation. Although Johansson did not physically don yellowface in “Ghost in the Shell”, her casting overshadowed one of the most successful Asian stories in the media and stripped Asian actors from being featured in the platform.

Ghost in the shell borrowed from asian culture, but almost refused to acknowledge that the main character was a Japanese woman. The cluttered plot caused the message to be misconstrued and further discussion on whitewashing to be brought to Hollywood.