Fun is the Heart of Every Story

7. April 2026By Marlene4 Minutes

Here’s the truth: our brains aren’t wired to absorb dry information. But stories? Especially fun ones? They stick. We remember best when we’re relaxed, entertained, and enjoying ourselves. Think about it—why do you think the reel that made you laugh the hardest is the one you remember most?

So, does this matter when editing a documentary? Absolutely. There’s no better way to blend information and entertainment—call it infotainment if you like. My funniest edit last year was a Christmas story: “Christmas Markets: Who Are the People Behind the Magic?” It was lighthearted and fun, even though it had a serious core. We kept the joy alive throughout, making it easy to watch and absorb. Music played a big role—we used only Christmas songs to keep the mood festive and engaging.

The 'Cringe Moment'

One of my favorite techniques is the “Cringe Moment”—that cringe-worthy, secondhand-embarrassment scene that shocks you just enough to make you laugh. It’s hard to explain, so you’ll just have to watch it.

'Rabbit Reaction Shot'

Then there’s my favorite moment of the year: the “Rabbit Reaction Shot”. I edited an interview and inserted a rabbit—yes, a rabbit—before cutting back to the speaker. The rabbit wasn’t random; it was a main character before and after that playful interruption.

The 'Wine Cork Moment'

And here’s a moment you have to try (if you speak or sing in public sometimes): the “Wine Cork Moment” from “Reinhard Fendrich: I Never Wanted to Be One of Them”. I didn’t have any other footage, so I had to make this one shot work. Once again, it’s the weirdness that brings the joy. What’s fun to watch doesn’t need to follow the usual editing rules—it just needs to feel right.

So here’s the thing: Fun isn’t just the icing on the cake—it’s the whole recipe.

Even the greats say so. Walter Murch (the genius editor behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now) insists that the best edits aren’t about rules—they’re about what feels right. And Robert McKee, the storytelling mastermind, swears by moments that surprise, amuse, or even make you cringe a little. Because those are the moments people remember.

Want to try it yourself? Here’s how to make your stories stick:

  1. Find the Funny (or the Weird)
    Look for those little moments in your footage that make you laugh, cringe, or go ‘Wait, what?’—that’s your storytelling gold. McKee calls it emotional contrast, and it’s what keeps audiences hooked.
  2. Break the Rules (If It Feels Right)
    Murch’s ‘Rule of Six’ says emotion trumps everything. So if a cut feels off by the book but right in your gut? Go with your gut. The best stories don’t follow rules—they feel true.
  3. Let Music Set the Mood
    A festive tune, a quirky sound effect, or even silence—music isn’t just background. It’s the secret sauce that turns a good scene into a memorable one.

The bottom line? If your story makes people feel something—whether it’s joy, surprise, or that delicious secondhand cringe—you’ve won. Because fun isn’t just part of the story. It is the story.

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