Emotional Architecture | Build Stories That Move People
This Is Not AI. This is Emotional Architecture.
What moves you to tears?
If you can’t identify an emotion, how can you expect your audience to feel it?
Great stories begin with attention—with the ability to feel, touch, see, and taste the world around you. To step inside a moment and sit with it long enough for something honest to emerge.
Actors are trained to bring emotion to the surface. Content creators must develop the eye to notice it—and the skill to shape it on the screen.
AI can’t do this. It can’t brush a hand across a shoulder. It can’t catch the pinpoint shifts of emotion in a glance, or the quiet charge of a conversation just before someone says what they really mean.
But you can.
And that’s where real story begins—in the architecture of emotion.
Why This Matters
Right now, companies and creators know they need emotional storytelling—but they’re stuck. They don’t trust AI. They don’t want generic content.
They want something real. They’re already spending $25K–$100K+ on production and content strategy… and still aren’t happy with the results.
This session helps them avoid months of wasted production and emotional misfires—and build something that lasts.
This is emotional clarity for high-stakes creative.
Framed through your lens.
Built on your values.
Crafted through your voice.
What is Emotional Architecture?
A private, 90-minute creative strategy session for filmmakers, creatives, and brand teams who want to shape emotionally resonant stories with precision, clarity, and impact.
It’s not a brainstorm.
It’s not a coaching call.
It’s directorial-level clarity—focused on what your audience will feel.
Who is it for?
Creative directors and filmmakers
Brand leaders and agency teams
In-house marketing professionals
Up-and-coming storytellers
What We’ll Do Together
Identify the Content
What are you making? What’s the emotional core? We define the type of piece, its purpose, and its audience.
Breaking Down the Story Treatment
We unpack the elements that carry feeling: Theme, tone, look and feel, casting, music, editing, pacing.
The Director On Set
We talk execution. How do you protect the emotional tone while leading your team?
How do you shape moments that weren’t even in the script—but end up in the final cut?
Why Work With Me?
I’ve spent over 20 years directing award-winning commercials and branded films around the world. My collaborators include Academy Award–winning cinematographers, global agencies, and brands you know.
One of those films—Handle With Care for Gillette—told a quiet story of a man shaving his aging father. It earned seven Cannes Lions and helped ignite a shift toward emotional truth in advertising.
P&G still calls it one of the greatest campaigns they’ve ever made.
What sets my work apart is that it never feels manipulative.
It feels true.
“The film Rudi shot was so heartfelt, genuine and respectful, it reduced CEOs, CFOs, and CMOs to tears. What started as an ‘impossible’ creative experiment became the most significant piece of Gillette work in years.”
“We had a script. A beautiful and emotional story that needed some masterful crafting. I had just seen Rudi’s Gillette spot and was amazed at the natural and candid narrative style. I knew immediately we needed someone of his caliber on board. Our collaboration has led to what HP considers one of its best and most emotional pieces of work in the last couple of years.”
“Rudi Schwab probably doesn’t need a recommendation. Nor did he ask for this one. But after working with him on a job that was more than a little demanding, I feel compelled to praise him. His massive talent aside, Rudi is the consummate professional. He works quickly, efficiently and knowledgeably. Plus, I’ve encountered few (if any) directors who work more patiently. Additionally, through our entire production process, Rudi was genuine, kind, and flat-out fun to be around. Rudi is great one and I’ll recommend him any day. Even if he doesn’t need it.”
What You Get
90-minute private Zoom session
Group sessions available
Pre-call intake
Session recording
1 week of follow-up access
