Just like we can create larger stories about our lives, I believe it’s possible to create the conditions for more memorable scenes at the micro level. While you can’t make them happen, you can create the conditions to make them more likely to happen. We’ve already talked about the question that can kickstart this habit:
<aside> 💡 After I start a new project, I will ask myself what “will make it amazing?” And brainstorm for 5 minutes.
</aside>
To facilitate brainstorming and help make this habit easier, I think it’s helpful to understand the consistent elements of memorable scenes.
A memorable scene often isn’t just a function of the plot itself, or the dialogue. Often the cinematography is what makes a scene great. The angle the camera uses for the shot. The color. The mood. The soundtrack, or sound effects.
All of these can impact the potency of a scene. So consider the setting when designing the scene.
How does the space look?
What is in the scene? In a movie nothing is in a scene by accident. Remove anything that doesn’t add to the story.
If you’re a banker and you’re sitting with a client to talk about potentially getting a mortgage, do the passersby walking behind your desk through the blinds add or detract from the scene? Do they steal the focus away from what you’re trying to create?
If you’re trying to create a memorable date night at home with your partner, look around the space. Are there items lying around that might get them away from the present moment, that remind them of things that need to be done? Remove kids backpacks, that pile of papers, etc. Anything that detracts from the scene should be removed.
How does it sound?
Is it loud or quiet? What’s in the background? Does the broken A/C that makes that humming noise add or detract from the scene? Are you on a busy street with a ton of loud street traffic? Is there anything you could do to mitigate that? Would the right music improve the scene, or distract from it?
How does it smell?
There’s evidence that suggest scent is incredibly powerful when it comes to memories. Many smart retail companies have figured this out and pipe proprietary scents into their stores. Hotels have done the same. It might be worth finding a scent you like (or your customers like, or your partner likes).
For example, I bought my wife this incense as a Christmas gift a few years ago, and it’s her favorite. So I refill periodically to make sure it’s always available.
How does it feel?
Humans are tactile creatures. ****Are the chairs in your waiting area scratchy? Do they have narrow metal legs that squeal as they move around on your tile floor? What do you door handles look and feel like? How do people move through your space? Do they keep getting bunched up waiting for their drink? If your partner cold because you’re by a window or door?