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Mastering Narrative Design with Dramatica

4.9 (44)

·

5 Weeks

·

Cohort-based Course

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

Previously at

Disney
DreamWorks Animation
Warner Bros.
Sony Pictures Animation

Course overview

Transform Your Storytelling with AI-Driven Narrative Design

The technology now exists for storytellers to think their next great story into existence. 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 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 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: the storytellers who master this blend of predictive AI and narrative theory will lead the way. 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. Now, it's your turn. 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. Join the future of narrative design today.

Who is this course for

01

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


(Non-fiction too!)

02

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

03

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

Explore These Essential Elements of Narrative Design

Craft Your Stories with the Four Throughlines of Conflict

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.

Master Plot and Character

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.

Storyform as Thematic Guardrails

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.

Transform Your Narrative Approach

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.

What’s included

Jim Hull

Live sessions

Learn directly from Jim Hull in a real-time, interactive format.

Lifetime access

Go back to course content and recordings whenever you need to.

Community of peers

Stay accountable and share insights with like-minded professionals.

Certificate of completion

Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.

Maven Guarantee

This course is backed by the Maven Guarantee. Students are eligible for a full refund up until the halfway point of the course.

Course syllabus

6 live sessions • 38 lessons • 7 projects

Week 1

Sep 30—Oct 6

    Sep

    30

    1. Storymind

    Mon 9/306:00 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)

    Oct

    2

    2. Complete Story

    Wed 10/26:00 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)

    1. Storymind

    1 item

    2. Complete Story

    5 items • Free preview

Week 2

Oct 7—Oct 13

    Oct

    7

    3. Plot

    Mon 10/76:00 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)

    Oct

    9

    4. Players

    Wed 10/96:00 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)

    3. Plot

    6 items

    4. Players

    6 items

Week 3

Oct 14—Oct 20

    Oct

    14

    5. Character Arcs

    Mon 10/146:00 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)

    Oct

    16

    6. Pivotal Elements

    Wed 10/166:00 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)

    5. Character Arcs

    3 items

    6. Pivotal Elements

    4 items

Week 4

Oct 21—Oct 27

    7. Mental Sex

    3 items

    8. Storyform

    4 items

Week 5

Oct 28—Nov 1

    9. OS Transits and Story Drivers

    2 items

    10. MC Transits, Progressions and Events

    4 items

Post-course

    From Storyform to Treatment

    2 items

    11. OC, RS Transits and Plotting

    3 items

    12. The Mind of a Story

    2 items

4.9 (44 ratings)

What students are saying

See what people are saying

        This is such a powerful tool...the best is that it demands you put in deep thought. No surface-level 12 steps for Heroes here. I'm blown away...blown. away. I also don't think I actually exist anymore. This is all The Matrix.
John Dusenberry

John Dusenberry

Head of Story (Warner Bros. Animation)
        So often, writing a script made me feel like being up Sh** Creek without the proverbial paddle...when I was ready to throw the paddle overboard and scuttle the boat, who came rowing through that turgid brown water?… Sh** Creek’s resident paddle expert, Jim Hull
David Collard

David Collard

Screenwriter (Blacklist 2020)
        After working with Jim, I'm now in a spot where I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do in my life-create stories, make shows and series, collaborate and compose with other people, and I believe I can go on and make a good living from it.
Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams

Award-winning Audio Drama Writer-producer.
        Jim Hull is the only story consultant I’ve ever met who goes beyond dumbing down an idea into a set of steps but instead guides you to flesh out your ideas, showing you where to find the depth and complexity in your story that will make it both satisfying and meaningful to the reader.
Sebastien de Castell

Sebastien de Castell

Bestselling author of twelve novels including Traitor’s Blade and Spellslinger
        Your know-how, your professionalism and your creativity really helped getting the project to a new level. Honestly, my story would be so much poorer if not for your help. Thanks to working with Jim, I sold 4 novels, with the first scheduled for a 2022 release.
Cearnach Grimm

Cearnach Grimm

4x Published Novelist
        Working with this method has leveled up my writing across the board, from story structure skills, to the depth of my characters, and insight into the intricacies that make a story compelling. I'm able to start with a more profound and intimate psychological viewpoint, and spend less time fixing holes and flaws in revision.
Wendy Terrien

Wendy Terrien

International bestselling author
        I've started writing! And to know where I am, and where to go next, is so awesome! I've been worried about the writing process, how it would be affected by the framework. But so far, the Storybeats feel like playgrounds where the creativity can unfold and explode. It's so liberating! Love it!
Angela Hagen

