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At WSJ CMO Summit, Ryan Reynolds Cites Richard Curtis's Story Rule for Ads

He says tight constraints sharpen creativity in short brand spots for Aviation Gin or Mint Mobile.

Overview

  • Speaking in New York City on Nov. 18, Reynolds recalled Curtis’s guidance that every character needs a beginning, a middle, and an end.
  • He said he adapts that structure to 30- or 15-second advertising, framing quick narratives that still feel complete.
  • Reynolds argued that too much time and too much money can kill creativity, emphasizing resource limits as a creative catalyst.
  • He described humor and emotion as the most effective tools for building connection in branding, noting their combined impact.
  • Reynolds also reflected on practicing “soft parenting” with his four children with Blake Lively, emphasizing safety as the basis for thoughtful decisions.