Winter 2023

Think your next story into existence while preparing yourself for the future of storytelling and AI

Jim Hull

Mastering Narrative Design with Dramatica

Disney

DreamWorks Animation

Warner Bros.

Sony Pictures Animation

The technology now exists for storytellers to think their next great story into existence.&nbsp;By matching a predictive narrative framework with an AI-interface that understands the substance behind what you say and type, we can now mold a story from start to finish—one that is complete, compelling, and rooted in rich thematic meaning. Welcome to&nbsp;Mastering Narrative Design with Subtxt, a six-week, immersive workshop that puts the future of storytelling at your fingertips. Whether you're working on the next cinematic hit or pushing the boundaries of gaming and new media, this course will teach you how to harness AI-powered narrative design to craft stories that truly resonate. With&nbsp;Subtxt’s groundbreaking approach, you'll develop an intuitive understanding of story structure and design. The implications for gaming, interactive storytelling, and emerging media are clear:&nbsp;the storytellers who master this blend of predictive AI and narrative theory will lead the way.&nbsp;And that is exactly what you will master in this course. Why This Course? A Future-Proof Approach: Dive deep into the fusion of Hollywood-level narrative techniques and AI-driven storytelling tools. You’ll learn how to shape stories that adapt, evolve, and elevate your creative vision—whether for traditional mediums or cutting-edge interactive experiences. Hands-On Learning: Get ready to see your stories come to life. Through practical workshops, you’ll actively engage with AI to refine your plots, deepen character arcs, and unlock narrative potential you never knew existed. Expert Guidance: With experience at Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and contributing to Canada’s 2023 Oscars selection, I bring firsthand knowledge of both professional storytelling and AI development. Plus, as the creator of the Subtxt app, you’re learning from the very foundation of this groundbreaking technology. Since 2017, Subtxt has transformed the way thousands of writers think about storytelling.&nbsp;Now, it's your turn.&nbsp;Whether you're writing screenplays, novels, or designing immersive games, this course will equip you with the skills to craft stories that aren’t just good—they’re unforgettable. In six weeks, you'll unlock the power of AI-assisted narrative design and become the kind of storyteller who is ready to lead the next generation of storytelling innovation.&nbsp;Join the future of narrative design today.

Transform Your Storytelling with AI-Driven Narrative Design

Fiction writers (screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, etc.) who feel stuck when it comes to finishing their stories. (Non-fiction too!)

Anyone who recognizes that a story has the power to transform the hearts and minds of people all over the world (copywriters, marketers)

Artists who believe that leveraging cutting-edge tech maximizes and accelerates one's ability for self-expression.

Who is this course for

Explore These Essential Elements of Narrative Design

Use the Four Throughlines—I, You, We, and They—to structure your stories from multiple perspectives. This timeless approach, used by Shakespeare and modern storytellers alike, ensures your narrative is dynamic and lasting.

Craft Your Stories with the Four Throughlines of Conflict

Balance plot-driven and character-driven storytelling by mastering plot structure and conflict resolution, while crafting multidimensional characters. This blend creates engaging, well-rounded narratives for any medium.

Master Plot and Character

The Storyform acts as thematic guardrails, helping you stay true to your story’s core while offering freedom to explore. Learn how to ensure your creative vision aligns with your theme, allowing your story to evolve without losing its essence.

Storyform as Thematic Guardrails

Shift your storytelling mindset with the Storyform. By using it as your guide, you’ll design stories that are thematically rich, cohesive, and flexible, giving you both structure and room for creative exploration.

Transform Your Narrative Approach

In the Storymind section, we delve into the concept of a narrative as a model of a single human mind trying to resolve a problem. We explore how the different aspects of a story represent different facets of the human psyche and how they interact to create a cohesive narrative.

Storymind

The Complete Story section focuses on the four essential throughlines of a narrative: Objective Story (OS), Main Character (MC), Obstacle Character (OC), and Relationship Story (RS). We discuss how these throughlines interweave to form a complete story and how they can be developed to create a compelling narrative.

Complete Story

In the Plot section, we delve into the mechanics of plot development. We explore how to structure the events and sequences in your story to create a satisfying narrative arc. This includes understanding the role of conflict, tension, and resolution in driving the plot forward.

Plot

The Players section focuses on character development. We discuss how to create complex, multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. This includes understanding the roles and functions of different types of characters, such as protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.

Players

In the Character Arcs section, we delve deeper into the concept of character transformation. We discuss how to craft compelling character arcs that reflect the themes and messages of your story. This includes understanding the different types of character arcs and how they can be used to create emotional depth and complexity in your narrative.

Character Arcs

The Pivotal Elements section focuses on the key elements that drive a story forward. We discuss how to identify and develop these elements to create a compelling and engaging narrative. This includes understanding the role of plot points, turning points, and climaxes in shaping the trajectory of your story.

Pivotal Elements

In the Mental Sex section, we explore the concept of narrative perspective. We discuss how the mental sex of a story (whether it is male or female) influences the way the story is perceived and interpreted by the reader. This includes understanding how to use mental sex to create a unique and distinctive narrative voice.

Mental Sex

The Storyform section delves into the underlying structure of a story. We discuss how to use the Storyform to create a solid narrative framework that supports and enhances your storytelling. This includes understanding the role of story points, story drivers, and story transits in shaping the narrative arc.

Storyform

In the OS Transits and Story Drivers section, we focus on the Objective Story Throughline. We discuss how to use transits and story drivers to create a compelling plot that engages the reader. This includes understanding how to structure and sequence events to create tension, conflict, and resolution.

OS Transits and Story Drivers

The MC Transits, Progressions and Events section focuses on the Main Character Throughline. We discuss how to use transits, progressions, and events to drive character development and transformation. This includes understanding how to use these elements to create a compelling character arc that resonates with readers.

MC Transits, Progressions, and Events

In the OC, RS Transits and Plotting section, we delve into the Obstacle Character and Relationship Story Throughlines. We discuss how to use transits and plotting to create complex, multi-dimensional characters and relationships. This includes understanding how to use these elements to create emotional depth and complexity in your narrative.

OC, RS Transits, and Plotting

In The Mind of a Story section, we return to the concept of the Storymind. We discuss how to use this perspective to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. This includes understanding how to balance the different aspects of the Storymind to create a story that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level.

The Mind of a Story

Course syllabus

Award-winning Audio Drama Writer-producer.

Bestselling author of twelve novels including Traitor’s Blade and Spellslinger

Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, director of Ask No Questions (Slamdance 2020) and Canada's Oscar-contender 2023, Eternal Spring

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Meet your instructor

This course focuses on async workshops and hands-on exercises. You'll learn by doing.

Active learning, not passive watching

We're all in this together. You'll be part of a community that can lean on each other and Jim for support during and after the course.

Gain a new support system

Real-tme feedback is one of the best ways to learn — and you'll get a lot of it in this course. We're here to help each other improve and grow in a positive, constructive way.

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