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EPISODE · Aug 20, 2025 · 27 MIN

Meta Story: Story Structure and Divine Narrative

from Faith & Family Filmmakers

Episode 170 - Meta Story: Story Structure and Divine Narrative In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt welcomes back Sean Gaffney, an accomplished writer and professor at Asbury University. They discuss Gaffney's new book 'Meta Story, What Marvel and the Messiah Can Teach Us About Great Storytelling,' which explores the theological underpinnings of storytelling. They delve into the importance of subtext, setups and payoffs, and how these elements are reflected in both the Bible and successful screenwriting. Gaffney explains his unique approach to story structure, including his 'Five Part Story' course, and additional educational opportunities through Faith and Family Filmmakers Association. Highlights Include:Sean's Previous Episodes and ContributionsNew Book ReleaseMeta Story: The Intersection of Theology and StorytellingTeaching and WorkshopsThe Five Part Story CourseThe Importance of Story StructureTheological Underpinnings of StorytellingCharacter Development and SubtextSetups and PayoffsBio:Sean Gaffney has authored well over two hundred produced plays, features, videos, animation projects, YouTube series episodes and short films (including for Big Idea and SuperBook).  He was the Story Administrator for Warner Bros. Features and the Managing Director of Taproot Theatre (Seattle). Gaffney currently is a Professor in Media Communication and Screenwriting at Asbury University, as well as Associate Dean of the School of Communications. He received his BFA from Drake University, his MFA from Columbia University, and studied with Act One: Writing for Hollywood.Sean’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meta-Story-Marvel-Messiah-Storytelling/dp/B0F2JJFFFCSean’s Online Screenwriting Course: https://www.faffassociation.com/courses-2/the-five-part-storySean’s Website: https://gaffneyinkwell.com/Editing by Michael RothContent Christian Media Conference: https://www.christianmediaconference.com/FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsFAFF July Filmmakers Bootcamp: https://www.faffassociation.com/filmmakers-bootcampScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VVIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorshipThe Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers,  talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-servicesCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

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Meta Story: Story Structure and Divine Narrative

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This episode was published on August 20, 2025.

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Episode 170 - Meta Story: Story Structure and Divine Narrative In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt welcomes back Sean Gaffney, an accomplished writer and professor at Asbury University. They discuss...

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