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August 20, 2025 27 mins

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 Contributions
  • New Book Release
  • Meta Story: The Intersection of Theology and Storytelling
  • Teaching and Workshops
  • The Five Part Story Course
  • The Importance of Story Structure
  • Theological Underpinnings of Storytelling
  • Character Development and Subtext
  • Setups and Payoffs

Bio:

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/B0F2JJFFFC

Sean’s Online Screenwriting Course: https://www.faffassociation.com/courses-2/the-five-part-story


Sean’s Website: https://gaffneyinkwell.com/




Editing by Michael Roth


Content Christian Media Conference: https://www.christianmediaconference.com/


FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetings

FAFF July Filmmakers Bootcamp: https://www.faffassociation.com/filmmakers-bootcamp

Screenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreat

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

VIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship


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