<p>Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner &amp; architect behind Marvel, Spider-Man, &amp; Pirates of the Caribbean transmedia universes and more, reveals how storytelling is evolving in the digital age &amp; why narrative shapes reality. In this profound conversation, Jeff shares his journey from a traumatic childhood in 1960s NYC to becoming the pioneer behind transmedia storytelling for the world's biggest franchises. Discover how Jeff's early escape into Japanese media like Godzilla laid the foundation for his revolutionary approach to creating interconnected story worlds across multiple platforms. Jeff reveals the shift from the traditional hero's journey to what he calls "collective journey narratives" - a storytelling model designed for our interconnected world. He explains how this approach has not only transformed entertainment but has been applied to address real-world crises in Colombia, Mexico, and Afghanistan. Learn why Jeff believes AI will dramatically change how stories are created while potentially threatening authentic human connection. The conversation explores why world-building comes before character development in transmedia, why Hollywood often treats IP as a funnel rather than a framework, and how ethical considerations must guide immersive environments. </p><br><p><strong>TIMESTAMPS:</strong></p><p>00:00 The Power and Wisdom of Storytelling</p><p>00:21 Jeff Gomez: From Chaos to Creativity</p><p>01:49 The Birth of a Storyteller</p><p>04:40 Early Influences: Godzilla and Japanese Media</p><p>08:06 Dungeons and Dragons: A Gateway to Story Worlds</p><p>09:07 From Fanzines to Professional Storytelling</p><p>11:22 World Building in Magic: The Gathering</p><p>13:09 Transmedia Storytelling in Hollywood</p><p>23:32 The Collective Journey: A New Narrative Model</p><p>28:27 Transmedia for Social Change</p><p>32:49 The Evolution of Social Media Personas</p><p>34:15 Impact of Social Media on Emotional Well-being</p><p>34:33 Narrative in the Digital Age</p><p>36:07 Story World Architecture and World Building</p><p>37:58 Audience Interaction and Fan Engagement</p><p>39:07 Geosynchronous Storytelling and Content Discoverability</p><p>40:24 Video Games and Narrative Adaptations</p><p>42:11 Current Trends in Storytelling</p><p>45:40 The Role of AI in Human Relationships</p><p>50:29 Hope for the Future of Storytelling</p><p>52:41 Transmedia Storytelling: Origins and Evolution</p><p>57:09 Emotional Resonance in Story Worlds</p><p>59:03 Ethical Considerations in Immersive Content</p><p>01:00:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways</p><br><p><strong>ABOUT JEFF GOMEZ:</strong></p><p>Jeff Gomez is the CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment and a leading expert in story world development and narrative design. His pioneering work in transmedia storytelling has shaped how major franchises expand across multiple platforms. Jeff has contributed to blockbuster properties including Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar, Halo, and Men in Black. His innovative approach to narrative has been applied not only in entertainment but also in addressing sociopolitical challenges worldwide.</p><br><p><strong>EPISODE SUMMARY:</strong></p><p>This conversation explores how storytelling is evolving in our digital age, the shift from hero's journey to collective narratives, and why Jeff believes that "if we have the power of Gods, we require the wisdom of Gods to use that power - and wisdom comes out of narrative." Learn how proper story architecture creates emotional resonance, why Hollywood often mismanages IP development, and how AI is transforming both storytelling and human relationships.</p><br><p><strong>📱 CONNECT WITH JEFF:</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgomez/</p><p><strong>🎙️ SUBSCRIBE</strong> for more conversations with industry innovators and creative pioneers.</p><p>🔔 Hit the notification bell to never miss an episode.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Purpose Made Podcast

Purpose Made

Ep. 89 Jeff Gomez: The Hidden Genius Behind Avatar & Spider-Man Success

JUL 16, 202561 MIN
The Purpose Made Podcast

Ep. 89 Jeff Gomez: The Hidden Genius Behind Avatar & Spider-Man Success

JUL 16, 202561 MIN

Description

<p>Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner &amp; architect behind Marvel, Spider-Man, &amp; Pirates of the Caribbean transmedia universes and more, reveals how storytelling is evolving in the digital age &amp; why narrative shapes reality. In this profound conversation, Jeff shares his journey from a traumatic childhood in 1960s NYC to becoming the pioneer behind transmedia storytelling for the world's biggest franchises. Discover how Jeff's early escape into Japanese media like Godzilla laid the foundation for his revolutionary approach to creating interconnected story worlds across multiple platforms. Jeff reveals the shift from the traditional hero's journey to what he calls "collective journey narratives" - a storytelling model designed for our interconnected world. He explains how this approach has not only transformed entertainment but has been applied to address real-world crises in Colombia, Mexico, and Afghanistan. Learn why Jeff believes AI will dramatically change how stories are created while potentially threatening authentic human connection. The conversation explores why world-building comes before character development in transmedia, why Hollywood often treats IP as a funnel rather than a framework, and how ethical considerations must guide immersive environments. </p><br><p><strong>TIMESTAMPS:</strong></p><p>00:00 The Power and Wisdom of Storytelling</p><p>00:21 Jeff Gomez: From Chaos to Creativity</p><p>01:49 The Birth of a Storyteller</p><p>04:40 Early Influences: Godzilla and Japanese Media</p><p>08:06 Dungeons and Dragons: A Gateway to Story Worlds</p><p>09:07 From Fanzines to Professional Storytelling</p><p>11:22 World Building in Magic: The Gathering</p><p>13:09 Transmedia Storytelling in Hollywood</p><p>23:32 The Collective Journey: A New Narrative Model</p><p>28:27 Transmedia for Social Change</p><p>32:49 The Evolution of Social Media Personas</p><p>34:15 Impact of Social Media on Emotional Well-being</p><p>34:33 Narrative in the Digital Age</p><p>36:07 Story World Architecture and World Building</p><p>37:58 Audience Interaction and Fan Engagement</p><p>39:07 Geosynchronous Storytelling and Content Discoverability</p><p>40:24 Video Games and Narrative Adaptations</p><p>42:11 Current Trends in Storytelling</p><p>45:40 The Role of AI in Human Relationships</p><p>50:29 Hope for the Future of Storytelling</p><p>52:41 Transmedia Storytelling: Origins and Evolution</p><p>57:09 Emotional Resonance in Story Worlds</p><p>59:03 Ethical Considerations in Immersive Content</p><p>01:00:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways</p><br><p><strong>ABOUT JEFF GOMEZ:</strong></p><p>Jeff Gomez is the CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment and a leading expert in story world development and narrative design. His pioneering work in transmedia storytelling has shaped how major franchises expand across multiple platforms. Jeff has contributed to blockbuster properties including Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar, Halo, and Men in Black. His innovative approach to narrative has been applied not only in entertainment but also in addressing sociopolitical challenges worldwide.</p><br><p><strong>EPISODE SUMMARY:</strong></p><p>This conversation explores how storytelling is evolving in our digital age, the shift from hero's journey to collective narratives, and why Jeff believes that "if we have the power of Gods, we require the wisdom of Gods to use that power - and wisdom comes out of narrative." Learn how proper story architecture creates emotional resonance, why Hollywood often mismanages IP development, and how AI is transforming both storytelling and human relationships.</p><br><p><strong>📱 CONNECT WITH JEFF:</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgomez/</p><p><strong>🎙️ SUBSCRIBE</strong> for more conversations with industry innovators and creative pioneers.</p><p>🔔 Hit the notification bell to never miss an episode.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>