Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner & architect behind Marvel, Spider-Man, & Pirates of the Caribbean transmedia universes and more, reveals how storytelling is evolving in the digital age & 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.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 The Power and Wisdom of Storytelling

00:21 Jeff Gomez: From Chaos to Creativity

01:49 The Birth of a Storyteller

04:40 Early Influences: Godzilla and Japanese Media

08:06 Dungeons and Dragons: A Gateway to Story Worlds

09:07 From Fanzines to Professional Storytelling

11:22 World Building in Magic: The Gathering

13:09 Transmedia Storytelling in Hollywood

23:32 The Collective Journey: A New Narrative Model

28:27 Transmedia for Social Change

32:49 The Evolution of Social Media Personas

34:15 Impact of Social Media on Emotional Well-being

34:33 Narrative in the Digital Age

36:07 Story World Architecture and World Building

37:58 Audience Interaction and Fan Engagement

39:07 Geosynchronous Storytelling and Content Discoverability

40:24 Video Games and Narrative Adaptations

42:11 Current Trends in Storytelling

45:40 The Role of AI in Human Relationships

50:29 Hope for the Future of Storytelling

52:41 Transmedia Storytelling: Origins and Evolution

57:09 Emotional Resonance in Story Worlds

59:03 Ethical Considerations in Immersive Content

01:00:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

ABOUT JEFF GOMEZ:

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.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

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.

📱 CONNECT WITH JEFF:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgomez/

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