The following is an excerpt from the just-released book, 'Tell to Win':
Once you’ve got your hero, what gets the emotion moving? What holds us spellbound, begging for more? Michael Jackson taught me in no uncertain terms, the answer is drama.
Back in 1991, Jackson already was a force to be reckoned with. After renewing his contract with Sony for a record-setting $65 million, he released his eighth album, "Dangerous¸" with the singles “Black or White” and “Remember the Time,” both of which dominated the pop charts. As CEO of Sony Pictures, I’d sat in on the studio production of that album and was overwhelmed by Michael’s creative intensity and perfectionism.
His ambition knew no bounds. But when Sony’s most important musical asset invited me to his home in Encino to discuss his plans to get into movies and television, I was taken aback. Michael had proven he knew everything there was to know about pop music, but movies were a different animal. He wanted to produce as well as act. That meant telling stories. Could he do it?
I didn’t even have to ask the question. “In both films and music,” Michael said, “you have to know where the drama is and how to present it.” He gave me a long, intense stare and abruptly stood up. “Let me show you.”
He led me upstairs to the hallway outside his bedroom, where we stopped in front of a huge glass terrarium. “This,” he said, “is Muscles.”
Inside, a massive snake was coiled around a tree branch. His head was tracking something in the opposite corner of the terrarium.
Michael pointed with his finger at the object of Muscles’ obsession. A little white mouse was trying to hide behind a pile of wood shavings.
I said hopefully, “Are they friends?”
“Do they look it?”
“No. The mouse is trembling.”
Michael said, “We have to feed Muscles live mice, otherwise he won’t eat. Dead ones don’t get his attention.”
“So why doesn’t he just go ahead and eat it?”
He said, “Because he enjoys the game. First he uses fear to get the mouse’s attention, then he waits, building tension. Finally, when the mouse is so terrified it can’t move, Muscles will close in.”
That snake had the attention of that mouse, and that mouse had the attention of that snake -- and Michael Jackson had my attention.
“That’s drama,” he said.
“It sure is!” I said. “This story has everything -- stakes, suspense, power, death, good and evil, innocence and danger. I can’t stand it. And I can’t stop watching.”
“Exactly,” he said. “What’s going to happen next? Even if you know what it is, you don’t know how or when.”
“Maybe the mouse will escape.”
Michael let out one of his high, strange laughs. “Maybe.”
If I’d had the slightest doubt about Jackson’s command as a teller of stories, it evaporated that day. His telling to win profoundly and clearly taught me that nothing grabs our attention faster than the need to know what happens next?
Back at UCLA, I asked Dan Siegel to help me understand from his perspective as a neuroscientist why people are so enthralled by drama. Siegel pointed out that emotions don’t occur spontaneously. Nor, as any actor knows, can they be summoned at will. Emotions have to be aroused. “And arousal gets heightened,” Siegel said, “when you realize, I don’t know if the mountain lion’s still there; I don’t know if the spaceship is going to get back; I’m not sure he’s going to win the race. You have to have tension between expectation and uncertainty. Emotional tension drives you to think it might go this way, but it might go that way, and that makes you wonder, what will happen next?”
The more you wonder what will happen next, the more you pay attention. And the more attention you pay, the more you hear, notice, and retain.
One reason I was so helplessly enthralled as I watched Michael Jackson’s mouse and snake was that they were enacting a story of primal desire and dread. Somewhere deep in our DNA, we all have this story lurking because, at some stage of our evolution, if not in our more immediate existence, we lived this story. We were the weaker prey that hid trembling inside the cave from the saber-tooth lurking outside.
Of course, most business storytellers don’t need to set dramatic stakes as high as death or survival. But even business stories are told best if they trigger the conflict between dread and desire. Desire is a core human need which in business may translate as landing a job, motivating employees, keeping an account, impressing a boss, successfully launching a product, or securing a brand. The more we desire something, the greater our fear of not achieving it. And that emotional tension engages your audience because it makes them feel “what’s in it for them.”
Once you’ve got your hero, what gets the emotion moving? What holds us spellbound, begging for more? Michael Jackson taught me in no uncertain terms, the answer is drama.
Back in 1991, Jackson already was a force to be reckoned with. After renewing his contract with Sony for a record-setting $65 million, he released his eighth album, "Dangerous¸" with the singles “Black or White” and “Remember the Time,” both of which dominated the pop charts. As CEO of Sony Pictures, I’d sat in on the studio production of that album and was overwhelmed by Michael’s creative intensity and perfectionism.
His ambition knew no bounds. But when Sony’s most important musical asset invited me to his home in Encino to discuss his plans to get into movies and television, I was taken aback. Michael had proven he knew everything there was to know about pop music, but movies were a different animal. He wanted to produce as well as act. That meant telling stories. Could he do it?
I didn’t even have to ask the question. “In both films and music,” Michael said, “you have to know where the drama is and how to present it.” He gave me a long, intense stare and abruptly stood up. “Let me show you.”
