
James Cox
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- What Makes Movie Characters So Memorable?
Hello and welcome back to the blog! It's been a crazy-busy few weeks... Easter has come and gone in a flash and so it's back to the grind... 4 months into my YouTube career. I have to say I'm loving every minute! At the very least it's been great just getting to go back and watch some great movies. I've been smashing through some greats - most recently I started The Godfather trilogy... well... I watched the first part and can't wait to watch the second part... I'll give the third one a skip. Of course I've seen this series about a million times and while I was watching recently, it dawned on me that Michael's arc is a prime example of character arcs done well. Then it dawned on me that I haven't seen a great character arc in ages... I was trying to find a modern example of a great arc and only one came to mind - John Wick. He doesn't grow, but the world around him does. An absolute contrast to Corleone who's drastic and dramatic change drives the narrative and keeps us hooked - John Wick is a great Action/Adventure so it's hard to explain why I like him... I suppose Keanu... although I still don't know why I like him... Anyway, I thought it would be a great opportunity to explain character arcs as part of the Storytelling Fundamentals 101 series... so I made it and you can watch it right now! That's right... IT'S LIVE! I'll leave a handy embedded video below ššš If you take anything away from the video, please do consider liking and subscribing to the channel - as you've heard a million times before... it really helps me out a lot. BUT I don't just want you to Like and Sub (and hit the bell icon) - I want to hear from you. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section... what's your favorite character and what do you love about their arc? Much love to everyone who has supported me and the channel so far, and bless you for reading this blog. I'll catch you in the next one! Coxy
- The blueprint to practically every epic...
Hello, hello... hello! Welcome back to the blog - I was so blown away by the response to my last video! Episode 1 of my Storytelling Fundamentals series for YouTube dropped nearly a month ago... It's been a massively busy month, but I am so happy to be releasing Episode 2: The Hero's Journey - How Most Great Stories Follow A Similar Path... In this episode we dive into one of storytellings most fundamental elements - the hero's journey. First identified by Joseph Cambell in his book "The Hero With A Thousand Faces" (1990), the Hero's Journey plots the emotion journey of development that some of our most favourite characters undergo over the course of a narrative. The Hero's Journey can be found in classics from Indianna Jones, to Star Wars (the good ones...) to Alien. You can find it in tales going back to Antiquity - and let's face it, it probably goes back even further than that! Want to find out more? Be sure to check out the video! You can watch it here ššš If you take anything from this video, please do consider hitting the like button and subscribing to the channel. I truly appreciate the support being shown to the content so far! Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments! And let me know if you'd like to see me cover a particular topic in my upcoming videos! Much love, Coxy
- My New Series Launch! Storytelling Fundamentals: 101
Hello! Welcome back to my blog or if you're new around here - you are very welcome! It dawned on me recently that I haven't watched a new film or tv show in about 4... maybe even 5 years! Modern Hollywood is either utterly incompetent or is just not interested in making money anymore - either way, think about it - what was the last film you watched? Was it a brand new film? A favourite classic? Or an old film that you just hadn't caught before? When was the last time you went to the cinema? Yes, yes, yes - streaming services and social media have changed the game - that's undeniable... The problem is though... modern movies and tv shows just aren't any good... that's definitely not a reflection on technical ability - the industry is still bursting at the seems when it comes to talented grips, gaffers, cameramen, sound engineers, etc. So why can't they make them like they used to? Surely it's not just politics? Or is it? As a filmmaker, photographer and everything else I find myself doing these days; I can't just sit back and not watch films and shows anymore! So I've decided to take a stand. I'm pretty sure it's all well out of my control - and even if I could speak to the Kathleen Kennedy's of this world... why would they listen to me? But I don't care - I'm on a mission to rediscover my love of all things BIG and small screen... if anything it's just an excuse to dust off the Blueray collection. I'm putting together a series for my YouTube channel ( @coxysmakingvideos ) entitled Storytelling Fundamentals: 