OpenTube

The ONLY 5 Lines You Need To Tell Any Story

Tim Runia

1,230,028 views

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In this video, I share how I went from endlessly overthinking my edits and staring at a messy timeline to using a simple “5-Line Story” method that instantly clarifies any script. I break down each line, Situation, Desire, Conflict, Change, Result, so you can pinpoint your story’s core before you write, shoot, or edit.

You’ll see how big movies like The Lion King follow the same structure, why simplicity beats complexity, and how this approach saved me hours of planning.

I walk through real examples, show you my own 5-Line core from the video that got me to 10K subscribers, and explain why simple, natural storytelling hooks viewers and keeps them watching.

If you’ve ever felt lost in gear choices, fancy transitions, or rewrite loops, this easy story formula will keep your creative projects focused, efficient, and emotionally engaging every time.

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🍿 Subscriber count → 14,219

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
00:50 The Overthinking Trap
01:50 Introducing the 5-Line Method
03:05 Lion King: A Hollywood Example
04:25 Why It Works & How to Use It
06:20 Real YouTube Video Breakdown
08:35 Next Steps & Takeaway

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20 Comments

@TimRunia Creator 1 year ago (edited) Pinned

You can still get my Story Starter Kit for the launch price here: https://storystarterkit.com
Hope the video helps!

@PhyllisMMiller 1 year ago

1. Situation - What’s the Starting Point?
2. Desire - What does the Character Want?
3. Conflict - What gets in the way?
4. Change - What happens that shifts something?
5. Result - How does it end?

@CtotheV 11 months ago (edited)

I used this but made 5 C's: 1. CONCEPT, 2. CONCERN, 3. CONFLICT, 4. CLIMAX, 5. CONCLUSION. Let me know what you think.

@Bloobsy 1 year ago

Storytelling is probably one of the simplest things at first glance, but at the same time complex by its nature. You nailed it.

@VeerPratapSinghSikarwar-u2j 1 year ago

1.) Whats the starting point
2.) What does the character want
3.) what gets in the way
4.) What happens that shifts something
5.) How does it end?

@garntRPG 2 months ago

I've watched a ton of videos on story telling and this is absolutely up there with the best of them. Thank you so much for making this!

@whyandsowhat 1 year ago

(I). Situation: What’s the starting point? <--- Where, What, Who; viewer clarity
(II). Desire: What does the character want? <--- Spark curiosity, reveal goal
(III). Conflict: What gets in the way? <--- Stories need obstacles or tension points
(IV). Change: What happens that shifts something? <--- Show growth, moves the story
(V). Result: How does it end? <--- Audience satisfaction, tying all together
Thank you @TimRunia

@kelaidiscope 1 year ago

Of the thousands of hours I've spent on YouTube trying to learn about telling a better story and looking for practical actionable advice. This is the best video I've seen yet. You earned a sub from me sir. Thank you.

@Chinyelu_IO 6 months ago

This video is seriously underrated
Thanks for simplifying storytelling. Cheers mate!

@RebornYou_01 4 months ago

This is gold dust to us creators. Thank you for sharing 🙌

@Myhalflife 8 months ago

This is such a simple and quick way to start telling a story. I started looking back at my projects and these steps are exactly what I needed. Thank you for sharing.

@barbsandjoeh 1 year ago

I’ve seen lots of creators talking about story telling but NO ONE helped me crack this thing like YOU JUST DID! Thank you so much!! We’ll be a better channel because of you! Many blessings to you 🙏🏽

@DigitalREM 1 month ago

You guidance is much appreciated. This is an accurate framework.

@Frankysjourney 1 year ago

Is YouTube now getting data from your brain without even talking anymore? I was just THINKING I should improve my storytelling and this came up on top 😂😂😂

@Maxcindio 3 weeks ago

This is such a simple and quick way to start telling a story. I started looking back at my projects and these steps are exactly what I needed

@ahmedatube 11 months ago

I'm from Ethiopia! I believe watching this video can totally change my story of life.

@NishantMalhotra-c6c 4 months ago

That Lion King example made the 5-line method so easy to understand, Thanks for the simple and effective blueprint🦁🔥

@ChamadoDivino1 1 year ago

1. Situação
2. Desejo
3. Conflito
4. Mudança
5. Resultado

@cliff_spicer 2 months ago

I use to be a still photographer for over 25 years professionally and I have always wanted to make videos and had no idea where to start since it is such a very different set of skills. The equipment and the software is very manageable for me but besides making random technically good clips I didn’t know where to start. This is excellent content and I look forward to creating more interesting videos and not just a series of clips . Thanks 🙏

@Chloe-mp5sj 9 months ago

really good way to tell any story. honestly public speaking, filmmaking, writing are essentially all about storytelling and they all follow this rule.