He led me upstairs to the hallway outside his bedroom, where we stopped in front of a huge glass terrarium. “This,” he said, “is Muscles.”
Inside, a massive snake was coiled around a tree branch. His head was tracking something in the opposite corner of the terrarium.
Michael pointed with his finger at the object of Muscles’ obsession. A little white mouse was trying to hide behind a pile of wood shavings.
I said hopefully, “Are they friends?”
“Do they look it?”
“No. The mouse is trembling.”
Michael said, “We have to feed Muscles live mice, otherwise he won’t eat. Dead ones don’t get his attention.”
“So why doesn’t he just go ahead and eat it?”
He said, “Because he enjoys the game. First he uses fear to get the mouse’s attention, then he waits, building tension. Finally, when the mouse is so terrified it can’t move, Muscles will close in.”
That snake had the attention of that mouse, and that mouse had the attention of that snake -- and Michael Jackson had my attention.
“That’s drama,” he said.
“It sure is!” I said. “This story has everything -- stakes, suspense, power, death, good and evil, innocence and danger. I can’t stand it. And I can’t stop watching.”
“Exactly,” he said. “What’s going to happen next? Even if you know what it is, you don’t know how or when.”
“Maybe the mouse will escape.”
Michael let out one of his high, strange laughs. “Maybe.”
If I’d had the slightest doubt about Jackson’s command as a teller of stories, it evaporated that day. His telling to win profoundly and clearly taught me that nothing grabs our attention faster than the need to know what happens next?
Back at UCLA, I asked Dan Siegel to help me understand from his perspective as a neuroscientist why people are so enthralled by drama. Siegel pointed out that emotions don’t occur spontaneously. Nor, as any actor knows, can they be summoned at will. Emotions have to be aroused. “And arousal gets heightened,” Siegel said, “when you realize, I don’t know if the mountain lion’s still there; I don’t know if the spaceship is going to get back; I’m not sure he’s going to win the race. You have to have tension between expectation and uncertainty. Emotional tension drives you to think it might go this way, but it might go that way, and that makes you wonder, what will happen next?”
The more you wonder what will happen next, the more you pay attention. And the more attention you pay, the more you hear, notice, and retain.
One reason I was so helplessly enthralled as I watched Michael Jackson’s mouse and snake was that they were enacting a story of primal desire and dread. Somewhere deep in our DNA, we all have this story lurking because, at some stage of our evolution, if not in our more immediate existence, we lived this story. We were the weaker prey that hid trembling inside the cave from the saber-tooth lurking outside.
Of course, most business storytellers don’t need to set dramatic stakes as high as death or survival. But even business stories are told best if they trigger the conflict between dread and desire. Desire is a core human need which in business may translate as landing a job, motivating employees, keeping an account, impressing a boss, successfully launching a product, or securing a brand. The more we desire something, the greater our fear of not achieving it. And that emotional tension engages your audience because it makes them feel “what’s in it for them.”
Well...I haven't written this story in 4 months!!! But.. MJMusicRox, Inspired me to finish the next chapter. ^_^ So, I think I will. There are 9 Chapters so far. So...If you haven't read all the chapters...Maybe you can read them? Tell me what you think? Personally I didn't even think it was a good story. But some people said they liked it...Lol. I wrote it for fun. So...I'll re-read over all the other chapters...Because I don't remember all that happened. XD Kay...Bye! <3
~Mccala
p.s I have this thing on my computer now that checks the spelling...Less mistakes!
~Mccala
p.s I have this thing on my computer now that checks the spelling...Less mistakes!
The Next day Michael woke up notice that he was on floor and he just remember that he passed out so he got up and then he took a cold shower and he just wanted to chill out for today. Michael just put on hes PJS and he just watch some football and play some video games and then Usher call Michael and Usher say " yo Michael how are u feeling?" Michael say " i am doing good" Usher say " thats good but u know we have a job tonight right? Michael say " NO i didnt know u didnt even call me early but anyway i am not going" Usher say " What??" Michael say " I am not going Bit** " Usher say " u know what when I see u i am kill " Michael say " whatever " Usher say " watch u wish u was dead already" sorry whats happen when Usher sees Michael is he gonna get killed or stay alive. To be contuine
August 29 came the birth of a boy
He would later fill the world with joy
The year was 1958
This boy was going to be something great
the years went by he learnt to sing and dance
Anyone who saw him was put in a trance
"He is fantastic" they would say real keen
Never such talent had been seen
As he grew older he became more beautiful
And everything he did was simply delightful
The man I speak of
The man I love
Was sent to us from up above
Michael Jackson is his name
Never will anyone have such fame
you are my angel I will love you FOREVER
My heart will leave you Michael NEVER×××××
He would later fill the world with joy
The year was 1958
This boy was going to be something great
the years went by he learnt to sing and dance
Anyone who saw him was put in a trance
"He is fantastic" they would say real keen
Never such talent had been seen
As he grew older he became more beautiful
And everything he did was simply delightful
The man I speak of
The man I love
Was sent to us from up above
Michael Jackson is his name
Never will anyone have such fame
you are my angel I will love you FOREVER
My heart will leave you Michael NEVER×××××
The home where Michael Jackson lived during his stint in Vegas is opening it's doors to fans for the FIRST TIME EVER tomorrow to commemorate the anniversary of MJ's death ... TMZ has learned.