Angela Hagen

1st Time Novelist
        I really admire how you teach. You make room for our perspectives and allow us to explore where we may be right and where our train of thought may be off in the wrong direction. It’s a great learning environment to be in, and I’m thankful for how much I’m learning and growing.
Dan Bernitt

Dan Bernitt

Screenwriter
        Jim's course goes deeper than just using AI and prompts as writing tools. He takes time to steer your thought process in the right direction, and back on track when you inevitably go astray. His structural techniques and story analyses exercises offer great preparation to build more confidence and awareness before taking the deep-dive into Subtxt.
Bill Neary

Bill Neary

Screenwriter
        You manage to make a complex topic fun and friendly while not holding back your vast depth of knowledge--while also managing the egos of a bunch of prissy artists.🙂 My grasp of Dramatica and Subtxt skyrocketed. Even though I still feel like I only understand the very basics, definitely 100% improved for going through the process.
Danno Sullivan

Danno Sullivan

Comedy Writer
        I’ve taken this course before, and thought it was great. I signed up for it again, and, wow! This second iteration has only solidified my previous understanding, but also enabled no more second act blues! Subtxt allowed me to outline a clear roadmap of where my story is going, allowing my own Muse to run wild and create an amazing story.
Julian Gustasson

Julian Gustasson

Novelist
        This is the foundation of the narrative course I’ve been looking for for years. I’ve been attending creative writing workshops for over a decade, unable to understand the story I was working on, the motivations for the teacher’s suggestions, or even to finish. With this course, I left with a story I’m sure will become a fully-fledged novel.
Victoria Paris

Victoria Paris

Novelist
        Excellent course to understand the fundamentals of storytelling. Works best if you have a solid story idea that you can put through the process. Course tutor provides excellent feedback.
Alistair Dyte

Alistair Dyte

Novelist
        With this course, Jim Hull takes you on a journey through a complex theory. He brings it all together as you are guided through creating a Storyform while conceptualizing and illustrating your own story using a powerful SaaS. 
Anthony Tilke

Anthony Tilke

Novelist
        The outlining method Jim teaches starts from meaning and builds everything about the story out from there. Jim has taken the incredibly insightful Dramatica Theory of Story and found a way to make it very practical, so you're not stuck theorizing, but can make the link between theory and practice.
Georgina Perry

Georgina Perry

Novelist
        Maybe you’re like me, you wanted to know how to unearth that complete version of the story you desperately needed to tell...and once you found such a guru, you’d never share your secret with anyone! If that’s what you seek, Jim Hull is absolutely NOT your guy. Try McKee or that Hero’s Journey thing!
Jason Loftus

Jason Loftus

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

Jim Hull

Jim Hull

🎩 Many Hats, One Mission: Animator, storyboard artist, director, story consultant—you name it, I've done it.


 🛠️ AI App Builder: solo-developed Subtxt from the ground-up to serve storytellers across the 🌎 


🎬 Notable Projects:

  • Shaped Disney's Tangled series
  • Contributed to Canada's Oscar pick for 2023, Eternal Spring


🌟 Impact & Influence:

  • Collaborated with Mike DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Sebastien de Castell (acclaimed novelist), and Dave Collard (Blacklist 2020 Top 3 Spec Script)
  • Mentored creators behind hits like The Mitchells vs. The Machines and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles


🕰️ 25+ Years in Animation: Worked on 15+ films for Disney and Dreamworks, including Tarzan, Shrek 2, and How to Train Your Dragon.


📝 Learned from Legends: Written & storyboarded for Warner Bros.' Chuck Jones; directed for Sony Pictures Television and Dreamworks TV. World's leading expert on Dramatica (thanks to the theory's co-creators 🙏).


✨ My Goal: Teach you to nail the story early—saving you time and drafts. 


🚀 Ready to Write? Let's dive into your first draft, done right, the first time around!


Jim has taught over 120+ students on Maven (not to mention the countless hundreds at CalArts and thousands over the years). Payment plans are available if needed.

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Learning is better with cohorts

Learning is better with cohorts

Active learning, not passive watching

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

Gain a new support system

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.

Receive real-time feedback

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.

Free resource

Unlocking a Complete Story with AI

Unlock the secrets of storytelling with this downloadable PDF! Master the Four Throughlines, a technique endorsed by professionals, and transform your story ideas into compelling narratives. Gain a sneak peek into the The Future of AI and Storytelling workshop and learn how complex narrative concepts can elevate your writing skills. Download now and start writing stories that leave a lasting impact!

Unleash Your Story Potential!

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