Storytelling

• The film *Don't Say Good Luck* has won a prestigious award, recognized for its impactful storytelling and emotional portrayal of family drama and coming-of-age themes. • Since its release on August 14, the movie has achieved a "Certified Fresh" status, indicating a rare alignment of critical acclaim and positive audience reception. • The film's success on streaming platforms has significantly expanded its cultural footprint and broad appeal.

• TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is hosting a dedicated session focused on helping pre-seed founders secure funding without a finished product. • The initiative addresses a tightening market where AI startups are absorbing massive amounts of seed capital, forcing pre-seed founders to meet higher, seed-stage expectations. • The session will emphasize the roles of conviction and storytelling in pitching, especially as AI tools accelerate the development of minimum viable products (MVPs).

• Major Hollywood studios and stars, including Issa Rae, are pivoting toward "microdramas," a mobile-first storytelling format characterized by extremely short, vertical episodes. • This shift occurs as the industry seeks new growth opportunities following the intense competition of the traditional streaming wars. • The trend highlights a strategic move to capture audiences accustomed to short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Reels.