101. This new playlist will be a series of deepdives into the fundamentals of storytelling (duh!) and the first part just went live. In this episode (What is a Story - The Foundations of Great Storytelling) I'm starting right at the ground floor, detailing the basic elements of what a story is and uncovering the fact that great storytelling isn't just about WHAT HAPPENS... but WHY IT MATTERS!!!! You can watch the first part right here šš»šš»šš» If you have a YouTube account and you like what you see, please hit the like button and leave me a comment - let me know... am I right or have I missed the mark? And if you take any value from my content, please do consider subscribing. Your support means a lot to me, and I truly appreciate your time - unlike the creators of SheHulk... (š¤®). Thanks for reading and I hope you come back again soon! Much love, Coxy
- The Broaden-and-Build Theory: Positivity Meets Creativity
Well, here we are againāme, overthinking, and you, hopefully ready to indulge me. Iāve just uploaded a brand-new YouTube video, and this one is a cracker (if I do say so myself). Itās all about the Broaden-and-Build Theory by Barbara Fredrickson. Fancy giving it a watch? Dive in below ššš Why This Video? If youāve ever felt stuck in a creative rut or wondered why your best ideas come when youāre not actively trying to think of them, this video is for you. Iāve always been fascinated by how positivity influences creativity. Turns out, thereās actual science behind it, and itās called the Broaden-and-Build Theory. (Big name, simple concept.) Whatās in the Video? In this drop I unpack: What the Broaden-and-Build Theory actually is Ā (because letās face it, it sounds like something out of a corporate workshop). How positivity helps us connect dots in ways we didnāt think possible. Real-world examples and tips Ā to bring this mindset into your daily life, whether youāre brainstorming your next big project or just trying to navigate lifeās chaos. Whatās Next? I've just started my channel and I'd like to keep evolving the content to keep up with my mood and musings. Currently I'm all about exploring the fascinating intersections of creativity, psychology, and philosophy. Hereās a sneak peek at whatās in the pipeline: Tips for tackling self-doubt Ā and keeping the creative spark alive. Philosophical deep dives Ā (Nietzsche, anyone?) to help you navigate the creative rollercoaster. Behind-the-scenes stories Ā from my own creative ups and downsāand the occasional cringe moment. Join the Conversation Hereās where you come in. Watch the video, share your thoughts, and letās get a conversation going. Have you ever noticed how being in a good mood changes the way you think? Does it help you create? Or is it just me using positivity as an excuse to drink more tea and call it āresearchā? Watch the Video Curious? Ready to broaden your perspective and build something amazing? Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/cwG1AAqlmAw Thanks for Being Here Honestly, this whole YouTube adventure is crazy but itās also exhilarating. Thanks for being part of this journeyāit means the world. Letās chat in the comments. And if youāre feeling generous, hit that subscribe button. Cheers to creativity, connection, and figuring it all out together! Much love, Coxy
- Is Keir Starmerās AI Plan a Creative Revolutionāor a Dystopian Blueprint?
After the nerve-wracking excitement of launching my first YouTube video, Iām back with my second! This time, weāre diving headfirst into the tech-meets-creativity rabbit hole to examine Keir Starmerās ambitious AI plan, launching my new Playlist: Coxe Daily... What does it mean for the UKās creative industries? Could it usher in a new golden age of innovationāor leave us all scrambling in a dystopian wasteland? Ā If these questions intrigue you (or keep you up at night), this video is for you. Watch it below ššš The Creative Industry Meets AI: Whatās at Stake? AI is no longer the stuff of sci-fiāitās here, evolving faster than we can say āChatGPT.ā Starmerās approach to AI expansion and tech regulation has the potential to transform not just how we work but who gets to thrive in this brave new world. But what happens to creativity, individuality, and the human touch when machines start calling the shots? In this video, I unpack the risks and benefits of unchecked AI innovation Ā and question whether Labourās vision is a step forwardāor a step too far. If youāre a creative professional (or just someone whoās concerned about the pace of tech-driven change), youāll want to tune in. Why I Made This Video The intersection of creativity and technology has always fascinated me. But lately, Iāve been feeling uneasy about how AI is being positioned as a savior for every industry. Donāt get me wrongāthereās incredible potential here. But potential without responsibility is a recipe for chaos. As someone whoās spent years telling stories and creating art, I worry about what