# David Gelb: How to Write Cinematically | How I Write

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-i-write-6583871/david-gelb-how-to-write-cinematically-how-i-write.md
Podcast: [How I Write](https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-i-write-6583871)
Published: 2026-04-15T18:28:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/9GA767/p.podderapp.com/1653792298/traffic.megaphone.fm/TFTEE6118492142.mp3
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/9GA767/p.podderapp.com/1653792298/traffic.megaphone.fm/TFTEE6118492142.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/how-i-write-6583871/episodes/david-gelb-how-to-write-cinematically-how-i-write
Duration seconds: 4151

## Resource

This episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at https://mercury.com David Gelb directed 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' and 'Chef's Table', which is what this conversation is all about: the art of making documentaries, telling stories, and bringing people to life. He says that whenever you're writing a scene, a character should come into it wanting one thing and leave with something else. David spent a lot of time with the world's top chefs, so I had to ask what lessons he learned from them and how those lessons seeped into his work. About the host Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. Follow me Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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