A rep for the home tells us ... "the Estate will be opened to the public, for the first time, for only four hours for those who wish to pay their respects and to mourn his loss on this, the Second Anniversary of [MJ's] passing, June 25, 2011."
The rep explains, "We will strive to give you a glimpse into his private life and home; to allow you to walk where he walked, to see what he saw, to breathe the same air that he breathed and…to be inspired."
We're told "strict security measures" will be in effect -- and water will be provided ... because it can get pretty hot in the desert. .
The rep adds, "Your messages of love, prayers, gifts and flowers will be lovingly preserved in situs until Sunday."
A rep for the home tells us ... "the Estate will be opened to the public, for the first time, for only four hours for those who wish to pay their respects and to mourn his loss on this, the Second Anniversary of [MJ's] passing, June 25, 2011."
The rep explains, "We will strive to give you a glimpse into his private life and home; to allow you to walk where he walked, to see what he saw, to breathe the same air that he breathed and…to be inspired."
We're told "strict security measures" will be in effect -- and water will be provided ... because it can get pretty hot in the desert. .
The rep adds, "Your messages of love, prayers, gifts and flowers will be lovingly preserved in situs until Sunday."
We must give a helping hand
Whatever happen to our heroes
They must get another chance
(We can do it again)
We drove close, closer and closer
And even though we’re almost there
You are all I need in my life
You are all I dream here at night
Close your eyes imagine I’m taking you away
Tonight
Come together all the people (we can do it now)
Here’s your chance to make it right (go, take a chance)
And even though we’re gettin’ close
We’re not there just yet
And even though we’re almost there
You are all I need in my life
You are all I dream here at night
Close your eyes imagine I’m taking you away
Then one more time close your eyes
I’m always here to stay
(oh)
Tonight
(I’m always here)
(Oh I)
(I’m always here)
We can do it again
(I’m always here)
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon
Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon
Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon
Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon
Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon
Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon
Gone Too Soon
The next morning Isabella said " babby wake up baby wake up" michael wasnt waking up Hannah said " daddy wake up" Michael still didnt wake up then Isabella call bobby and she said " bobby u have to come over now!!!!!!" bobby said " ok" so then 5 mins later bobby walk in then Isabella said " bobby Michael aint waking up" bobby rush to michael and then michael roll over off the bed and michael said " what happen??" Isabella said " u wasnt waking up" Michael said " baby chili out iam fine dnt worry about me" Isabella said " i was worry baby : michael said " its ok" then kiss and Hannah said " daddy u ok" Michael said " yes Hannah ur dad is ok" then the rest of the they chilli out for the rest of the day the went to sleep. To be contuine
There is no need to
Don't say Goodbye to me
Cuz I'm Always with you
Don't say Goodbye to me
Don't shead a Tear
Because I'm still..here
All I camed to do
please save a prayer
Scream out ''Victory''
Cuz Love is still there
Smile at the memories yeah
All through the years
Because I'm still..here
Take all your pain off
Keep it inside
When you feel Lonely
I'm right by your side
and when the storm comes yeah
Have no fear
Because I'm still..here
So put your head up
Pray and be strong
Just remember
that You are not alone
I'm smiling down
All you my dears
You know your daddy's...
still...here...
after chatting, they have dinner and talk about how things after she moved to LA, after that, they have a super soaker fight.
and when all of the people in the house are allready go out from the house,
suddenly michael jackson see a letter inside joshephine's bag, and he start to readingit. then he surprised that inside the letter that said:
" dear joshephine, i know that your mom and dad is on the way to indonesia, but is hard to tell me that both of your parents didn't make it, they bought die in a plane crash. that make all of the crue and passenger died, so as hard that i have to tell you that, i have to send you to los angeles with your aunt, to start all over with a brand new life.
hope you understand me, that i am very sorry about your lost.
dr.maria"
michael is so surprised because of that, and knowing josephine is an orphan now.
and when all of the people in the house are allready go out from the house,
suddenly michael jackson see a letter inside joshephine's bag, and he start to readingit. then he surprised that inside the letter that said:
" dear joshephine, i know that your mom and dad is on the way to indonesia, but is hard to tell me that both of your parents didn't make it, they bought die in a plane crash. that make all of the crue and passenger died, so as hard that i have to tell you that, i have to send you to los angeles with your aunt, to start all over with a brand new life.
hope you understand me, that i am very sorry about your lost.
dr.maria"
michael is so surprised because of that, and knowing josephine is an orphan now.