happens when the tools we use start to replace the hands that hold them. Are we building a future where creatives are empoweredāor rendered obsolete? A Sneak Peek at the Video Hereās what I explore: The Labour Partyās AI Proposal : What Starmerās plan involves and how it could reshape Britain. The Risks of AI Overreach : Could unchecked innovation harm the creative industries? Opportunities for Growth : Is there a way to harness AI responsibly to support, rather than stifle, creativity? A Call to Action : How we can advocate for responsible AI development to ensure a balanced, human-centric approach. Join the Conversation This video isnāt just about me sharing my thoughtsāitās about starting a dialogue. I want to hear from you. Ā How do you feel about the rapid rise of AI? Is it a tool you embrace or a threat you fear? Leave a comment on the video and letās discuss. If you havenāt already, subscribe to my channel Ā to join me on this journey into the evolving world of creativity, psychology, and philosophy. Whatās Next? Iāve got plenty more videos planned, tackling big questions about creativity in the modern world and how we navigate these changes together. In the meantime, grab a cuppa, watch the video, and share your thoughts. Letās figure out the futureābefore it figures us out. Watch my latest video here ššš https://youtu.be/hGpDNTDJ6zA?si=rRofvvNaWBHqFHOB Cheers, Coxe
- Kicking off a new creative chapter: My first YouTube video
Every creative journey begins with a single stepāand here I am, tripping over mine in the most Coxy way possible. Yes, Iāve just launched my first-ever YouTube video! Attachment Theory & Feedback (How Our Attachment Style Affects How We Give or Receive Feedback) Ā is officially out in the wild. Fancy a look? Watch it below ššš Why Iāve Finally Taken the YouTube Plunge For ages, Iāve been dithering about starting a YouTube channel. But after years of toying with cameras, storytelling, and creative chaos, it felt like the right time to stop faffing about and dive in. YouTube is the perfect place to connect with people who, like me, love dissecting the messy world of creativity. Itās also a great excuse to indulge my passion for overthinking and calling it "content." Win-win. The Inspiration Behind My First Video So why kick things off with attachment theory? Well, feedback is one of those universal experiences that either makes us or breaks us. If youāve ever felt like someoneās critique was less "constructive criticism" and more "letās tear this apart," youāll know exactly what Iām on about. Attachment theoryāthe brainchild of psychologist John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth and Carl Rogersāexplains how our early relationships shape how we connect (or donāt connect) with others. Itās fascinating, a bit humbling, and wildly useful if youāre in a creative field. Letās face it, weāre all just big kids trying to figure out why feedback sometimes feels like a hug and other times like a punch in the gut. Whatās Coming Next? This first video is just the tip of the iceberg (or the corner of the teabag, if weāre being properly British about it). My YouTube channel will cover all sorts of things at the intersection of creativity, psychology, and philosophy. Hereās a sneak peek: Creative Psychology: Ā Tackling self-doubt, building confidence, and understanding why your brain sometimes acts like your worst critic. Philosophical Nuggets: Ā What thinkers like Nietzsche and Kierkegaard can teach us about navigating the creative life. (Spoiler: Itās deep but worth it.) Practical Tips: Ā Real-world strategies for staying inspired, embracing feedback, and keeping your creative spark alive. Storytelling with Heart: Ā Honest reflections from my own rollercoaster of a creative journeyāthe good, the bad, and the mildly embarrassing. Join Me on This Adventure Letās be honestāstarting something new is nervy. There were moments making this video when I thought, "Am I just wasting my time?" But if thereās one thing Iāve learned over the years, itās that creativity thrives on risk (and copious amounts of tea). Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow, and with the ever increasing notion that as creatives we are soon destined to go the way of the dodo thanks to AI - why not try putting something positive into the world before I lose hope altogheter? So, hereās my ask: Watch the video, leave a comment, and tell me what you think. Did it resonate? Did I miss the mark? Either way, Iād love to hear from you. Feedback, after all, is the whole point. Thank you for being part of this excitingāand slightly nerve-wrackingānew chapter. Hereās to creativity, connection, and figuring it all out together. Watch My First Video Here ššš Ā https://youtu.be/0u9qR5Tbg00?si=d_Dcv_4Z4h7Hbd88 Letās chat in the commentsāhow do you handle feedback? And if you havenāt already, hit that subscribe button. Go on, you know you want to. Cheers to whatās next! Much love, Coxy





